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“...342 POCKET GUIDE TO THE WEST INDIES
SPORTS. Bathing and Dancing are usually the principal
amusements of visitors to Cuba. The favourite game of the
Cubans is “ Jai-alai ” the Spanish pelota, which is very exciting
to watch. Golf is played at the Havana Country Club and else-
where, and several race meetings are held between December
and April.
SIGHTS. Havana (population 581,115), capital of
Cuba, the San Cristobal de la Habana of the Spaniards,
stands on the shores of a magnificent land-locked harbour
towards the eastern end of the north side of the island,
90 miles from Key West, the last of a chain of coral
islets—now connected by railway—extending from the
south of Florida. The chief settlement of Havana
was first established by the Adelantado Don Diego
Velasquez on July 25th, 1515, on the south coast near
the mouth of the Giiines or Mayabeque River. From
there it was transferred to a spot on the north coast
which, on account of its exposed position and consequent
liability to attack...”
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“...or more of the numerous
Tobacco factories can be readily obtained. Here, while
the employees manufacture the cigars for which Havana
is justly famous, an individual lightens the monotony
of their labours by reading aloud some popular work or
newspaper to them.
> The Chinese Section of the city is usually of interest
to those who have not visited the East, or " Chinatown ”
in New York.
I No visitor should fail to take the opportunity of
watching the national ball game, “ Jai-alai.” the
Spanish pelota, which is played with remarkable skill
by the inhabitants.
Marianao Beach, on the Gulf of Mexico (10 miles west
of Havana, by electric train every fifteen minutes from
Concha Station, Carlos III Street, or every few minutes
via Vedado), is much resorted to on account of the...”
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