32 AGKIO0LTUEAL RESOURCES, ETC., OF PORTO RICO. 



INSTRUCTION IN AGRICULTURE IN THE COMMON SCHOOLS. 



A few simple oral lessons on the nature of seeds and plants, how to 

 prepare the soil, and how to plant and care for the crop, with some 

 small plats around the schoolhouse as object lessons, would be of in- 

 estimable value to the youth and far-reaching in its results. Many 

 of the lower classes in the country appear to have no knowledge of 

 the principles of agriculture or of its successful practice. They half 

 stir the soil, sow the garden seeds broadcast, and let Providence do 

 the weeding. The commissioner of education for the island expressed 

 a desire to do all in his power to promote agricultural education in 

 the common schools. 



LOCATION OF THE STATION. 



There are a number of reasons why the experiment station should 

 be located near San Juan. 



First. It is the opinion of all who have investigated the subject that 

 object lessons under farm conditions should form an essential feature 

 of the station. It must, then, be at the place most accessible for the 

 people of the whole island and for persons temporarily visiting the 

 island. 



Second. The station must be located where it can have direct and 

 prompt communication with the Department of Agriculture at Wash- 

 ington, because for some years it will not have equipment to do all 

 the scientific work required, and reference must be constantly had to 

 the several departments at Washington. 



Third. San Juan is the only city upon the island which has printing 

 establishments sufficiently equipped to issue bulletins in English and 

 Spanish with reasonable facility. 



Fourth. Lands near San Juan can be purchased at reasonable prices. 



FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF THE STATION. 



For the current expenses of an agricultural experiment station in 

 Porto Rico at least as much money will annually be required as is now 

 appropriated for such stations in the States and Territories ($15,000). 

 The cost of the buildings needed by the station is estimated as follows: 



One building for director and assistants . $5, 000 



One building for ofaces and laboratory 3, 000 



One house for farm foreman _ _ 1,000 



Four cottages for farm laborers,. 800 



Barns. 1,000 



Total 10,800 



Suitable land in the vicinity of San Juan will probably cost $25 per 

 acre, and at least 200 acres should be obtained for the station there, 

 for the purchase of which 15,000 will be required. For outlying experi- 

 ments Government land on the island may be reserved. These reser- 

 vations should include alluvial or level lands for sugar and rice, 

 mountain lands for forestry, tobacco, and coffee, and sandy sea-coast 

 lands for cocoanuts. 



O 



