17 



Conolmion. 



From the analysis of over 30 banana soils representing tlie chief 

 banana lands of the island, it has been ascertained that Jamaica pos- 

 sesses "very large areas of land of such exceptional fertility and adapta- 

 bility that this cultivation is assured for many years to come, without 

 any need for discounting profits by importing fertilisers from abroad. 



The manurial experiments have, so far, borne out the analytical 

 data, and the conclusions drawn therefrom in a striking manner. Apart 

 from the professional interest that attaches to the successful use of 

 manures in experiments, it is certainly most gratifying to have de- 

 monstrated the fact that, for the most part, the banana industry of the 

 Island is still far from depending on imported aids to fertility. 



In so far as soil conditions alone, apart from climate, water supply 

 and cultural management, are concerned, these results fortify the con- 

 clusion that by analysis it is now possible to give a practical opinion 

 upon a soil for banana cultivation. I desire to record my indebted- 

 ness to Messrs. H. S. Hammond and E. J. Wortley of the Govern- 

 ment Laboratory for their assistance in carrying out the laborious 

 operations involved in obtaining these results. 



KOLA NUTS. 



In answer to enquiries on the subject of Kola Nuts, and the pros- 

 pects for this product, the following letters have been received : — 



Messrs. Gillespie Bros. & Co., London, to the Director Public Gardens and 



Plantations, Jamaica. 



With reference to the low range of prices now current for this 

 article, we have made enquiries from what we believe to be well in- 

 formed sources, and we understand that the chief cause of the decline 

 is the fact that France (formerly a large buyer here) now imports di- 

 rect from Africa in big parcels. In the second place many of the ad- 

 vertising manufacturers (cocoa, drinks, &c) both here and in the U.S.A. 

 are not pushing the article as they were a few years ago : and it does 

 not seom that Kola has 'caught on' in either countr}' to the same ex- 

 tent as in France. Our Brokers think there will always be a mode- 

 rate demand at about 2d to 3d., but former prices are a thing of the 

 past. 



Messrs. Gillesjne Bros. & Co., Neio Torh, to Director, Public Gardens. 



There is a regular demand for the dried in small quantities at from 4 

 cents to 6 cents per lb. The green should not be shipped, and the dried 

 not in lots of more than from 1 to 2 tons ; because for some years Africa 

 and the other West Indies have been sending all that was required in 

 this market. As a matter of fact the knowledge that unlimited sup- 

 plies are procurable has had the effect lo cheapen the article, and 

 there is no likelihood of a return to the profitable rates of four or five 

 years ago. There is no duty on the article in the United States. 



Messrs. E. A. DePass & Co., London, to Director, Public Gardens. 



The demand for Kola Nuts in London is a fair one, and the present 

 value is about 3^d to 4d. per lb. for good sound nuts, but the great 

 majority of those received from Jamaica are mouldy and in that con- 

 dition are almost valueless. It is true that some years ago, Kola 



