21 



Director of Public Gardens, the Government Chemist, His Grace the 

 Archbishop and the Hon, H. Cork. 



The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed, 



Mr. Fawcett mentioned that he had received a supply of cotton seed 

 from the U. States Department of Agriculture which had been for- 

 warded to Mr, Palache to be planted at the PrisonFarm, and also that 

 the expert of the Montpelier Cigar Factory had inspected the tobacco 

 grown and cured at Hope, and had expressed the opinion that the 

 quality could not be better. 



Letters were read and discussed on the subject ef growing cotton 

 and the Board concluded that it would be advisable to arrange for an 

 experiment in planting on a moderate scale, before planters were ad- 

 vised to go into the cultivation. 



A report was read from Mr. Cradwick on the disease among coco- 

 nuts in which he suggested that arrangements should be made for him 

 to devote a month to studying the disease in all parts of the Island. 

 The Board was however, of opinion that it was not desirable to detach 

 Mr, Cradwick in any way from his present work, and considered that 

 the object might be met by Mr. Cradwick arranging to carry on ex- 

 periments at Bowden and other selected spots. It was also decided to 

 publish an account of the disease, proposed method of treatment, &c., 

 with a view to obtaining further information from planters. 



A recommendation was made to the Board that efforts should be 

 made to stop the damage done to cocoa pods by Woodpeckers, by with- 

 drawing protection from these birds. The members decided against 

 interfering in this matter. It was agreed to make arrangements to 

 admit of Mr. T. J. Harris travelling in the country parts with a view 

 to acquainting himself with the methods of planters and settlers. 



A letter was read from Mr. Fursdon apologisina: for his absence and 

 also requesting the Board to consider . dangi of the importation 

 of Foot and Mouth disease. The Board a^ d to recommend the Go- 

 vernment to impose an absolute quarant.. e on all cattle from the 

 United States. 



Mr, Fawcett stated that the issue of the Bulletin of the Botanical 

 Department would cease with the present number, and a Bulletin of 

 the Department of Agriculture would be commenced in January. It 

 was agreed to increase its size to 24 pages, 



PANAMA HATS. 



In the Bulletin for October, 1902,* an account was given of the 

 native industry that has lately become of importance, namely, making 

 " Ippi-appa" hats from the native plant. 



As there was some doubt whether the process used here for curing 

 the straw was identical with that in Ecuador and Colombia, informa- 

 tion was sought from H. B. M. Representatives in Bogota and Guayaquil. 



Our thanks are due to them and also to those at Panama and Colon 

 for the courteous and ready manner in which they have afforded most 

 valuable information and assistance. 



It will be noticed that lemon juice is used in the manufacture, and 

 probably this helps to make the straw whiter. 



* Bulletin of the Botanical Department, Jamaica, Vol. IX., page 145, 



