The Sun.
London, England, 1863-09-03 00:00:00

Cotton Supply Association,

At the usual weekly meeting of the Executive
Committee held on Tuesday a letter was read from
Havannab, stating that the writer, after travelling
in the United States and America for the purpose
of making himself acquainted with the progress of
agriculture, determined on his return to enter on
the cultivation of cotton, and to prove that free
labour might be introduced with great advantage to
the country. He has planted about 100 acres, ocm-
prising the different varieties of soil in order to de-
termine which is mast suitable, the plants are bear-
ing luxuriantly, having an average of 60 pods on
each stalk, and promising to produce on an average
150 pos each. Previous planters affirm that the
first year does not pay, but the plant being peren-
nial the second year yields good interest for the
money expended.

A letter was rEceived respecting cotton cultivation
in Grenada, West Indies,
and reporting that
formerly cotton was largely
grown in the island, as
is still the case in some of the small islands of the
Grenadian group. Several estates are available for
the cultivation. A. letter was received requesting
Sea Island seed for Trinidad, and reporting that
cotton grown from seed supplied by the Association
has been valued in Liverpool at 43. per lb.
A letter from Tortola enclosing a small sample of
cotton stated that the cultivation has extended
greatly in that and adjacent islands, but as hitherto
there has been no direct opportunity of shipping to
England the crop has been sold in St. Thomas's for
the American states. Facilities are, however, now
afforded for shipping to Liverpool direct, by the
establishment of steamers between that port and
St. Thomas's, and this, it is expected, will still
further stimulate the production of cotton.
A letter was read from the Haytian Minister in
London, stating that his Government is doing every
thing possible, by the offer of prizes and otherwise,
to extend the cultivation of cotton in Hayti.
A letter was read from the honorary agents of
the Association at Calcutta, stating that the new
crop is reported to be considerably in excess of
previous seasons, and that though the quality of
cotton as yet come forward is not above the average
a large quantity of superior quality is said to be on
the way to market. The use of New Orleans seed
is extending; Dr. Bonavia of Lucknow, who is
tending to the committee some beautiful specimens
of cotton, is desirous of sowing 200 acres in the
Oude district.

Letters were read from Buenos Ayres advising
the shipment of eight bags of cotton of Entre Rios,
and stating that a quantity of Sea Island and
Georgian Seed has been presented to the Argentine
Government with a view to extend the cultivation
in the Republic. An honorary member of the asso-
ciation, who is indefatigable in his efforts, adds—
" The advantages of cotton planting are so manifest
that I am convinced the natives only require a little
good example and encouragement, which I am re-
solved to lend them to the best of my power."
A letter was read from Corrientes, River Plate,
stating that the cotton question has excited there
the warmest interest, and that it was proposed to
form a Cotton Plantation Company, the Government
of the State being at the head of the project. The
climate and soil are most favourable and the native
quality is expected to rival the New Orleans and
Mobile varieties. The planting is between August
and October and the crop
is gathered after January.
From the number of persons establishing plantations
the next crop
may be estimated at 2,500 " paks."
A letter was read from the CommendatoreDevin-
cenzi, Turin, announcing that the Royal Italian
Commission,
of which he is President, has decided
to hold an Exhibition of Italian grown cotton, and
also of gins, presses, ploughs, and other cotton ag-
ricultural implements of which English and other
foreign manufacturers are invited to become exhi-
bitors. The Exhibition will beheld during the month
of January
next, and will, it is expected, greatly
stimulate the growth of cotton in Italy.
With respect to the Calcutta Agricultural Exhi-
bition, to be held in January next, the honorary
agents of the Association at Calcutta, Messrs. Mosley
and Hurst have generously offered to receive and
superintend the exhibition of gins, presses, ploughs,
and other implements, free of all charges beyond
actual disbursements. Makers who intend to exhibit
may see a list of prizes at the rooms of the Associa-
tion, and obtain any information they require.