346 
ful cultivation and a complete change to modern methods of 
manufacture. Just which of these limits will be more nearly 
approached can not be foretold, since it depends almost en- 
tirely upon the extent to which new methods shall be sub- 
stituted for old.” 
There are comparisons of Negros soils and canes with 
those of other countries, including Hawaii. Mention is made 
of the exaggeration of the Hawaiian sugar yield by many in- 
exact persons, and a reason for this is given in the fact that 
the highest yields are near Honolulu — consequently the most 
observed by travelers — and on irrigated and intensively cul- 
tivated land. 
The length of time during which the cane is allowed to re- 
main in the ground in Negros varies from nine to fourteen 
months, and will probably average between eleven and 
twelve. (In Hawaii it is from eighteen to twenty-four 
months.) The cost of producing sugar in Negros and mar- 
keting it at Iloilo, including 10 per cent, interest on capital 
when borrowed, is placed at an average of 4.15 pesos per 
picul, or 65.61 pesos (about $32.80) per metric ton. 
That both cultivation and manufacture are far behind those 
in Hawaii is evident, animal power supplied by the carabao 
for both processes being largely employed. Yet one of the 
pictures at the end of the book shows a traction engine draw- 
ing two disc plows, which is certainly an indication of 
progress. Although Hawaii is now drawing labor from the 
Philippines, “complaint is universal” in Negros, Mr. Walker 
says, “over the difficulty of obtaining a sufficiency of labor.” 
Labor is paid for at an average rate of 25 centavos, Philip- 
pine currency, per day, with rations furnishejl by the haci- 
enda, and costing about 15 centavos extra per man each day. 
As each small planter has his own mill, an excessive number 
of laborers is required in the few months of the milling 
season. Hence the planter who can not afford to keep on 
his plantation for the entire year men needed only in the 
grinding season is forced at that season to arrange with labor 
contractors for extra men, and as an additional inducement 
to advance 10 to 25 pesos for each man desired. Breaches 
of faith by contractors are frequent and sometimes, out of 
twenty or thirty men reporting for work and receiving a 
month’s wages in advance, half the number will have escaped 
within a week. Several planters have informed Mr. W alker 
that they annually lose more money in this way than through 
all other causes combined. Year by year, it is complained, 
as men find out that they can break contracts and go unpun- 
ished, the practice is becoming more prevalent. 
This latest description of the Philippine sugar industry may 
be ordered from the business manager, Philippine Journal of 
Science, Manila, P. I., or the Macmillan Company, 64-66 
Fifth avenue. New York. Its price is $1.25. 
