Page:From Yauco to Las Marias.djvu/135

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YAUCO TO LAS MARIAS
73

The city is connected by tramway with the neighboring town of Aguadilla, and by railroad with Lares on one side and Hormigueros on the other. It has a civil and military hospital, two asylums, a public library, three bridges, a handsome market, — the best on the island, constructed entirely of iron and stone, at a cost of 70,000 pesos, — a slaughter-house, a theatre, a casino, and a number of societies of instruction, recreation, and commerce. It also has a post-office and telegraph station; was founded in 1760, and given the title of city in 1877.

A river called the Mayaguez divides the town into two parts, connected by two pretty iron bridges named Marina and Guenar, respectively. The sands of this river formerly yielded much gold; and there is gold still to be had from the same source, if one has energy enough to seek it. There are no less than 37 streets and 4 squares, — the Principal, Mercado, Iglesia, and Teatro, — all adorned by dainty fountains, and, in one instance, — the Plaza del Teatro, — a veritable ocean of flowers as well. The Calle Mendez-Vigo is one of