oe oP ae aaa a 
SE ae ee ee 
19 
Recently a loan has been sanctioned by Government for erecting 
and working one or more rice factories where the rice could be 
present cost of husking rice by hand-pounding in mortars is 
estimated at 3s. 6d, per bag. At i gna Tills, this could 
be done at a cost of about ls. 6d. per bag. It is confidently 
ae that as soon as mills are RN e a ait impetus 
vill be given to rice-growing all over the Colony. 
FRUIT GROWING. 
57. The principal fruit in large demand in the United States is 
the banana. This is imported into that country to the value of 
many years has taken a leading part t in the development of the 
fruit trade in Jamaica. On the 13th February, 1890, Captain Baker 
made a nite proposal (as recorded in the po e 
“ $25,600 to the Boston Fruit pe meh for five years, it under- 
“ takes to establish a fortnight lys service between British 
“nine hands and upwards; 20 cents. for eight hands; 10 cents 
“ for seven hands. The purchase of bunches under seven hands 
“to be optional.” The Boston nie Company was iaa to 
i equi n an assuranc é 
banana cultivated for export purposes in Jamaica at the rate of 
$25 per thousand. 
It is evident that this proposal would not have been made by 
competent and experienced an authority as Captain Baker un es 
he was satisfied that a fruit trade between British Guiana and the 
United States was a practicable one. The proposal was ultimately 
only with the United States, but eventually with 
In the Reports of the nee and Indian Secale 1886, 
p. 140, it is stated : “ Owing to the enterprise of Messrs, Scrutton 
“ and Sons in fitting up one er’ their steamers cers a cool chamber, 
15045 B2 
