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-the lecturers for the County Councils in England. This is a some- 

 what unfortunate statement, for it is pretty generally known that the 

 system pursued in England has been somewhat of a failure, whereas 

 the plan in Jamaica has been most successful. Without more detailed 

 criticism than this, it is impossible to do more than guess at the mean- 

 ing here of " systematic". Probably it means that a series of lectures 

 running through the fundamental principles of agricultural science 

 should be given in definite centres at stated times. This might an- 

 swer in countries that are more advanced in general education and 

 knowledge of agricultural practice. But our chief aim at present is to 

 reach the peasant class, who cannot read well enough to appreciate 

 printed matter, or who cannot get just the kind of information he re- 

 quires. 



He wants to know why his cocoa tree is not bearing as well as the 

 trees on the big estate close by ; why his trees are always covered with 

 moss, while his neighbour's are clean ; why some trees have died out 

 completely from the roots up ; how he can cure his cocoa, so as to get 

 the best price for it. The Instructor must go into the fields with the 

 people, he must see their cultivation, and point out what is wrong, and 

 how to improve ; he must talk over with the people their diflSculties, 

 do some work on the spot with their own land and their own plants, 

 that they may watch what difference the draining of the land or the 

 pruning of the trees makes in the crop, and in the general health of the 

 trees. This method is truly scientific and truly systematic. It is sup- 

 plemented by talks (a lecture, if the term is preferred) to larger audi- 

 ences in school-rooms wherever there is a good centre. These talks 

 also are much appreciated ; they last about an hour, and then for about 

 another hour or two, the Instructor is engaged in answering questions 

 put by his hearers. The questions are generally very much to the 

 point, and show a strong desire to learn, and to improve their practice. 



Our system with regard to choice of centres is to try to confer the 

 greatest good on the greatest number. In the first place our hands are 

 tied by want of money. Instructors wiU not travel round at their 

 own expense from philanthropic motives. Again I cannot detach men 

 from work which has a prior claim, and would fall through if left. 

 We want more men and money. With the limits imposed at present, 

 we cannot do anything on what may be called the missionary side 

 of agriculture, — going into new districts, and stirring up people to re- 

 cognise their agricultural sins. The Instructor is not sent to any dis- 

 trict, unless th^ people in large numbers desire it, and manifest their 

 wish by signing a petition to the Government. Even then, unfortu- 

 nately, we are not able always to comply with the request Some 

 choice must be made with our limited means, and as I have said, our 

 choice is determined by the principle of the greatest good for the 

 greatest number. 



If the method were adopted of giving a series of lectures at each 

 centre, I feel sure that the result would be failure. The people are 

 not accustomed to leave their work and walk miles day after day to 

 -listen to a lecturer. 



I have to thank the Clergy and others in various places for kind 

 help in arranging for Mr. Cradwick's visits. Whatever success we 



