448 MEXICO, CEXTEAL AMERICA, WEST INDIES. 



wreckers. There is scarcely any immigration, so that the increase is almost 

 entirely due to the relatively high excess of births over the mortality. The chief 

 produce are fruits, such as pineapples and oranges, raised for exportation either 

 in the natural state or in the form of preserves. The products of the fisheries 

 — turtles, shells, pearls, ambergris, and especially sponges — also contribute to 

 the commercial prosperity of the natives. The large shells intended for the 

 cameo artists are sent chiefl}^ to France. According to Powles 500 smacks, with 

 average crews of eight men, are engaged in the turtle and sponge fisheries. 

 Salt is also a considerable source of wealth, especially in the Caicos and Turk 

 groups. The salt-pans recently conceded to various companies might suffice to 

 supply the whole of the United States with marine salt but for the prevailing heavy 

 tariffs. Thanks to the salt-Avorks the trade of the Caicos and Turks Islands is 

 relatively much greater than that of the other Bahaman groups. 



The attention of planters has lately been directed towards the cultivation of 

 henequen, or " Sisal hemp," and analogous varieties known in the Antilles by 

 the general name of karafa. These plants thrive in the Bahamas fully as well 

 as in Yucatan, and the 330,000 acres recently granted to capitalists are being 

 rapidly planted. 



About two-thirds of the foreign trade of the Bahamas is carried on with the 

 United States, especially New York and Key West. 



Administration. 



The government of the Bahamas is entrusted by the Crown to a governor, assisted 

 by an executive and a legislative council, both composed of 9 members. The repre- 

 sentative assembly comprises 29 deputies, nearly all New Providence merchants 

 elected b}^ owners of property. The assembly is, in fact, a sort of club where 

 the white aristocracy meets in the capital. 



The Caicos and Turks groups depend on the Jamaica Government, and are 

 administered by a commissioner and a council of 5 members. 



The annual budget of the Bahamas exceeds £40,000, while that of the Jamaican 

 dependencies averages £10,000. The latter have no debt, but the former are 

 burdened with a public charge of £80,000. Education, though not obligatory, is 

 general amongst the blacks and people of colour as well as amongst the whites. 



