SCIENTIFIC PROGRESS IN WEST INDIES 395 



this he refers to the work of the Imperial Department of 

 Agriculture in almost identical terms : 



" I was deeply impressed during our visit to the West Indies 

 by the value of the work done in the past by this Department, 

 and by the greatness of the possibilities which still lay before it. 

 The revival of the cotton industry and consequent restoration of 

 comparative prosperity to some of the smaller islands ; experi- 

 ments with the sugar-cane; the discovery and destruction of 

 insect pests, — these were in themselves great achievements. In 

 my opinion, however, an even more valuable work has been 

 done in diminishing the prejudices of agriculturists, and inducing 

 them to try new methods, and in inculcating the value of science 

 and co-operation. . . . Until after the Report of the Royal 

 Commission of 1897 I can find no trace of a settled policy, 

 calculated to place the West Indies on a healthy footing, beyond 

 the need of doles, v/hich, while of no permanent value, have in 

 the aggregate imposed a heavy burden on the Imperial Govern- 

 ment. The most conspicuous and successful fruit of that Report 

 has been the work of the Imperial Department of Agriculture, 

 which has beyond reasonable doubt saved the Home Government 

 from appeals which could not wholly be rejected, and would 

 have cost more than the total outlay on the Department. 

 While urging the prosecution of that work with, if possible, 

 even increased energy, I beg to observe that in my opinion the 

 larger Colonies, which have profited and would continue to 

 profit by the advice and example of the Imperial Department, 

 should provide for their own expenditure." 



In view of the strong recommendations made, as above, it is 

 announced that the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury have 

 agreed in principle to the continued maintenance of the Central 

 Office of the Imperial Department of Agriculture in the West 

 Indies for a further period often years from April i, 191 1. 



