of Rosario, and about 40
leagues distant, has in the twenty-five years risen from L2,000 a league
to L40,000 a league. This is for virgin camp, and to-day in these
districts the average price can be stated at from L30,000 to L40,000 per
league, yet 300 miles further north land--good land--can be had at from
L4,000 to L6,000 per league.

The next province, Cordoba, is one of the most hilly in the country, and
has been one of the most developed during latter years. Some twenty
years ago this was almost considered a desert, where one was told
nothing would grow and cattle could not live. To-day it is one of the
most prosperous; wheat and linseed are great products here, while
alfalfa, when carefully treated, that is, not overstocked, lives for
ever on account of the sandy soil, and water being so near the surface.
These lands twenty years ago were valued at about L500 to L600 per
league, while to-day it is difficult to acquire land under cultivation
or alfalfa at less than L30,000 per league. In the Northern part of this
province are very valuable stone quarries.

Another province that is advancing very fast is that of San Luis. Here,
again, it has been found that alfalfa is at home, and thrives
splendidly. This, again, is a very sandy soil, and consequently is much
sought after, but this land has not yet touched the value of that in the
provinces already mentioned; it will not stand so much cropping, and
will not carry the same amount of stock, but still the average price for
virgin camp is from L5,000 to L10,000 per league. In this province there
is a very large extent of very poor land, covered with a small shrub,
which is not worth more than L2,000 a league.

Mendoza is a more northerly province, and mostly dedicated to the grape
and wine industry, while a lot of fruit is also exported from there.
Wine is made in very large quantities, and a lot of very good quality.
The value of land varies very much. The greater portion is worth at
present very little. The great point is to get the water concessions for
irrigating; without irrigation the land is useless. A good vineyard in
its prime, with good irrigation rights, is worth as much as from L40 to
L50 per acre, while the ordinary camp land is at about 7s. per acre.

[Illustration: _The Maker of Land Values._]

REMARKS ON STORMS AND THE CLIMATE OF THE ARGENTINE.

The Argentine Republic, like all hot countries, is subject to very great
hurricanes and storms.