23 



pay handsomely on a large scale in Montserrat, he had more ex- 

 perience, therefore, than any one in Jamaica, and if cotton grow- 

 ing was to be established in Jamaica, advantage should be taken 

 of his experience. It should be arranged, if possible, for the 

 Agricultural Instructors to be instructed by him in this particular 

 direction. 



The Board thought it desirable that if it were found possible 

 to do anything for the cotton industry on a substantial scale, ar- 

 rangements should be made to secure the assistance of Mr. Wat- 

 son. 



Teachers' Agricultural Course. — The Secretary read letter 

 from the Superintending Inspector of Schools intimating that he 

 was advertising the agricultural course for teachers to begin at 

 the Mico on December 30th and last four weeks. 



Agricultural Course at Laboratory. — The Secretary read copy 

 of letter from the Colonial Secretary to the Island Chemist inti- 

 mating the Governor's approval of the examination being held as 

 usual in December, and in view of the three students tor 1907 

 not having yet been taken on, they be now taken on in addition 

 to the three students for 1908, and authorising an increase of £72 

 to the usual annual provision in the estimates for next year, sub- 

 ject to this provision being voted by the Legislative Council. 



Tne Secretary submitted the following letters from the Colonial 

 Secretary's office : — 



Estimates Director Public Gardens — Forwarding the estimates of 

 the Department of Public Gardens and Plantations for 1908-09 for 

 consideration. These were directed to be circulated. In connec- 

 tion with these the Board recommended a small increase from 6/ 

 to 7J6 per week to the second Assistant in the Herbarium on the 

 ground of increased usefulness, as asked for. 



Permanent International Sugar Convention. — Forwarding copy of 

 a circular despatch from the Secretary of State for the Colonies 

 relative to the proceedings of the Permanent Sugar Convention. 



Agricultural Conference. — Intimating that the West Indian Agri- 

 cultural Conference would be held at Barbados from January 14th 

 to 2 1st next, and stating that the Governor would be glad to re- 

 ceive the recommendations of the Board as to the advisability of 

 sending a Government delegate or delegates to the proposed con- 

 ference. 



It was agreed that as the sugar industry was expected to form 

 the special subject of discussion at the conference, some compe- 

 tent representatives of the sugar industry be sent, and to adopt 

 the nominees of the Westmoreland, and the Northside Sugar 

 Planters' Associations as the representatives of the Board. 



The reports from the Director of Public Gardens were submit- 

 ted as follows : — 



(a) Hope Experiment Station. 



(b) Instructors' Reports and Itineraries. 



(c) Letters from Mr. Cradwick asking for a supply of spray- 



ing materials for Mr. Mennell to conduct some experi- 

 ments in Hanover. The last was referred to the Chemist. 



