THE BAHAMA ISLANDS 167 



The above figures show considerable variations in the case of every con- 

 stituent. In no case, however, are they lower than figures which have been 

 obtained for soils in the United States of known high productiveness. How 

 far these variations in the figures may be due to artificial fertilizing, it is im- 

 possible to say, although it is probable that they are mainly due to this cause. 

 One might a priori have expected a nearer approach to uniformity in this soil, 

 in virgin condition, than in any other type occurring in the Islands. There 

 is a warning indicated in the chlorine figures, either that excessive fertiliza- 

 tion is being practiced or that drainage may, in some localities, be desirable. 



Bahama Marl. 



The Bahama Marl, or " scrub land," sometimes known also as " light " 

 or "small" "bush land," has recently come into prominence as a possible 

 rival of the Bahama Eed Loam in the production of pineapples. This type | 

 occurs as _ lowland s but little above high water level. The areas are closely 

 associated with the brackish swamps. They are sufficiently elevated to avoid 

 swampy conditions, and yet low enough so that good moisture conditions 

 always prevail. In fact, the soil never becomes dry in the bottom of the 

 pockets. 



The areas, occurring as they do in the low-lying positions, were probably 

 at one time swampy. The weathering of the rock has occurred by the process 

 of solution alone, and owing to the large amount of soluble matter, but little 

 residual soil has been formed, although the areas are level or nearly so, and 

 there has been but little opportunity for loss by Washing. The result of this 

 weathering has been a complete honeycombing or pocketing of the rock sur- 

 face. These holes or pockets vary in diameter from only a few inches to two 

 feet or more," aiid in depth from a few inches to 18 or 30 inches. It is in 

 these pockets that the soil has been formed. This consists, in the bottom of 

 the pockets, of a yellow or light brown clayey or putty-like material, spoken 

 of as marl, which is two or three inches or even more in depth. Under this 

 rests a very loose, soft, black, loamy material, mostly decayed vegetable matter, 

 six inches or more in depth. This surface material burns off, unless great 

 care be taken in clearing the land. 



Since the marl at the bottom of the pockets is always moist, it may be 

 due to that condition that pineapples succeed so well. The idea current is 

 that the marl itself is practically a fertilizer, and the main source of food 

 for the plants, but the productiveness of this soil is probably due to both the 



