Vol. X. No. 250. 



THE AGRICULTURAL NEWS. 



373 



BAHAMAS: REPORT 

 AGRICULTURE, 1910. 



In this, the last report of the IJoard of Agriculture of 

 the Bahamas, as it was recently constituted, attention is 

 drawn at an early stage to the fact that the interest taken by 

 agriculturists in the experiment plots at the Agricultural 

 Station was increasing, and that there has also been a decided 

 enlargement of that in Sea Island cotton growing, more atten- 

 tion having been given to this through the decreased cultiva- 

 tion of pineapple.", consequent on the depression in the pine- 

 apple industry. The export of cotton during the year was 

 valued at £411, which is an increase on that of last year of 

 £92. The average yield of this crop was from IGO ft), to 

 250 R). of lint per acre. In connexion with cotton, a provis- 

 ional forecast is made in the report that this will gradually 

 become the staple product of the Colony. With respect to 

 the present staple crop, namely sisal hemp, it is stated that 

 slight progress has been made in the treatment of the hand- 

 cleined fibre, and it is suggested that the possession of 

 a practical hand, or animal power, decorticating machine 

 would effect much in regard to increa.sing the area and out- 

 put of the crop. The production of sisal hemp during the 

 period 1905-1909 averaged annually 4,468,211 lb., as com- 

 pared with 2,120,282 lb. —the annual average for the preced- 

 ing five years. The average selling price of hand-cleaned 

 fibre throughout the year was about \'is. per 100 Ui., as cora- 

 pired with about lis in 1909; machinc-cleanel fibre obtained 

 an average price of £1 2a- 6(Z. per 100 lb. For the financial 

 year 1909-10, 5,846,447 lb. of sisal hemp, value £48,805 

 was exported, as compared with 5,281,449 ft) , value £42,627 

 in 1908-9. It is expected that, if steps are taken by the 

 Legislature to control the shipment of badly cleaned fibre, the 

 "industry will continue to prosper for many years. 



As has been stated, depression lias existed in the pine- 

 apple industry, on account of deterioration of stock and 

 unfavourable sea.sons; the hope is expre.ssed that the importa- 

 tion of fresh stock will, with favourable season.^, soon revive 

 the industry. The sugar-cane crop was below the average, 

 chiefly owing to unfavourable weather; and the importation 

 of new varieties is required in order that a satisfactory yield 

 may be obtained. There has been a considerable increase 

 in the area in tomatoes, and the immediate pros|)ects at the 

 time of the report were satisfactory. Particulars are given 

 concerning tomato-growing, the area of which has increased, 

 and regarding the small citrus industry. 



Hope is expressed that a profitable industry may arise 

 in the exploitation of Cri/ptostei/in (jiviuiiflora for obtaining 

 rubber; in fact the expectation is expressed that the profits 

 from this would be greater than those- from any other crop 

 that is being grown at preisent in the Colony. With reference 

 to minor products, the exports of these during the year under 

 report were valued at £1,38:5 as compared with £933 in the 

 preceding year. The actual increa.se of production is greater 

 than this, as the local consumption is becoming larger. 

 Information is given, further, concerning the exports of forest 



products and native-made hats, as well as regarding the 

 imports of agricultural products. 



In the similar report for last year, a suggestion is made 

 concerning the inauguration of asystem of demonstration fields, 

 and since that time the matter has been discussed by the Cu- 

 ratorof the Agricultural Station, with a number of farmers, who 

 all evinced an interest in the proposition, and some of whom 

 offered practical assistance in the shape of land and labour, the 

 latter to be employed under the direction of a competent super- 

 visor. The need is expressed for an agricultural bank in the 

 Colony for the a.ssistance of farmers, with the aid of the Board of 

 Agriculture. The suggestion is also made that an agricultural 

 agency might be formed at Xassau, particularly fcjr assist- 

 ing in marketing the produce from the Outer Islands. It 

 is also stated that a law is required to prevent the burning of 

 growing trees and crops, particularly in consideration of the 

 fact that on several of the islands large areas are almost 

 treeless. 



The report concludes with information concerning lec- 

 tures and demonstrations given by the Agricultural Depart- 

 ment in various islands, suggestions for improvement in the 

 general agricultural conditions, an account of experimental 

 work, details concerning the agricultural exhibition held 

 during the period, facts regarding meteorological matters, an 

 account of publications issued and received, distribution of 

 plants, and travelling done by the Agricultural Officers. 



BRITISH HONDURAS: REPORT ON THE 

 BOTANIC STATION, lUlO. 



At the commencement of this recently issued report, 

 particulars are given in regard to the rubber plants with which 

 trials are being made at the Botanic Station. It appears 

 from these that good results are being obtained with Para 

 rubber plants; Castilloa plants, with one exception, are making 

 slow growth, and there has been very little progress with 

 Funtumia. Success is being gained with imported varieties 

 of oranges; some of these were attacked by a scale insect, 

 which however, it is observed, was destroyed by 'a black 

 fungus growth'. Limes also showed good promise, and this 

 is the same in regard to imported mangoes, particularly with 

 respect to the variety Sandersha. 



In relation to the present increased interest in cocoa- 

 nuts, it is significant that the demand for these at the Station, 

 for planting, has been in excess of the supply; seed nuts are 

 not readily procurable from outside sources, en account of the 

 high local price for commercial nuts. Good growth has been 

 made by the [)lants at the Station, and the forking of the 

 soil round the trees has been of benefit; in an editorial note 

 it is mentioned that, in the Corozal District, light surface 

 ploughing around young plants has been quickly followed by 

 notably increased vigour and rate of growth. 



Further information indicates that success has been ob- 

 tained in experiments with Liberian cofl'ee, ginger, onions, 

 arrowroot, grapes and watermelons, and information is also 

 given concerning ground nuts, varieties of maize, jack fruit 

 and vegetables 



The succeeding part of the report deals with the progress 

 made with plants newly introduced at the Botanic Station, 

 visits to country plantations, and the state of the flowes 

 garden. After these matters have been dealt with, it is 

 pointed out that, with suitable accommodation, the Botanic 

 Station would now offer good opportunities for giving agri- 

 cultural training to youths. Lastly, attention is given to 

 nursery work and plant distribution. 



