Shade-grown tobacco in Porto Rico

ROAMING THROUGH THE WEST INDIES

BY

HARRY A. FRANCK

Author of “A Vagabond Journey Around the World,” “Zone Policeman 88,” “Vagabonding Down the Andes,” etc., etc.

ILLUSTRATED WITH PHOTOGRAPHS

BY THE AUTHOR

NEW YORK

THE CENTURY CO.

1920

Some years ago I made a tramping trip around the world for my ownpleasure. Friends coaxed me to set it down on paper and new friendswere kind enough to read it. Since then they have demanded more—atleast so the publishers say—but always specifying that it shall be onfoot. Now, I refuse to be dictated to as to how I shall travel; I willnot be bullied into tramping when I wish to ride. The journey herewithset forth is, therefore, among other things, a physical protestagainst that attempted coercion, a proof that I do not need to walkunless I choose to do so. To make broken resolutions impossible, Ipicked out a trip that could not be done on foot. It would be difficultindeed to walk through the West Indies. Then, to make doubly sure,I took with me a newly acquired wife—and we brought back a newlyacquired son, though that has nothing to do with the present story.

I will not go so far as to say that I abjured footing it entirely. As afurther proof of personal liberty I walked when and where the spiritmoved me—and the element underfoot was willing. But I wish itdistinctly understood from the outset that this is no “walking trip.”Once having broken the friends who flatter me with their attention ofexpecting me to confine myself to the prehistoric form of locomotion—Ishall probably take to the road again to relieve a chronic foot-itch.

The following pages do not pretend to “cover” the West Indies.They are made up of the random pickings of an eight-months’ tour ofthe Antilles, during which every island of importance was visited, butthey are put together rather for the entertainment of the armchairtraveler than for the information of the traveler in the flesh. While thelatter may find in them some points to jot down in his itinerary, heshould depend rather on the several thorough and orderly books thathave been written for his special benefit.