Vol. XVIII. No 437 



THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 



23 



from attacks of Protoparce The only crop not observed to 

 be attacked by any form of of worm was cassava. A some- 

 what larger amount of stained cotton coaling in, appears to 

 indicate the spread of internal boll disease. Considerable 

 areas— perhaps three times that in recent years -^have 

 been planted in ground provision crops. The weather 

 was very dry for the time of year. Rain fell in measurable 

 quantity on thirteen days of the month, the total precipi- 

 tation recorded at the Station being 1 58 inches, as compared 

 with 5-34 inches, the average of the month for the preceding 

 seventeen years. . , , , 



In his December notes Mr. W. C Fi.shlock writes to 

 say that the lack of labour greatly interfered with operation.. 

 at the Tortola E.vperiment Station during the mouthy 

 Cotton cultivation both in Tortola and in Virgin Gorda had 

 greatly improved in condition, but had received a set back 

 through severe attacks of cotton worms. Considerable 

 activity was still displayed in the cultivation of ground 

 provisions. Sweet potatoes were plentiful, but still high in 

 price, which ranged from $3 to $350 per barrel. The weather 

 durinc the early part of the month was very rainy, ihe 

 total rainfall recorded at the Station was 14-96 incl es, as 

 compared with 7-39 inches, the average for the month for 

 the preceding seventeen years. 



AGRICULTURE IN BARBADOS. 



In the hilly districts of the island there has been favour- 

 able weather for the needs of the agriculturist, while in all 

 other districts, and particularly those adjoining the seaboard, 

 there has been a continuation of the showerless weather 

 which began towards the end of November. 



We gather that, on the whole, the spring of the young 

 ,Top has been much better than last year The fields planted 

 early in November have grown well . and in many instances 

 the second suoptying of holes here and there in each field 

 is being done. The fields which were planted later are 

 sprint'ing as well as could be expected, but the supplying of 

 them" is being delayed until there have been showers to 

 moisten the surface. 



Some of the methods adopted this year in planting llie 

 youniTcane crop are the result of observations during the 

 past f°ew years of the characteristics and habits of the new 

 seedlings. Nothing could be more helpful to the agricul- 

 turist than the tabulation of statistics and of experiments 

 systematically carried out. From these data useful conclu- 

 sions may be drawn and put into practice. It was in this 

 manner that the wastage in sugar manufacture was 

 recognized, and an application made of those principles 

 which have revolutionized cane milling in- every part of the 



globe. 



With the time for reaping fast approaching, planters 

 are making every effort to complete the tillage for the 

 young cane crop, and ihe manuring of it. C4reeu dressings, 

 grown especially for the purpose of aiding in the manurial 

 supply are most desirable, but on many estates, the question 

 of fodder hinders this. Neither improved sugar-cane varieties 

 nor intensive cultivation can avail much, if there is a serious 

 diminution in organic material. 



The old cane crop has not sufi'ered from the dry weather 

 to any appreciable extent. It is more advanced than at thi.^ 

 period last year. It is expected that a better yield than Ian 

 year will be obtained. Every planter with whom we have 

 spoken has given us an encouraging account of his crop. 

 (The Barbados Agricu/iimj/ J^c/^orfc; J&nuMy 11, 1919.) 



POULTRY IN THE PHILIPPINES. 



The following from the rhilippine Agriculturist, Sep- 

 tember 1918, is so apposite to ihe crude methods mostly 

 obtaining in many of the West Indian Islands, that with 

 the change of a few words, it might have been written for 

 this Journal. The advice given at the end is also worth being 

 followed by poultry raisers in these islands. 



The native methods of raising poultry are usually crude, 

 and show lack of system. Chickens are not properly housed, 

 and they are allowed to num around and seek their own food 

 as best they can. Tops of houses and trees around them 

 serve as roosts, and the fowls are constantly exposed to rains, 

 storms, and other enemies. Very little attention is given to 

 the proper selection of breeding fowls, with the result that 

 no progress whatever has been mide in developing high grade 

 flocks. 



One of the greatest drawbacks to the proper develop- 

 ment of the poultry business in the Philippines is the lack of 

 knowledge of poultry sanitation. 



Very few native poultry raisers in the Philippines give 

 proper care to their laying hens. Tbe hens lay their eggs in 

 nests made of bamboo baskets, which are hung at different 

 places around the dwelling houses out of the reach of disturb- 

 ing animals. The gathering of the eggs is very irregular; 

 setting hens are allowed to remain on the same nests as the 

 laying hens, with the result that the heat from their bodies 

 starts the incubation ot the newly laid eggs. Young chicks, 

 just as old ones, are als" improperly cared for as to feeding, 

 diseases, and enemies. When newly hatched they are not 

 given soft diet, but are immediately given cracked rice or 

 corn This is their diet for a day or two, after which time 

 they are given unground rice, or allowed to eat the same food 

 as is given to the adult fowls. Young chicks are usually 

 confined for a da? or twr) after hatching, until they are strong 

 enough to warider wiih their mother. Then begins the irregu- 

 larity of feeding. They may or may not be given food every 

 day. The young chicks have to depend upon whatever- 

 food they with their mother can find around the prem- 

 ises. Some mother hens lead their flocks far from home, 

 and consequently only a small percentage of the brood 

 ever reaches maturity, owing to the countless enemies 

 which they meet. The chicks also suffer from diseases 

 while they are still young. There is practically no 

 attempt made to isolate the infected ones from the healthy 

 ones. 



The Philippines are naturally favourable for the devel- 

 opment of this industry. During practically the entire year 

 there are plenty of green feeds, one of the most important 

 features in the production of poultry, and insects are plen- 

 tiful as a source of protein food. The cost of houses is also 

 low as compared with other countries, since they do not 

 have to be built very solidly. 



Before the poultry business is entered on there should 

 be given due and thoughtful consideration to the following 

 points: — 



1. Proper housing and appliances that will insure the 

 health and safety of the fo«vls should be provided. 



2. 'Jrude methods of care, management, and feeding 

 should be abandoned entirely. 



3. There should be a knowledge of poultry diseases and 

 pests, and of their prevention and eradication. A lack of 

 knowledge of this part of the business will always keef 

 the poultry grower on the verge of failure and discouragement. 



4. Pure-bred rooster> should always be kept with the 

 flock, and proper grading practised. 



