125 
. The collective value of the sugar, rum, and molasses 
i expored 1 from St. Kitts-Nevis during the last seven years is as 
oll 
| ] 
— | 1890. | 1891. | 1892. | 1893. | 1894. | 1895. | 1896. 
g £ £ 9 £ £ £ 
gcse mi of sugar, | 210,005 | 171.327 | 204,882 | 252,643 | 198,167 | 125,809 | 105,245 
molasses, 
The value of the exports has therefore fallen just about one half. 
Owing to the decline in prices “ the greatest economy is practised 
“on cate and reductions are made in every possible direction 
. they cannot be further curtailed.” 
6. The cultivation of the land in St. Kitts has always been 
The i 
artificial manures has not been universally ne ee 
owing to the absence of exact knowledge respectin the 
position and requirements of the soil. The yield of aie ered 
is more than TE yl a aaa on the amount of the rainfall, If 
e qua 
on the other hand, if a ee period of drought supervenes, the 
porous soil soon dries up, and the canes immediately suffer. The 
S 
‘estate is 60 per cent th juice from the weight of cane, and 
os “ the eb f suga "32 z nt. If all the molasses 
anes to produce 1 fo 
is admitted that only 10 or 11 tons of similar canes 
ce 1 ton of sugar, while the latter eang be of 
required to produc 
better quality, and fetch higher prices. 
367. Mr. Todd is of opinion that there are suitable Saeni for 
establishing central factories in the Basseterre Valley, the Old 
Road district, and the north-east part of the island. nes 
molasses and rum, formerly- — was a good sale 
proceeds “went a long way in paying the eee bills on the 
“ estates,” At present, molasses, that a few years ago sold for 
