The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-09-18
Cotton Culture In Jamaica.

The New York Ecening Post publishes the
following letter, received by the Empire City,
which, it says, reflects apparently the senti-
ment of the whole island
sKINasTos, JAMAICA, Aug. %, 1850.
al write chiefly to give you the earliest informa
ton about the cotton movement here. We have
had an important meeting this week, at which the
chief justice presided, for the purpose OF establish
ing small experimental company for the growth
Of cotton On the day of this meeting, we had the
delight Of intelligence from Manchester, in Eng
land, that company had been established there
for the cultivation of cotton in this island. We are
now becoming all much excited, and there can De
no doubt that before six months pass there VIII be
expectation TO England OF some considerable
amount. There several hundreds Of acres now
in cultivation, and il is extending every day. The
specimens already forwarded are highly esteemed
Estates and lands of all kinds INT for cotton nave
been depressed exceedingly in value, but now they
must rise, and he may consider himself fortunate
man who obtains possession of property here, at
the present low prices What line opening TINS
island now presents to men OF delicate health In
America, who are dependant for comfort and exist
ence a mild climate, to make 1t their place oil
general residence, and there ID field for enterprise
and exertion. They could easily do 30 without
involving the abandonment OF their country, as
the distance is only SIX days OF pleasant steam nav
igation.
81 pray you caution those who feel interested
about island, against the fear of not being able
to find labor for their enterprises There 10 no diff
1t ID not very effective, but then it is not very dear
Were any considerable number of your black and
brown population to transport themselves to this
place, how warm would be the welcome every
side. We greatly desire them, not so much as Ia
borcrs but as settlers The land ID cheap fruitful,
and varied in its productions; and the markets at
ford highly remuneraung prices Good American
pork breeders and butchers and curers, could
make much money here. Pork sells in our markets
at from twelve to eighteen cents per pound. am
hopeful that we may have many visiters this au-
s.
health, and of good and pleasant field for agrcul
tural enterprise"
In connection with the foregoing letter, we pub
lish the following extract from an article in the
ITeiacOny, Jamaica paper Of considerable lniiu-
enCe:
ga few weeks ago We rode round field of some
thirty of cotton, in company with two other
gentlemen of this town, and the gentleman in
charge of the plantation stated that the pcasantry
appeared to like the description of labor required
for its cultivation The plants looked healthy, and
1t may not prove unnercsting to our readers II we
give an account of its preparation and progress
The field was ruinate land, with logwood growing
upon it. Eighteen acres were cleared, digged,
and planted in two weeks, which ended on the 10Th
May last. The plant did not make its appearance
above ground until the sixth day after being
planted.
"There was no rain until the Doth May and the
growth of the plant, after the first shower, was
rapid Almost every seed took, four being planted
in each hole. The cotton first blossomed on the
25th June, the plants being about nine inches high
the piece was thinned in the latter end of June.
The cotton planted i'll rows OF six feet apart,
and the holes dug twelve inches square, five feet
apart from each other. The planting of the re-
naming twelve was finished on the 25th
June; these came up three days after being plant
ed, having had the advantage of a good shower
Immediately after the seed had been put into the
earth. The pods of the first plants were formed on
the LIST July, and by the 9th of the same month
as large eggs. We are informed that the
gentleman who has this plantation intends having
the cultivation extended TO about one hundred
acres; and from all the information have
gathered on this important question, we anticipate
the happcst results