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National Geographic : 1919 Sep
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THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE RELIGIOUS SERVICES BEING HELD In Costa Rica the Cordillera rises to heights above II,000 feet and boasts a string of volcanic peaks, some extinct and others occasionally active. Orosi and Tenorio are situated near the south ern end of Lake Nicaragua, while the more famous peaks of Poas and Irazfi are close to the old capital, Cartago, and the modern one, San Jose. Both of these volcanoes have been active in recent years, and the latter (Irazfi) had a period of marked activity in 1723. and 1726. Cartago was wiped out by an earthquake on September 2, 1841. Although it never afterwards rose to its former importance, it was rebuilt in part, only to be destroyed again on May 4, 1910, when the newly constructed Pan-American Peace Palace was over thrown. THE GOOD GIFT OF VOLCANOES Lest the reader should close with the thought that these calamities render life and property too unsafe, be it understood that there are sometimes compensations. Photograph by Valdeavellano BEFORE THE RESCUED IMAGE OF THE CHURCH OF CARMEN We all know that the annual flooding of the Nile in Egypt leaves a film of sedi ment over the valley and restores the soil for the next crop. Similarly, in Central America the volcanoes from time to time throw out a vitalizing dust that enriches the soil beyond the possibilities of costly fertilizers. Throughout the world, vol canic regions are ones of heavy popula tion and great productiveness. There are losses-yes, but "out of death com eth forth life." In the case of Guatemala City there are no compensating features, unless it be that this metropolis and diplomatic capital of Central America shall be re built in a more modern and beautiful fashion. The city can hardly be re moved to another site, since it is a rail road and commercial center, situated on the divide between the Atlantic and Pa cific. Rebuilding has been slow because of the difficulty in obtaining materials, but, now that the Great War is ended, it should proceed apace. 212
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