THE BAHAMA ISLANDS 



1()9 



PRINCIPAL CONSTITUENTS IN WATER-SOLUBLE SALTS FROM BAHAMA MARL.* 

 (1 part soil to 5 parts water.) 



* Analyses made on air-dry samples. 



These figures show large amoimts of soluble phosphates, although the 

 amount of phosphoric acid in this type, as shown by the acid digestion above 

 given, is small. Both the samples here described were heavily fertilized, and 

 show such large amounts of water-soluble mineral constituents as would 

 probably prove detrimental to plant growth if augmented much further. Here 

 again it would probably prove economical to reduce the fertilizer applica- 

 tions and introduce a crop rotation if suitable crops could be obtained for 

 this purpose. 



Brackish Swamp. 



The brackish swamps, or, as they are called, " salina," occupy a consid- 

 erable proportion of the area of all the islands. Some occur along the coast, 

 with only a bar of coral sand between them and the sea, while there are also 

 numerous inland swamps bordering on the lakes and ponds. Those along the 

 coast are covered at high tide with sea water. Those inland are more or less 

 brackish, depending upon whether there is subterranean connection with tlie 

 sea. Some of the inland swamps become quite fresh during the rainy season. 

 The use of the latter for rice culture is being considered, but the practicability 

 of this crop has not been demonstrated. !N'ear Bluff Settlement on Eleuthera 

 is a large swamp covering perhaps 500 or 600 acres which probably could 

 be turned into productive rice fields. It is nearly free from mangrove or 

 anything that would hinder cultivation. The water is only slightly brackish 

 even in the dryest weather. Enough rice could probably be grown on this one 

 area to supply all the inhabitants of the Bahamas. Some rice is reported to 



