the logs are then loaded upon carts, and conveyed to the port of embarkation or to the river, as the case may be. Sometimes six or seven, or even ten yoke of oxen are required, according to the size of the log, (see the annexed sketch,) which shews a loaded cart, and the mode of yoking the oxen by the head. To the rope extending from the pole-bar is attached a hooked stick, which is for the second yoke of oxen, and the third pair, and succeeding ones have rope traces of about eighteen feet long; so that when yoked they are in advance of those in their rear about twelve feet; the idea of this is to enable the leading oxen to pass through any bad place in the road, and pull on firm ground when the cart and other oxen are in a deep mud hole.

The Logs are sent down the rivers tied together in threes; but at the rapids they are separated, and passed one by one (see Sketch No. 2): after clearing them they are collected in rafts, and are ready for sale or shipment.

The basis of the measurement of Timber in Cuba is the Spanish Vara of three feet of twelve inches each; being equal to thirty-three English inches to the Spanish Vara. On the south side of the island Mahogany is sold by the 1000 feet superficial measure Spanish; and on the north side it is sold by the "Vara of dimension," which means half a vara wide by half a vara deep, and one vara long; this measure, therefore, contains 5 2-10ths. cubic feet or 62 4-10ths. superficial feet English.

It is more profitable to purchase large than small wood, for when its size exceeds that of the "Vara of dimension," there is an advantage in the mode of estimating the contents of the excess, which gives one per cent. nearly in favour of the buyer upon the total of his purchase.