anl 
peanon, capable of dealing with all questions connected with 
economic plants suitable for growth in tropical countries, and we 
recommend the establishment of such a department, under which 
should be placed the various botanic stations already in existence, 
hese tae should be enlarged in their scope and character, 
and be organised on the lines found so successful in MW In 
the latter Colany it is admitted that intelligent and progressive 
action in the direction of encouraging a diversity u industries 
has produced most satisfactory results. To-achieve this result has 
however, taken more than 20 years of persistent effort, and the 
Government has spent more than 100, rs aa that period on 
its botanical establishments. The depa nt has distributed 
seeds and plants at nhia prices by means ot the dep office, 
Government e iiri and coastal steam. serv it has supplied 
mergi orally, or by means of bulletins, depict the culti- 
vation of economic plants, and has encouraged the careful prepa- 
ation of the produce by sending agricultural instructors on tour 
through the Island to give lectures, demonstrations, and advice. 
122. The Din department recommended for carrying on 
similar work in the Windward and Leeward Islands should be 
under the abire of a competent Imperial officer, whose duty it 
would be to advise the Governors in regard to all matters 
affecting the agricultural development of the islands. He would 
take part in consultations with the object of improving agri- 
cultural teaching in colleges and schools, and of training students 
in agricultural pursuits, and would attend to the preparation of 
suitable literature on agricultural subjects. The existing botanic 
stations should be placed under his supervision, and the charge of 
tanic 
experimental caltivation of new plants to serve as an object 
lesson to cultivators, and it would be prepared to give the latest 
information to inquirers regarding economie products, and to 
provide suitable men as agricultural instructors. To effect al 
this will require funds entirely beyond the present resources of 
the smaller islands. We are, therefore, of opinion that as the 
necessity for such a depa visu is urgent, the eost should be 
borne by the Imperial Excheque 
123. The promising Rete work connected with raising 
new varieties of canes, and increasing the production of sugar by 
the use of manures and other means should receive special 
attention. "The cost of some of this work would be a legitimate 
extended, if found desirable, in "Trinidad and Jamaica. In 
addition, the botanic stations in the Leeward and Windw 
Islands, would maintain nurseries for the introduction of all new 
and promising canes, and would undertake the nemorum "m 
: : y 
