78 
“ existing circumstances.” In consequence “ three-fourths of the 
“ labouring men are forced to emigrate in search of work, leaving 
“ the women and children to suffer great hardships.” 
231. The cultivation of Sisal hemp appears to have been started, 
but afterwards abandoned. Owing to the cheap and plentiful 
labour and the dry climate, it is possible that this might be 
successfully established in the island. There is little doubt it 
would 
] 
recurring periods of drought. These are probably attributable to 
the destruction of the forests in former times for sugar boiling, 
and latterly to the reckless cutting down of timber for fire-wood 
exported to Barbados. 
232. Mr. Hooper, in 1887, referred to the subject in the follow- 
ing words: “It is certain that in Carriacou, for the last seven 
“years, the rains have been slight an irregular in their 
“ distribution. As a consequence the level of the water under- 
‘ ground must have receded below its normal point, and it 
“would require several very heavy rainy seasons to bring it 
S Ai E 
“ back to its accustomed aeigh e recovery of 
“ water is indefinitely delayed he system of clearance 
“ of all the vegetation, whether forest or other, which so regularly 
“ obtains throughout the i : ould strongly advise 
“ down to a reasonable level . - also trees, such as mahogany 
“and red ceder, should be planted in all suitable localities.” 
233. It would be of advantage if the Curator of the Botanic 
Station at Grenada were to visit Carriacou and examine 
carefully into its capabilities for growing a selected number of 
products. The Government might then encourage the cultivation 
bl 
¢ SY eae EDC WOE etl od ae S 
ine pen spermine 
