376 : BOTANICAL GAZETTE | NOVEMBER 18 
raising, which is the almost universal occupation. Besides this, the depart- 
ment is to deal with all questions concerning economic plants and the botani- 
cal stations in all the islands. For the first year a grant of £4500 was mai 
by Parliament with the expectation that the annual charges hereafter for the 
department will be £17,000. The establishment of this new department i 
an experiment in the hope of again placing these colonies ina self-support- 
ing condition by diversifying the agriculture. It is intended, also, that t 
means of communication between the islands and the markets should 
greatly improved. The government purposes establishing a line of steam 
between the islands and New York, and also to secure, if possible, better 
communication between Jamaica and London. Fortnightly communicatio 
between the different islands is also to be established. The grant f 
urposes, however, is to be separate from that intended for experimental 
agricultural work. : 
