136 
cultivation. Since 1870, about 60 new varieties have been main- 
tained under experimental cultivation by the Botanical Department 
at the Hope Gardens. These canes were obtained from Mauritius, 
Queensland, South United States, and some from Kew. eir 
characteristics were noted, their ’ merits carefully investigated, 
and the results published in the annual reports of the Department. 
The most valuable canes were propagated and distributed to 
planters in quantities of hundreds at a time. Borer and fungoid 
diseases have fortunately not seriously affected the cane fields in 
Jamaica. 
406. It is admitted by oe Planters’ Association that in “ respect 
“to the science of agriculture th 
“ generally are much behi a the times.” `” The great desideratum 
just now is “the appointment of an experienced agricultural 
“chemist . ne, mouy Can vo urar the soil 
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experimental cultivation, as is done by similar officers in British 
Gui nd Barbados, the sugar industry would thereby be 
materially benefited. 
supply. Under normal conditions there roaid be no ante A or 
anticipating a considerable further reduction in the number and 
area of the sugar estates in Jamaica. It is clear, however, that 
with the exceptionally low prices vow ruling for both sugar and 
better within the next few years, according to the evidence, 
possibly 50 per cent. of these estates will be abandoned. Such a 
change must, for a time at least, adv emine affect the r ER EOE 
of the labouring ink and especially at a time when t emand 
for all tropica al pr roduce is exceptionally low. Jamai ‘ce, it is 
admitted, can bear such adverse near with less distur- 
bance of its prosperity than wed other of Her Majesty’s possessions 
in the West Indies ; but while the present par oe of the sugar 
market exist, the true e policy is obviously to safeguard the industry 
by every possible means. This may be done by the adoption of 
west limits. The sugar industr try in Jamaica Sib 
re lai advantages in its soil and eis ite, whilst s labour 
upply is, on the whole, abundant and effective. The sy of its 
rum, though much reduced, is still higher Te that produced i in 
any ‘other country. There. should, therefore, with slightly im- 
proved prices, be no insuperable difficulty in maintaining most 
of the existing estates in cultivation. 
* In 1805. 
