166 YIELD AND EXPENDITURE 



It is estimated that a bag of cocoa (165 lb.) can be 

 produced in Tobago for £1 15s. 



Crown land costs £2 per acre. Labourers are paid 

 from lOd. to Is. 2d. per day and women from 6d. to 8d. 

 per day. 



Abandoned sugar-cane estates may be cleared, planted, 

 drained, and kept clear of weeds during the first year for 

 £5 per acre ; this sum likewise includes the purchase 

 of bananas, cassava, cocoa beans, and nursery. When 

 a cocoa estate is established on such lands the total cost 

 for eight years is estimated at £12 lOs. per acre, exclusive 

 of superintendence. 



In heavy forest land an expenditure of £7 10s. per 

 acre is considered sufficient to fell, clear, plant, drain, and 

 keep clear of weeds for the first year, including purchase 

 of bananas, cassava, cocoa beans, and nursery. The 

 total cost for eight years, in this case, is estimated at £15 

 per acre, exclusive of superintendence. 



It is pointed out that the above figures are for actual 

 outlay on cultivation alone, and do not allow for ex- 

 penditure on road-making or fencing. Cocoa estates 

 are frequently established by the contract system, pre- 

 viously described. At the expiration of the period cf 

 contract the cocoa trees are counted. Is. is paid for each 

 full-bearing tree, 6d. for each tree not full bearing, but 

 over three years of age, and 3d. each for trees under three 

 years of age. 



