THE BAHAMA ISLANDS 



165 



could not better be replaced by a more diversified system of cropping, in which 

 the pineapple would be cultivated in a rotation of several years. With such a 

 system, and in view of the large quantities of soluble mineral matter found 

 in the soil, a much reduced application of fertilizers would probably be re- 

 quired. This subject is certainly worthy of an experimental investigation on 

 this type of soil, and perhaps also on other types. 



While the soil is naturally retentive of moisture, it suffers from drought 

 during prolonged dry periods. This is principally due to the comparatively 

 shallow soil and the presence of porous rock beneath. Every precaution should 

 be taken to conserve the soil moisture. The coppice growth is heavy, and 

 similar to that on the Bahama Black Loam. 



Mechanical analyses of typical samples from the different islands are 

 given in the table below : 



MECHANICAL ANALYSES OF BAHAMA RED LOAM. 



The texture, as shown in the above table, is very similar to that of the 

 lighter limestone soils of the United States. The Bahama soil is, however, 

 as a rule, more loamy, but after it has been worked for some time it becomes 

 compact, and the surface cracks upon drying. The introduction of more 

 organic matter, as by green manuring, Avould probably be found beneficial and 

 ultimately profitable. 



