THE BAHAMA ISLANDS 175 



ing pineapples; in raising citrus fruits; or in the production of sisal. Of these 

 three industries the first outranks the other two in importance. Some of the 

 problems affecting these crops will now be discussed. 



PINEAPPLES. 



The production of pineapples, because of its profitableness, has developed 

 at the expense of the citrus fruit interests. Pineapples and the citrus fruits 

 are grown on distinct soil types, but the former are a much more certain crop, 

 being less subject to disease and the attacks of insect pests. Their cultiva- 

 tion has also come to be better understood. Until recently, as already stated, 

 the Bahamas had no competitors in the pineapple trade, but since the advent 

 in the market of Jamaica, Cuban and Florida pineapples, the Bahama fruit has 

 lost its prestige, the prices have fallen, and with the duty of $7 per thousand 

 imposed by the United States, the industry is not so profitable as formerly, 

 and the growers have become discouraged generally. 



There is a large area of soil adapted to the growing of pineapples, and 

 these lands are given up entirely to their production. The practice is to 

 continue the growing of pineapples as long as the land remains productive. 



Although there are pineapple soils on all the islands, and particularly 

 the larger ones, yet the industry is centered on Eleuthera and Cat Island. 

 On these the value of the lands has increased greatly, and they have now 

 come into the possession of a comparatively few wealthy men. The fields 

 are owned either individually or in partnership. Outside of these two islands 

 the pineapple fields are small and scattering, and of little consequence. 



The pineapples are grown either under the direct supervision of the 

 owner or a foreman, hiring the labor necessary to work the crop. The share 

 system is also practiced. 



Only three varieties of pineapples are grown. These are the Sugar Loaf, 

 English, and Scarlet. The first two are very delicious fruits, but not adapted 

 for shipping in the export trade. Only small quantities are grown, and these 

 are used entirely for home consumption. The Scarlet pine is the one grown 

 for the export trade. It is a good shipper, but rather small. 



The production varies from year to year, depending upon the season. 

 If the winter, which is the dry season, is not too dry, so that the pineapples 

 do not suffer for moisture, fair crops are obtained, but in late years droughts 

 have been quite common, reducing the yields of this crop, as well as of others. 



The pineapple lands have decreased in productiveness. Formerly, on 



