May 2, 1908. 



Jfl)icultiiral Gazette of N.S. JF. 369" 



Mr. Edgar M. Bacoia gives the Bahamian practice as follows : — "All the ground is- 

 gone over first with the machete, a long heavy cutlass-like knife, which the negro uses 

 either as a tool or a weapon. All trees and umlerbrush are cut down, except the very 

 large ones, which rc(iuire an axe. Then the stumps are gruhl)ed uj). so far as they are 

 likely to interfere with the work. Next, tire is employed, and quickly runs over the 

 acres where the negroes have toiled in gangs with tlieir cutlasses. When at last all the 

 clearing and planting have been done, and thousands upon thousands of perfect plants in 

 absolute symmetry of arrangement, with unbroken ranks, their rich green showing no 

 blemish, stretcli before the eye, the spectator (especially if he happens to have a financial 

 interest in the plantation) feels that tliere is a beauty apart from mere picturesqueness." 



There see/ns to be a great difference of opinion in regard to the proper distances apart 

 that the plants should be set. In the Merida district of Yucatan they are set in rows 

 94 feet apart, and Gi feet in the rows. According to the Bahamian Government leport 

 made by Mr. Preston, several years ago, the distance in old fields is stated at i) feet 

 between the rows, and 4 feet in the row. Experience has shown, however, that when 

 planted too closely the leaves are injured by being beaten together in high winds, conse- 

 quently 11 by 6 and 12 by 6 was considered sufficiently close, requiring from (iOO to 650 

 plants per acre. 



Regarding the actual practice in the Bahamas, let us again turn to Mi". Rae's report, 

 published in 1891 : — " The system adopted by those who have engaged largely in 

 planting, varies. Some have planted as near as 6 feet each way ; others 7 by 7, 7 l)y 8, 

 7 by 9, 8 by 9, and 9 by 9. The Muiiroe Company, at Abaco, plant three rows 8 feet 

 apart, with 7 feet interval between the plants, and leave a space of 12 feet between every 

 fourth row. The Bahama Hemp Company (Limited), which is under the efficient super- 

 vision of Mr. Abbott, plant four rows 8 by 8, leaving a distance of 12 feet between every 

 tifth row. Most planters, however, have found it advisable, owing to the rocky nature 

 of the land, not to observe too strict regularity in planting ; but, while adhering as near 

 as practicable to it, to put plants in the most favourable spots. Most of the labouring 

 class wdio have engaged in planting have observed no method at all, but have put the 

 plants in the ground whei'ever a good " pot-hole" or chink in the rock occurs, and have 

 planted much too thickly. 



In Mexico the plantations are set out with more regularity, and in fact witli the same 

 system, as a rule, that is followed in this country in setting out an orchard. 



Mr. Stoddart, who has had much practical experience in planting Sisal, both in 

 Yucatan and in Jamaica, recommends the accompanying plan for laying out a field of 

 (say) 31 1 chains square : — 







D 



c3 

 > 



S 



a 



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Plan a fie d. 



