22 



Conclusion. 



In advocating the cultivation of this valuable fibre-pro- 

 ducing plant, I feel confident that there is a great future for it, 

 as the growing demand for this class of fibre is considerable. 

 Binder twine alone would justify it being taken up in this 

 State. But every care should be exercised in entering upon 

 this industry, and none but the right class of plants secured, 

 as a mistake in this respect would seriously retard its develop- 

 ment. 



Large tracts of suitable land are available for this pur- 

 pose, and beyond preparing, fencing, and planting, nothing 

 further is needed, except an occasional stirring of the soil. 

 Many of our capitalists, no doubt, would be prepared to take up 

 this matter, if encouraged by some special condition by way of 

 securing land for the purpose. The inquiries for information 

 concerning this matter lead me to believe that something will 

 be done in the way of planting before long, and it would be a 

 mistake to neglect the best advice and assistance available." 



CURCUMA LONGA, LINN. " TURMERIC." 



It has frequently occurred to me that for small farmers 

 the cultivation of this plant might prove profitable, especially 

 so as there must now be a large quantity of it used in the 

 colony. I therefore take the liberty of inserting an article on 

 this plant which appeared in the Jamaica Bulletin of July, 

 1906. 



Turmeric is extensively cultivated all over India for its 

 root-stocks, and is now found more or less wild in Jamaica, 

 especially in the western districts. It is the well known 

 " haldi " universally used as a condiment with curry-stuffs and 

 also as a dye, and is one of the most profitable of crops in 

 India. The dye-yielding rhizome is harder and much richer in 

 colour than the edible. 



Cultivation. 



The preparation of the soil necessary for turmeric is 

 similar to that of ginger, but land intended for turmeric need 

 not be worked so fine. The usual planting time in India is 

 about the 20th May. The plants spring up in about a fort- 

 night. One or two weedings are necessary, and care must be 

 taken that the fields are not inundated. After about a year 

 aDd nine months turmeric is lifted. When it is raised the 

 first year, as is the practice in some places, the produce is less 

 in quantity and inferior in quality. 



