373 
This result might follow, but from the point of view of the 
general oeat no sound argument against the amalgamation can 
be based upon 
320. Coins untontion between the two islands should, as far as 
possible, be facilitated. If, as we have recommended a a cheap, and 
regular service of steamers : E ae, between Barbados and 
the southern islands, 5 y be arranged that Tobago shall 
participate in that bene 
321. It also appears dubie that a Botanie Station should be 
established at Tobago, subordinate to the Botanic Department at 
Trinidad, and having for its object the attainment of the same 
ends. 
v.—GRENADA. 
325. Grenada is the headquarters of the Government of the 
Wind ward group of Islands, which comprises also St. Lucia and 
St. Vincent. We arrived there from British Guiana on the evening 
of Sender the 7th of Fe mes! Ul nd held two sittings, during 
which we examined 20 witnesses, on the 9d and h of the 
month. We visited several estates of atypical character and left 
the island early on the morning of the 11th of February, during 
which day we visited Carriacou, which is one of the small islands 
called the Grenadines, lying between Grenada and St. Vincent. 
* x% * * * * 
327. The production of sugar for export pae srana ceased. 
So far back as the year 1882 the value of the sugar exported was 
only 20,0007. At the present time the sugar cane is E to a 
place of sugar has been taken by cocoa, the value of the exports 
of which in 1893 amounted to 281,0047. For a Miner of years 
the island was decidedly prosperous, owing to the high price of 
cocoa. But the price of cocoa fell in 1895 and 1896, and at the 
time of our visit to the island there was a considerable amount of 
depression. 'The value of the exports of cocoa in 1894 was 
168,0007., and in 1895, 138,0007. Besides cocoa the ied exports 
nutmegs, cotton, and other products of minor importanc 
333. Our attention ie called to the rate of growth of the publie 
expenditure, which was said to be excessive. "The rate of growth 
has certainly been ra id, the total expenditure having risen from 
42,8951. in 1882 to 60, 3891. in 1896. Of the increase 5,1887. is due 
3851. 
account of the publie debt, which now amounts to 101,123/., 
having been incurred mainly for the construction of roads, bridges, 
and waterworks. 
24. There was a deficit on general revenue account of 1,1837. 
at the close of 1896, whilst among the assets of the Colonial 
Government there were included arrears of contributions due 
the other West India islands, are dni ch and at a period of 
i eec such as that through which the Colony is now dis 
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