41 
of this country, whose tropical interests, direct and 
indirect, are greater than those of any other nation 
in the world. 
In several countries steps have been taken to provide 
agricultural education for the natives. I do not propose 
to deal principally with this question, although refer- 
ence to it is necessary as the subject is intimately con- 
nected with the point to which I desire to direct special 
attention, which is the technical education of Europeans 
who are called to fill responsible agricultural positions 
in the tropics, whether as teachers of natives, officers 
of Government Departments of Agriculture, or super- 
visors, managers, or assistants on tropical estates. At 
the present time the education of men who are to fili 
these important positions is not definitely provided for, 
but is left to chance. In order to confine myself within 
the limits of a Presidential Address in a matter of the 
first importance which is to receive special consideration 
in meetings of this Congress, I shall confine my remarks 
chiefly to this question in its relation to the tropical 
possessions of Great Britain, and in doing this I wish 
to emphasize its great national importance. 
The agricultural development of British tropical 
countries has made remarkable strides during recent 
years. This progress is of especial interest, since 
it has been achieved in the main by the em- 
ployment of British capital, several hundred millions 
sterling being now invested in agricultural under- 
takings in the tropics. It has, moreover, led to a 
largely increased output from British sources of some 
of the most important raw materials of industry and 
commerce, of which it is sufficient to mention only 
cotton and other fibres, rubber, cocoa, and tea. Asa 
consequence of British initiative, the natives of the 
countries concerned have profited through increased 
trade and general prosperity, and also through the great 
need which has arisen for the employment of labour on 
a large scale, under satisfactory conditions and at rates 
of remuneration which show a steady increase. The 
native labourer is now fairly remunerated, well treated, 
and well provided for in matters of food and general 
sanitation. The native capitalist has been given every 
facility to embark on agricultural operations on modern 
