23 
COFFEE, 
68. Coffee was formerly apd cultivated on ioe east and west 
banks of the Demerara River, and in prem ag art of the 
county of Berbice. Plantation Schoonoord, an important 
that formerly Berbice coffee was in great demand on the 
nee. “it could not be beaten for uality.” He adds : “ This 
“ coffee could be grown again, for the land is there, labour is 
“ a ae tar and the toim oT rs everything that is desirable for 
“ re-starting such an indus 
69. The highest ae of coffee in British Guiana was 
in 1821, when it reached 124,086 cwts., or about one-third larger 
than the present export of coffee from the island of Jamaica. 
In 1833 this production had fallen to less than oe -half, the actual 
figures being 51,860 cwts. From this time the coffee exports 
* rapidly declined, until in 1849, 16 years Frou it had almost 
entirely disappeared. 
70. At the present time coffee is largely imported into the 
Colony. The imports in 1895-96 were 236,484 Ibs., of the value 
of 7 „3367. 12s. The early production of coffee in British Guiana 
was dependent on slave labour and exceptionally high prices. 
Although these conditions have passed away there can be no 
doubt that the soil and climate are as favourable as they ever 
were e evidence on these points is overwhelming. In the 
Report of the Special Commission on Minor Industries the 
conclusion arrived at is contained in the following words :— 
“Coffee appears to stand next in importance (to rice) as a 
profitable product. It should commend itself to capitalists and 
cultivators, as harvesting may be expected within three to five 
years of planting. Liberian coffee is the hardiest plant, yielding 
abundantly, and commanding good prices in the market. The 
mode of cultivation is sim ple, good drainage being an esse ntial 
eerie The present price of coffee should give profitable 
returns to the resident proprietor or peasantry.” 
11. Mr. Jenman, in a recent memorandum, states : “Except on 
certain lands in certain districts the cultivation of coffee and 
“ cacao is not now experimental ; both have been grown for many 
= generations, proving that soil and climatic conditions on all the 
“ rivers and creeks are highly suitable t a thee successful culture. 
ie “ Remnants of old settlements and piaeas ons still exist in places 
‘on nearly all the rivers. have seen cacao trees, survivals from 
“ that time, where the forest had gro up again on the ground 
“ around them, 40 and 50 feet high, till bearing the finest pods 
“to be n. Other survivals et with at ‘such places are 
“ oranges, “limes, citrons, avocado pears, star apple, guinea Poppet, 
“ mangoes, &e.” 
72. Professor Harrison adds : “On the banks of the Pomeroon 
* Since this was written the price of coffee has greatly declined, but the main 
hiteni still holds good. 
