154 



'AGRICULTURAL POSSIBILITIES OF THE TERRITORY 

 OF HAWAII r 



A publication under the above title, issued by the Hawaii 

 Promotion Commit lee and written by Mr. Jared G. Smith, 

 special agent in charge of the U. S. Experiment Station in 

 this Territory, deserves more than passing attention. The 

 pamphlet commences with a brief and interesting description 

 of the climate of the islands, which we are glad to see is de- 

 scribed as "sub-tropical." The statement is too often ex- 

 pressed by those who have the best interests of Hawaii at 

 heart, that the islands are "tropical." Although our islands 

 actually lie within the tropic zone, those who have knowledge 

 of the intense and enervating heat of a truly tropical coun- 

 try, are reluctant to apply a term to our equable climate 

 which can only create an impression upon those who hear it, 

 of an existence where every effort is a burden in consequence 

 of the excessive temperature. The insular position of these 

 islands, which are fanned by invigorating trade winds for 

 most of the year, in spite of our geographic condition, renders 

 our climate not only well nigh uniform throughout the year, 

 but also sufficiently moderate in our hottest months to allow 

 of all the physical exercise and exposure to the sun, as can be 

 enjoyed in a temperate country. 



After a brief account of the different soils of the islands 

 the pamphlet gives a description of the various agricultural 

 industries established here. It is not difficult to see that not 

 only is Mr. Smith an enthusiastic lover of Hawaii and a 

 thorough believer in its future agricultural development, but 

 is, in addition, perfectly conversant with every phase of the 

 subject on which he is wTiting. 



As the publication is primarily intended for mainland agri- 

 culturists, who may desire to obtain information of our local 

 industries, little space is occupied with our principal crop, 

 sugar, as its cultivation is generally in the hands of companies 

 possessing large capital. 



The pmeapple, sisal, banana and coft"ee industries are treated 

 of at greater length, and then follows a more descriptive arti- 

 cle on the newer and at present little known tobacco industry. 

 The Hawaiian Experiment Station has now been conducting 



