CHAPTER VII. 



RECAPITULATION — NECESSITY OF REFORM IN THE METHODS EMPLOYED 

 FOR THE PRODUCTION OF SUGAR IMPORTANCE OF A WISE LE- 

 GISLATION WITH REGARD TO THE WELFARE OF THE WEST INDIAN 

 COLONIES — THEIR IMPORTANCE AS SUGAR PRODUCING COUNTRIES, 



In the foregoing pages I have principally discussed the 

 culture of the sugar cane, and the most profitable method 

 of conducting the agricultural operations of a sugar estate, 

 with a view to dimmish the cost of production, and to 

 increase the crops, by adopting such a system as may not 

 impoverish the soil, and also to obviate, in a great measure, 

 the losses occasionally sustained in seasons of drought. 



The remarks which I have made are not based upon 

 theoretical deductions, but are facts, the correctness of 

 which has been verified by experience, and will be 

 admitted by every one who is practically acquainted with 

 the matters under discussion. If these facts and conclu- 

 sions are duly recognised and acted upon, West Indian 

 Planters cannot fail to effect an immediate and salutary 

 change in their position and prospects. The proposed 

 improvements are not liable to the objection to which many 



