, 1888-06-20

should rank on a par with common Brazil,
or the lowest known qualities. The ex1
tensive planting of the Liberian variety
which appears to be going on in Jamaica
and other places, will most probably lead
to- disappointment the quality is so poor,
so deficient in strength and aroma, and so
little appreciated in the home markets,
that any material increase in the supply
must inevitably lead to a lower range OF
prices, which will fail to repay the outlay
The comparative statement OF the ship
ment, of oranges during the S~eptennateB
comforting, although the;remarks follow
ing, which point out the constant and
inevitable loss resulting to shippers and
to the reputation of Jamaica fruit from
want of cultivation and want OF care IN
picking and packing, makes us feel uneasy
about the future prospects OF this fruit.
The table shews that in 1887 a greater
quantity of fruit was shipped than in any
other year, except 1884. The humble IN
the latter year was 41,639, 300, and the
quantity in 1887 was 42,391,0O3. The
values, however, were higher in 1884
than in 1887, Notwithstanding the lncreas'
ed quantity shipped in the latter year.
The values are put at 1887, 30o,Ioo 14S'
3D., and 1884, G58,295 Is.
We trust our orange growers and ship"
pers will recognize the absolute necessity
of using their utmost care in the growth,
selection and packing of their fruit. Care
lessness in these essentials will inevitably
result in the loss of the trade entirely.
The figures showing the shipments OF
lines and limeiuice show nothing worthy
of special comment. With regard to
bananas, the expectation in 1887 was less
in value and in quantity than 1886. The
respective figures are el46,032, and
H166.17O difference of more than 100000.
The year in the ~Septennate in which the
greatest quantity of bananas was shipped
was 1884, when the value was El9l,972.
The value fell to G129,O0O in 1885, rose
in 1886, and fell again as shewn above IN
1887.
Shipments of cocoanuts shew a great
falling off, and in 1887 fewer were shipped
than in any year since 1881. The value III
1887 was only G8,998.
The value of pimentO shipped has rapid
ly declined from 1882 to the last year, the
figures in round numbers being, 1882,
Gl12, 900; 1888, 91O2,0OO; 1884, $4,000;
1886, g58, 1000; 1886, SAG, 900; 1887, G45,OOO.
Three pleasant features are nOtlceaOie
in these tables. First-The increased
value of the exports of cacaO; and next,
the value of the ground provisions, les
yams exported, which latter foot up to the
respectable sum of e15,978 lbs. 3D.. Third
-The increase in the value of the exports
of ginger, which has steadily risen from
el5iOO0 in 1881 to- e71,OOO in 1887. On
looking more closely at the table, we find
we were too quick in our congratulations,
for the figure 971,789 is probably a. mis-,
print, as we find that in 1886 1850 cwt OF
ginger was worth e20,69O while in 1887,
1921 cwts Of ginger is set down at a value
of ST., 789. There must be some mistake
here.
Attention is called in the Report to the
value of Essential Oils, SO much neglected
here, and to the prospect of supplying our
own wants in the matter of Tea from planta-
tiOns in the hills.
: There is a middle here, but as we do not know what
corrections are wanted to clear it, we leave the passage as