46 
thoroughly well equipped central college which shall 
serve the needs of those countries for which at the 
present time there is the greatest demand for trained 
agriculturists. The tropical countries of the British 
Empire are, however, scattered, and differ much in their 
agricultural conditions and needs. It is therefore to be 
anticipated that the successful establishment of one 
college will be rapidly followed by others in different 
countries. It can hardly be questioned that, all things 
considered, the area now called the Middle East has 
the first and best claim to be the site of such an institu- 
tion, and that Ceylon is the country best adapted for the 
purpose. Ceylon is already the centre of a large 
agricultural community, both native and European. 
Openings for well-trained men are numerous and well 
paid, whilst the general conditions of agricultural prac- 
tice resemble those of the Straits Settlements and Malay 
States and Southern India, and also afford a satisfactory 
training ground for the agriculturist in tropical Africa. 
Ceylon has a variety of climates, and offers illustrations 
of the growth of a variety of crops. In particular it is 
a great centre of agricultural production, and occupies 
a leading position in the tea and rubber production of 
the world. In addition to presenting a satisfactory 
climate and a healthy environment for young Europeans, 
it is within comparatively easy reach of home. It con- 
tains at Peradeniya tropical gardens with specimens of 
the most important tropical plants of the world, and is 
now provided with a Government Agricultural Depart- 
ment, with a staff of botanical, chemical and entomo- 
logical experts who would be able to render important 
service to such a college as is proposed. Without in 
any way desiring to underrate the importance of estab- 
lishing a similar college in the West Indies or in other 
parts of the tropics, there is, I think, general agreement 
that Ceylon is the colony best adapted in every respect 
for the establishment of the first College of Tropical 
Agriculture which will efficiently serve at least the 
needs of the whole of the Middle East and of Eastern 
and Central Africa. 
The Government of Ceylon is understood to be 
favourable to the proposal, and the Secretary of State 
for the Colonies has declared his interest in and sym- 
