A FORTNIGHTLY REVIEW 



OK THE 



IMPERIAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICUL1URE FOR THE WEST INDIES. 





V XIV. No. 333. 



BARBADOS, .JANUARY 30, 1915. 



Price lrf. 



Economic Changes, 



^- II E profound economic changes caused !>\ 

 \K the present European .arare bound to be 

 ^>*ju^ world-wide in their effects, and to influence 

 all phases of production, mechanical as well as agricul- 

 tural. In man} instances the effi :1 will be an increase 

 m values, and some places and some industries will 

 derive increased profits from th ■■ reckless waste and 

 the misfortunes of others. In o cases there will 



a fall in values, from the inability to use certain 

 Commodities, and in eonsequenc some districts will 

 sorter, or li<- compelled to find other means of en 

 ment. 



The influence alluded to is already felt in the 

 \V t Indies in both ways. In some industries, 

 no bly those connected with sugar, cacao, and limes, 

 iii : has already been an increase in prices; while 

 Si Island cotton affords an instance ofa commodity 



raely affect< d. 



In consequence of all this, changes may be looked 

 for, and these changes will doubtless leave a permanent 

 in wnii these islands, and result in the modifica- 

 ii >f their industries. In the ease of those establish- 

 ei dustries, the products of which are increased in 

 \.- . one will naturally look for the introduction of 

 in. ivements in production or output, so as to enable 

 tli to meet the increased competition that may be 

 e> • cted when production in Europe begins to assume 

 a mal condition again. One naturally thinks of 

 sugar in this connexion, and would urge thai the 

 present is an opportune time to revive the questions of 

 improved methods of manufacture, and the introduction 

 of modern factories into those districts which are still 

 dependent on the museovado process. <>n, outeome 

 of the present disturbances and the changed political 

 outlook, which will probably be beneficial, may 

 be that those concerned will give these questions 

 renewed consideration. 



Similarly, in the cacao industry there are con- 

 templated improvements that have been set aside for 

 a convenient season, which may perhaps have now 

 arrived, such as the provision of better appliances for 

 curing and drj ing, and improved methods of cultivation. 

 In regard to this latter question, reference may be 

 made to such matters as mulching, which is generally 

 admitted to be beneficial, but which planters aver they 

 have been del rred from undertaking because of the 

 expense, and because of the number of labourers 



