127 
cut out as soon as detected; canes affected by shot borer and 
fungus have been burnt. The average oi during 1896 by disease 
has been estimated at more than 8 per cent. of the canes earet 
The principal cane adliiveted is the rile Se but the Jamaica cane 
n 
to be peculiar] 
St. Kitts. It also withstands drought and sea breezes, and hence 
has almost entirely superseded the Bourbon cane on pices estates, 
Experiments in cane cultivation were started by the late heec 
stat 
tendent of Agriculture at the La Guerite estate. It is stated that 
“the planters generally are anxious to obtain new varieties 
“of cane ial is necessary to provide means 
“for supplying them.” Twelve new varieties of canes were 
recently distributed from the Botanic Station to 14 estates in 
St. Kitts and pyra The number of canes included in this dis- 
tribution was 2,49 
372. The peasant proprietors in Nevis (there are practically none 
in St. Kitts) generally grow canes on their lands, and the jnice is 
made into sugar at the neighbouring estates. In this way they 
obtain a lump sum, so that, in fact, “ their plot of canes is like a 
“small savings bank to them.” The fall in prices ow 
seriously affected these people ; but so far they have not turned 
their attention to other industries. 
SUBSIDIARY INDUSTRIES. 
373. In St. Kitts-Nevis there i is no foe but sugar. These 
islands aet if possible, more devoted to sugar than even 
Antigua and Bar bados. The land in St. Kitts eal sega wares 
limes, arrowroot, tobacco, fibres, and fruit. Mr. Boon is of opini 
that “there is plenty of labour in the ae for ia areen 
“than sugar.” Nearly all the West Indian fruits grow luxuriantly 
in the island. A fruit trade, as well as a trade in fresh vegetables, 
could be established if suitable shipping facilities were provided. 
It is unnecessary to dwell upon the capabilities of these two fertile 
is undeniable that th 
islands for subsidiary industries. tis undenia that they 
are amongst the most pid hai situated of any islands 
in the West Indies. "Unti il, however, it no been clearly shown 
that the sugar industry cannot any longer be maintained as 
hitherto, it is hopeless to urge that aiid ak be given to other 
374. As in the neighbouring sugar islands, the importation of 
food stuffs, ae of ‘which could “be pro oduced locally, is excep- 
tionally la Durin the year 1896 the total a into 
t. Ki 
be : ey are often scarce nie dear.” The asanis “buy 
= apated rice and Indian corn, while with a little energy they 
