CONTENTS. 



INTRODUCTION. 



The present Condition of the West India Colonies, and the Events 

 which have led to it, . 



PART I. 



ON THE CULTIVATION OF THE SUGAR CANE. 



Chapter I. —A Description of the Methods of Cultivation usually 

 practised in the West Indies, 



Chapter II.— On the Necessity of adopting a System of Cultiva- 

 tion and Manufacture based on a Knowledge of the Nature of 

 the Plant and its Product, with a short description of the 

 Anatomy and Physiology of the Cane, 



Chapter III.— The Method of Cultivation best adapted to the 

 West Indies, deduced from the results of successful Practice in 

 various Islands— Refutation of the Arguments advanced against 

 it by the Advocates of the Expensive and Inefficient System 

 usually practised, 



Chapter IV.— On the Planting of Canes— various Methods of 

 Setting the Plants— advantages of Wide Planting, . 



Chapter V.— Importance of returning the Megass to the Soil— 

 the injurious Effects of severe Drought obviated by covering the 

 Soil— Ratooning— proper Season for Planting, 



Chapter VX —On Stock and Implements of Agriculture, . 



Chapter VII. — Recapitulation — Necessity of Reform in the 

 Methods employed for the production of Sugar— Importance of 

 a wise Legislation with regard to the welfare of the West Indian 

 Colonies— Their importance as Sugar producing Countries, 



