205 



1897. but the census of 1900 show conclusively that the figures 

 of the Agricultural Department were grossly inaccurate for at 

 least five years prior to and including those of 1900. In the past 

 eight years the population has increased 13 millions, or nearly 20 

 percent. The prevailing relatively high prices, therefore, seem to 

 be due to the fact that consumption has caught up with production 

 and consequently low prices for corn are not to be expected again 

 unless there is a large increase in the area devoted to producing 

 this crop. 



An important factor affecting prices of corn in recent years has 

 been the changed method of marketing the crop. Farmers have 

 taken their time in disposing of their surplus. The policy has 

 prevailed generally of holding ample reserves through the year, 

 so as to provide for deficiences in case of crop failures. This 

 has prevented the accumulation of large stocks " in sight" which 

 always have a more depressing influence on prices than liberal 

 supplies in farmers' hands. The remarkable situation exists 

 to-day of an almost complete exhaustion of stocks of corn at 

 market centres, notwithstanding the fact that last year's crop was 

 the greatest on record. Under such conditions the farmer is in a 

 position to dictate the price, within a reasonable limit, and he is 

 likely to continue in that position. Speculators who have under- 

 taken to depress prices by short selling have not yet met with 

 any success. — Kansas City Star, May 21. 



AGRICULTURE IN BERMUDA. 



The following notes of interest are taken from the Report of the 

 Superintendent of the Public Garden, Bermuda for 1905 : — 



Tomatoes. — " The opening up of new sources of supply has con- 

 tributed not a little to the low prices and a now somewhat limited 

 demand for Bermuda produce in New York ; indeed the once very 

 profitable tomato trade was brought to an end in 1900 by large 

 quantities being sent in early from the Southern States ; and now 

 that it has been proved possible to export from Cuba and Jamaica 

 excellent fruit from November to March and April, the year round 

 supply is complete : the resuscitation of this colony's lost tomato 

 trade is not, therefore anticipated. In 1871 the boxes of tomatoes 

 exported to New York numbered 115,868 valued at £13,718 ; in 

 1900, 146 were sent, valued at £ll." 



Lily Bulbs. — " The lily bulb industry was, until quite recently, 

 in danger of being destroyed, through the dis^.ppointing results 

 obtained by American forcers from Bermuda bulbs ; many having 

 given up growing them. Happily some four or five of the larger 

 Bermudian growers realized the importance of selecting and care- 

 fully cultivating pure Harrisii stock, though, perhaps, somewhat 

 late in the day, for already a large proportion of the trade has been 

 diverted to Japan. 



It may be assumed, however, that Bermuda growers will, by 

 careful attention to the requirements of the American and English 



