The next province, Cordoba, is one of the most hilly in the country, and has been one of the most developed during latter years.  Some twenty years ago this was almost considered a desert, where one was told nothing would grow and cattle could not live.  To-day it is one of the most prosperous; wheat and linseed are great products here, while alfalfa, when carefully treated, that is, not overstocked, lives for ever on account of the sandy soil, and water being so near the surface.  These lands twenty years ago were valued at about L500 to L600 per league, while to-day it is difficult to acquire land under cultivation or alfalfa at less than L30,000 per league.  In the Northern part of this province are very valuable stone quarries.

Another province that is advancing very fast is that of San Luis.  Here, again, it has been found that alfalfa is at home, and thrives splendidly.  This, again, is a very sandy soil, and consequently is much sought after, but this land has not yet touched the value of that in the provinces already mentioned; it will not stand so much cropping, and will not carry the same amount of stock, but still the average price for virgin camp is from L5,000 to L10,000 per league.  In this province there is a very large extent of very poor land, covered with a small shrub, which is not worth more than L2,000 a league.

Mendoza is a more northerly province, and mostly dedicated to the grape and wine industry, while a lot of fruit is also exported from there.  Wine is made in very large quantities, and a lot of very good quality.  The value of land varies very much.  The greater portion is worth at present very little.  The great point is to get the water concessions for irrigating; without irrigation the land is useless.  A good vineyard in its prime, with good irrigation rights, is worth as much as from L40 to L50 per acre, while the ordinary camp land is at about 7s. per acre.

[Illustration:  The Maker of Land Values.]

REMARKS ON STORMS AND THE CLIMATE OF THE ARGENTINE.

The Argentine Republic, like all hot countries, is subject to very great hurricanes and storms.  They occur most frequently in the spring and summer, when very sudden changes of temperature take place.  The thermometer has often been known to drop 25 degrees within half an hour.

A great deal of damage is always caused, trees which have taken years of care and trouble are ruthlessly uprooted, roofs blown off, windmills blown down, haystacks turned over, and valuable animals struck by lightning.  The terrible closeness and stillness which generally precede a “tormenta” are certain forerunners of bad weather and storms.  A terrible hailstorm which took place some time ago will always be remembered by its spectators.  The usual signs of it were evident; the atmosphere had become very close and it had been extremely hot for some hours before.