sai : 
A fw 
- The ster ong 50 far carried on are on the Demerara, 
oth 
om h es, a s migh 
the results have invariably been of a disappointing character. It 
is probable that the unsuitable character of the soil, and exposure 
to strong winds, were responsible for this, but it is probable, also, 
that there was a want of practical row ene of the proper treat- 
ment required by “the plants. The experiments were, therefore, 
doomed to failure from the first. Hence the numerous references 
in the evidence to the unsuccessful results of efforts made to grow 
other plants than the sugar-cane are of little value. To start new 
industries it is essential at first, at De gt to eee skilled and 
en from othe tri la 
Hitherto the Benba ions of coffee and cacao attempted to be 
established in British Guian. wing to various circumstances, 
e 
been of the crudest and most costly description. Such instances 
are often quoted as showing the impossibility of successfully 
establishing a eap industries in British Guiana. On the 
her hand, when experienced have been em mploye ed, and 
suitable land waeutea: the results have been as s puen as in 
any similar pioneering efforts in other countrie 
66. By the courtesy of the Government, and accompanied by 
Professor Harrison, I was enabled to visit several coffee and 
cacao plantations on the Demerara River. The highest point 
reached was Wismar, about 60 miles from Georgetown, where the 
new railway connects with the Essequebo River, above the lower 
falls. This railway will afford a convenient route to the gold 
ficlds, and is likely to Ap assist in opening up the interior. 
In addition, a visit was paid with the Hon. A. Weber and 
Mr. Thomas Garnett, to lands on Canal No. 1, practically within 
the coast region. Here Liberian coffee was growing mos 
successfully, The cacao was not so flourishing, and was confined 
to patches only. With good drainage these lands should become 
most valuable. At present they are liable to serious floods, and 
the cultivation is periodically injured. 
67. The Demerara Daily Chronicle of 25th October 1896 
directed attention to the list of economic ts that were 
exhibited for pala oA at the Horticultural Show held in 
orgetown, and the eee of the judges thereon: “ That 
“ list,” it states, “will s what a large number of economic 
* products British aa eer is capable of producing which might, 
with judicious management and careful development, prove 
“ valuable additions to our articles of colonial export ; and it may, 
“ perhaps, suggest a channel to which the energies and intelli- 
“gence of our peasantry might be directed with advantage to 
S 
i themselves as a class and also to the colonial community 
“ generally.” 
