227 



hope to place, under the supervision of Dr. Watts, so that he can 

 make experiments with chemical manure's and carry on the work more 

 closely on scientific lines. Mr. Hudson has had charge of the plot in 

 St. Lucia and he will be able to tell you himself whal is being don.' 



there 



Cocoa Manurial Experiments at Grenada. 



The following report and table, showing the results of the 

 working of the cocoa experiment plot at Nianganfoix estate, Grenada, 

 were forwarded by the proprietor for publication (see Agricultural. 

 News, Vol. Ill, p, 347) : — 



This plot was handed over on September 30, 1903, by the Depart- 

 ment of Agriculture to the proprietor who still carries on the experi- 

 ments, in order to obtain the highest possible yield from an acre of 

 land by the use of fertilizers and green soiling. The plot measures 

 1 acre and was divided into four sections of \ acre each. 



During the period, extending over four crops, from April 1, 1900, 

 to September, 3<>, 1904, two applications of manures were made, as 

 shown in the table, the first during the first crop 1900-1901, and the 

 second application in the spring and summer of 1902 just bafote rhe 

 third crop. 



A, the pen manure section, is the wettest section of the plot, 

 and it will be noticed that, notwithstanding the heavy application of 

 manure in May 1903, the yield fell below the two preceding crops, 

 and only recovered after several rods of new drains had been added to 

 those already existing— and dug diagonally across the slope. This 

 illustrates the value of drains in a wet clay soil, without which 

 manure is at a discount. 



The potash section D has steadily advanced and, unlike sections 

 B and C, which unaccountably fell off by £ to \ bag, held its own 

 during the crop 1902-3. The cost of production for the first two 

 years averaged £1 per bag of cocoa, and for the second two years 12s. 

 per bag, or an all-round average of 16s. per bag for four years' 

 working. 



When the results of the fifth year's working are known, the cost 

 of production will be considerably reduced. 



The following figures show the gradual improvement in yield : — 

 Crop 1900-1 = 5£ bags per acre. 

 Crop 1901-2 = 7 „ 

 Crop 1902-3 = 7 „ 

 Crop 1903-4=8 „ „ 



Full particulars are given in the following table as to the details 

 of the treatment accorded to the various sections : — 



* The sections have been bedded twice yearly. 



