although deep enough for vessels of any dimensions, is very narrow, which exposes them to run aground.  This port is several miles in extent, and has the advantage of having deep canals to the east, among a wood of mangrove trees, where vessels are perfectly secure during the hurricane months.  Vessels of 250 tons can at present unload and take in their cargoes at the wharf.  Harbor improvements have been recently made here.

On the northwest and west are the coves of Aguadilla, the town of this name being some 4 kilometers inland.  There are the small coves of Rincon, Anasco, and Mayaguez, the latter being protected and of sufficient depth to anchor vessels of moderate draft; the harbor of Real de Cabo Rojo, nearly round, and entered by a narrow channel; and the cove of Boqueron.  The spacious bay of Aguadilla is formed by Cape Borrigua and Cape San Francisco.  When the north-northwest and southwest winds prevail it is not a safe anchorage for ships.  A heavy surf rolling on the shore obliges vessels to seek safety by putting to sea on the appearance of a north wind.  Mayaguez is also an open roadstead formed by two projecting capes.  It has good anchorage for vessels of a large size and is well sheltered from the north winds.  The port of Cabo Rojo has also good anchorage.  It is situated S. one-fourth N. of the point of Guanajico, at a distance of 5 1/2 miles.  Its shape is nearly circular, and it extends from east to west 3 to 4 miles.  At the entrance it has 3 fathoms of water, and 16 feet in the middle of the harbor.  The entrance is a narrow canal.

The south coast abounds in bays and harbors, but is covered with mangroves and reefs, the only harbor where vessels of regular draft can enter being Guanica and Ponce.  The former of these is the westernmost harbor on the southern coast, being at the same time the best, though the least visited, owing to the swamps and low tracts difficult to cross leading from it to the interior.  The nearest towns, San German, Sabana Grande, and Yauco, carry on a small trade through this port.

In the port of Guanica, vessels drawing 21 feet of water may enter with perfect safety.  Its entrance is about 100 yards wide, and it forms a spacious basin, completely landlocked.  The vessels may anchor close to the shore.  It has, in the whole extent, from 6 1/2 to 3 fathoms, the latter depth being formed in the exterior of the port.  The entrance is commanded by two small hills on either side, which if mounted with a few pieces of artillery would defy a squadron to force it.  This port would be of immense advantage in time of war.  The national vessels and coasters would thus have a secure retreat from an enemy’s cruiser on the south coast.  There are no wharves, but vessels could disembark troops by running alongside the land and running out a plank.  Coamo Cove and Aguirre and Guayama are also harbors.  The port of Jovos, near Guayama, is a haven of considerable importance.  It is a