THE BAHAMA ISLANDS 159 



considerable depth. Occasionally, in the lower situations, where the soil has 

 evidently been washed from higher ground, it is found to be a foot or more in 

 depth, and free from stones. The stony character of the soil makes cultivation 

 difficult. jSTo improved implements can be used, and the spade and hoe are the 

 only ones that can be employed to advantage. 



This type is used mostly for the production of the subsistence crops; 

 hence the popular name of " provision land." Upon it are grown the vege- 

 tables and fruits which form the food of the people, and also constitute some 

 of the exports. These consist of potatoes, sweet cassava, onions and other 

 vegetables, citrus and other fruits, including shaddocks (grape fruit) and 

 oranges. Indian corn is also grown in small quantities. To all of these crops 

 the soil is well adapted, except in the dryer situations. 



This soil is considered the best type on the Islands for the production of 

 citrus fruits, and it is upon this that the industry has been developed. Since 

 the growing of oranges has been partly abandoned, the grape fruit has taken 

 the lead among the citrus fruits. All the fruits are of excellent quality, con- 

 sidering the varieties grown. 



The sisal fiber industry was also developed on this soil type. The sisal 

 plant does well where any care at all is given to its cultivation, except in low- 

 lying or wet areas. Large areas of this land were cleared for the production 

 of this crop, and sisal plantations of several thousand acres in extent are to 

 be seen. 



Cotton grows luxuriantly in this soil, and upon this Black Loam it >vas 

 cultivated in the early days. The plant grows treelike, and pruning is neces- 

 sary to keep it within reach and to make it bear. The life of the plant extends 

 over several seasons. 



All other plants grow luxuriantly upon the Bahama Black Loam, and espe- 

 cially in the virgin soil. The coppice is large and thick, and the land is often 

 called " big coppice land," to distinguish it from types supporting less vigorous 

 growths. Although at first productive, the yields soon decrease, possibly from 

 a lack of sufficient soil to support crops continuously. Just as soon as cultiva- 

 tion is discontinued, the land reverts to natural coppice growth, which attains 

 a height of 15 to 20 feet. The larger growth consists of lignum vitae, mahog- 

 any, mastic, logwood and some other trees and bushes. 



This soil has an excellent texture, and the only hindrance to its cultiva- 

 tion is the existence of the rock outcrops. Because of its stony nature and 

 difficult cultivation, it is best adapted to orchard fruits. These do best wliere 



