which would lead to the forming of a conclusion as to the actual 

 value of the black witch in the Lesser Antilles and the possibilities 

 of its becoming' a nuisance or even a pest in later years. Pre- 

 daceous beetles (lady-birds) and wasps (Jack Spaniards) exert 

 a considerable influence on the natural control of many insect 

 pests, and the destruction of these forms of insect life might re- 

 sult in the increase of certain pests, especially the scale insects, 

 which would not themselves be attacked by such a bird as the 

 black witch." 



It is said that the destruction of birds cost $420,100,000. This 

 is the sum placed by the conservation congress, due to the lack of 

 birds sufficient to fight destructive insects. This is altogether too 

 large an annual fee to pay for hat adornment and the gratification 

 of thoughtleh:s boys and men who care nothing for the great good 

 birds do. — The farmer is the greater sufiferer. — Good Advertising:- 



INCREASING DEMAND FOR CACAO. 



The rapily increasing demand for cacao is amply illustrated in 

 the world's consumption of cacao which has increased from 122,- 

 526 tons in 1903 to 232,200 tons in 1911. In this connection it 

 is interesting to know that Mexico, where the Europeans first 

 found this "drink of the gods," as it was styled by Linne, has 

 practically ceased to export cacao. Why does not the Philip- 

 pines wake up to her opportunities as a cacao producer and ex- 

 porter ? — Philippine Rez'ieii'. 



PROGRESS OF PORTO RICO. 



The annual report of the Agricultural experiment station of 

 Porto Rico has just been issued and contains many items of in- 

 terest to the residents of the Philippines considering the situation 

 of both these countries. 



The trade of Porto Rico has increased from 33,200,000 pesos 

 in 1900 to 157,400,000 pesos in 1911, of which 80,000,000 pesos 

 are exports, all agricultural materials, raw or manufactured. 

 Sugar is the leading export now. Tobacco and cigars to the 

 value of 14,000,000 pesos were exported — other manufactured 

 products were preserved fruits, straw hats, and distilled spirits. 

 The advance of agri-horticultural science is shown by the impor- 

 tation of artificial fertilizers to the value of 2,000,000 pesos. 

 Steam plows are largely utilized on the large sugar estates, and 

 the cable plow is there favored in preference to the motor truck. 

 Cofifee in Porto Rico is a crop of considerable importance but 

 pineapples and citrus fruits are now encroaching upon the coffee. 



The growth of the fruit industry in Porto Rico during the last 

 decade is remarkable. From nothing, the fruit export has during 



