5 
1,031 to the square mile, it is well adapted to carry on the careful and 
systematic cultivation of an plant suited to its soil and climate. 
Tobacco, fibres, wroot. "aise i are subjects receiving attention on a 
small scale, but nearly the ‘whole of the land under gedit ily is ee 
to sugar-cane, and to growing sweet potatoes, the latter as an 
mediary crop. What the future of Barbados will be, if it is oegatied 
to relinquish sugar cultivation, it is difficult to see. The people are, 
however, so industrious and PARAE and food is so comparatively 
prospect of su 
Tobago ERSS what is known as the metayer system, in which the 
labour on sugar estates is supplied on condition of the peasants receiving 
the use of the land and of the mill for grinding, the owner receiving in 
return a certain fixed portion of the produce. Under such circum- 
stances the cultivation is usually very poor and the system would appear 
not 2 be adapted to any other produce than sugar. As shown in the 
table on page 3, it is evident that within the area of 114 square miles 
at Tote, free "from hurricanes and destructive Sar there must 
wy favourable openings for the prosecution of small in ndustries ; m 
ginger, an adac most tropical products are capable of vik added 
to the productions of an island which should be no less prosperous than 
the neighbouring islands of Grenada and Trinidad. 
After thus briefly reviewing the ae characteristics of the 
Colonies included in the West Indian group, it is important to notice 
that with the exception of two islands, viz., Antigu ua and Barbados, it 
is estimated that one-half of the actual surface is better adapted for some 
other cultivation than that of the sugar-cane. This fact is an impor- 
tanit one as bearing upon the possibility of embarking upon what are 
own as “ minor Wastes” and it is evident that by too close an 
adhesion to the purely sugar-growing habits and methods, the people 
act injuriously to their best interests and neglect the numerous resources 
at their command. 
Tn an nore contributed to Nature by Mr. D. print: vol, XXXV. 
No. me PP. 248-250 EFR 13, 1887) it is pointed ou 
“Tn purely sugar is h as Barbados and eens permanent 
t im ovement is to fa sou hti in more economic and improved systems 
“ St. Lucia, British Guiana, and in the French island of Martinique ; 
“ and it is proved beyond question that where the manufacture of sugar 
is treated 
“ ters are therefore recommended to confine themselves as much as 
“ possible to the purely cultural operations of a sugar estate Under 
“ such a division of labour ther oe w o aoe follow a more careful trial of 
“ different var ieties of the sugar e, ad to = different soils, a 
. sAN richne tana Trinidad, and Jamaica, there are 
“ alr rnment analytical chemists who are qualified to give 
“ valuable information lanters as regards soils and manures; an 
st iB avie that muc ay beg pa from a larger ulilisation = 
he w to sugar cultivation, both in 
x ara! of the individual iad of ga general community. 
