A FORTNIGHTLY REVIEW 



OF THE 



IMPERIAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE WEST INDIES. 



Vol. III. No. 50. 



BARBADOS, MARCH 12, 1904. 



Price Id. 



Cotton Industry, 



X spite of many adverse circumstances the 

 cotton crop now being reaped, though small 

 in quantity, is proving of excellent quality 

 everywhere in the West Indies. In this connexion it 

 may be interesting to mention that the Secretary of 

 the British Cotton Growing Association reports that 



a consignment of cotton just received from Barbados 

 'is valued at from 16(?. to 17(/. per lb. and is considered 

 the best Sea Island cotton which has yet been imported 

 from the West Indies.' 



The cotton ginneries at Barbados, Montserrat, 

 Antigua and Nevis are in full working and it is expected 

 that regular shipments of cotton, en a commercial 

 scale, will take jjlace during the next few weeks. The 

 yield, as already stated, is not so large so was anticipated, 

 owing to the unfavourable season and the attacks of 

 the cotton worm. It is felt, however, that with the 

 experience now gained the cotton worm and other 

 ditSculties should be successfully dealt with during the 

 coming season. 



The question of low freight for cotton is occupying 

 a good deal of attention. It is probable that the 

 present rates (Cos. per ton weight) will have to be 

 reduced, as there are indications that through shipment 

 via New York to Liverpool or Manchester may be 

 possible at about 45s. per ton weight. 



The great 2>oint in establishing the cotton industry 

 is to obtain careful and intelligent action in cultivating 

 the crop of 1905 and ensure that the utmost eftbrt is 

 made to obtain not only cotton of good quality but in 

 such quantity as to make the industry remunerative. 

 The experience so far gained should prove of great 

 service in this direction. The heavy rains and strong 

 winds, experienced during the past season, cannot be 

 provided against ; but as regards better cultivation and 

 the treatment of the cotton worm there should be great 

 improvement in all directions. 



