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recently been relocated and are now worked with profit. The crude methods of the Spaniards were only successful where the mineral veins were most accessible. The results obtained by the use of modern facilities will surpass those of the original discoverers. Because of the lack of transportation facilities, coal and iron have lain undisturbed in the flanks of the hills. A large area of fine woods will become accessible when better communication is established. Cocoanuts, coffee, and rubber grow wild in luxuriance.

At the base of the hills rolling plains suitable for grazing large herds of cattle stretch for miles. Flourishing plantations and ranches covered this country until abandoned because of a series of disastrous revolutions. Now, secure of protection and peace and bettered by means of communication, the introduction of capital is certain to be followed by most satisfactory results.

The Panama government has appointed Vincent Peterson, an American engineer, to take charge of the development of the interior provinces. Mr Peterson has had much experience in mining, railway, and municipal engineering in the United States and Mexico. Last November he came to Panama as assistant engineer to the minister of public works. He has organized the engineering corps of the Republic and surveyed the boundary line between the Canal Zone and the country in the vicinity of Panama. No government undertaking has ever meant so much to the interior of this Republic, whose isolated dwellers are now about to profit by the rich advantages at their command.

The improvements to the harbor of Puerto Posada and the highway between that place and Penonomé are under way. Basket and rope making and the manufacture of genuine Panama hats are carried on in this vicinity. The port of Posada will serve as an outlet for the products of these industries. On the far side of Penonomé the highway will be continued through mountain passes and over the hills to the Atlantic.

From the port of Agua Dulce to the city of the same name the highway, with its necessary grades and bridges, is practically completed. This route will be further continued beyond Agua Dulce to the Santa Maria River. The river is to be spanned by an extensive steel bridge, the contract for which has been allotted to an American bridge company. Beyond the far side of the Santa Maria River the route divides, one branch leading to Chitré, capital of the province of Los Santos, and the other leading toward Santiago, capital of the province of Veraguas. Preliminary surveys of these routes are practically completed. Still another highway will connect Antom (or Pescaderias) with Agua Dulce, passing through Nata and Pócri and crossing the route which joins Puerto Posada and Penonomé, thereby opening the surrounding country to the influence of commerce and industry.

All these national roads are to be 50 feet wide, and the highways, as well as all bridges upon them, are to be built with a view to the practicability of paralleling them with narrow-gauge railways.

Midway between Agua Dulce and Penonomé a site for a model town has been planned. A public plaza, 460 feet square, is to be the center of the town, and around it will be grouped a church, school, government and municipal buildings, and a market. This town will be provided with a complete system of waterworks, electric lights, sewerage, and drainage. Plans for these works are open for competition. All the necessary preliminaries have been approved by the President of the Republic.