[53] "It is as well secured as it probably could be against an attack from the harbor, but could still be assailed with effect in the same way in which the French succeeded against Algiers, by landing a sufficient force in the rear."—Alexander H. Everett.

CHAPTER XV.

Area of Cuba—Extent of cultivated and uncultivated lands—Population—Proportion between the sexes—Ratio of legitimate to illegitimate births—Ratio between births and deaths—Agricultural statistics—Commerce and commercial regulations—Custom-house and port charges—Exports and imports—Trade with the United States—Universities and schools—Education—Charitable institutions—Railroads—Temperature.

In addition to the statistical information incidentally contained in the preceding pages, we have prepared the following tables and statements from authentic sources, giving a general view of the resources, population, wealth, products and commerce, etc., of the island, with other items of interest and importance.

Area of Cuba.—Humboldt states the area of the island to be 43,380 geographical square miles. Mr. Turnbull puts it at 31,468, and, adding the areas of its dependencies, namely, the Isle of Pines, Turignano, Romano, Guajaba, Coco, Cruz, Paredon Grande, Barril, De Puerto, Eusenachos, Frances, Largo, and other smaller islands, makes the total 32,807 square miles.

Years.Population.
1775,170,370.
1791,272,140.
1817,551,998.
1827,
704,487, viz.:
Whites, male,168,653 Free colored, males,51,962
"female,142,398"females,54,532
———— ———
311,051 106,494

Slaves, 183,290 males, and 103,652 females, = 286,942. Total colored, 393,436. Excess of colored over white population, 82,305.

Year 1841—
Whites,418,291
Free colored,152,838
Slaves,436,495
————
Total, 1,007,624
Excess of colored over white, 171,042
Year 1851—
Whites, 605,560
Free colored, 205,570
Slaves, 442,000
————
Total, 1,253,130
Year 1854—
Total population, 1,500,000