29 



No. 23. — Surface Soil. 



["Bananas and cocoa, 2 years old, nearly all look poorly. This 

 sample is not taken from the worst spots, which I have advised to 

 be thrown up and planted in trees and grass to provide manure 

 for the better land from which the sample was taken."] 

 Lime as carbonate ... I-O^ 



Humus ... 3-2j? 



Mechanical condition — Stiff clay with similar 

 subsoil. 



Observations. 

 With drainage this soil should grow good bananas. The hu- 

 mus in this sample is higher than in the previous one reported 

 upon (No. 21). 



Oracabessa a. St. Mary. 



No. 25. — Surface soil. 

 [" Very mixed cultivation of good bananas, cocoa, coffee and 

 coco-nuts. Bananas are very fair as ratoons, but late, and the 

 proprietor says are late every year. Well-drained land, but not 

 forked since the prize-holding contest of three years ago."] 

 Lime as carbonate ... 2.75/^ 



Humus ... 2.84/ 



Mechanical condition — Stiff, inclined to clay. 



Observations. 



This land is in good heart, but would give better results with 

 more tillage. This land should be forked thoroughly and a sup- 

 ply of green manure secured, so as to maintain the standard of 

 humus. 



No. 27. — Surface soil. 



[" From heavy flat, near house, bananas grow well here, but are 

 also late. I have suggested that bananas on this land should be 

 replanted oftener and particular attention be paid to drainage. 

 Trash, which is very easy to obtain, should be applied as heavily 

 as possible, and the land receive a dressing of lime."] 

 Lime as carbonate ... 2.25^ 



Humus ... 3-39^ 



Mechanical condition — Stiff, inclined to clay. 



Ooscrvations. 



The analysis shows that this soil contains abundance of lime. 



The addition recommended by Mr. Cradwick might prove of 

 advantage in making the soil more friable, but it would tend to a 

 somewhat rapid loss of humus. 



Drainage and tillage are obviously the chief requirements. 



The present standard of humus is quite good for an average 

 banana soil. 



