Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1899-05-27
AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES.
What Our New Possessions at the Anti podes
Produce and What They
Consume.

Washington, May ga report on
the Plant products of the Philippine
islands, just issued by the agricultural
department, is authority for the state
ment that the Philippines, although
an agricultural country, do not pro-
duce enough food for the consumption
of its inhabitants. In order to supply
the deficiency, it is the custom to draw
upon other rice-producing countries,
notably the French colony of Cochin
China. No explanation of this condi-
tion is offered, the report dealing ex-
clusively with the agricultural re-
sources OF the island as they now ex-
list.
The report was compiled by Mr..
Frank II. Hitchcock, chief OF the sec
tion of foreign markets, and issued by
| the division OF botany. 4 predatory
note explains that it has been issued
to meet popular demand for such in
formation, and says that the main
facts presented have been drawn from
report made by the French consul
at Manila. The report shows that of
the area of the Philippine islands, one
ninth, or about 100000 acres, is de-
voted to agriculture. Taking into ac-
count the natural fertility of the soil,
and the vast portion of these rich lands
not yet under cultivation, it can safely
be assumed, il adds, that with better
methods of exploitation the total ag-
ricultural production of the islands
could be increased to ten or fifteen
times the present amount.
One of the most important food prod
ucts of the islands is rice, which forms
the staple food not only of the native
population, but also of the numerous
Chinese inhabitants. More than 100
varieties are grown, and by planting
alternately an early and late variety
two crops "A year can be secured. The
ordinary price of rice in the husk is
from 60 TO 65 cents per bushel, while
shelled rice brings from so to 8,
cents. The annual production of thi:
commodity is about 36,00o,0o0 bushels
an amount far below the actual re
quirements of the population, ever
when supplemented by maize, swee
potatoes, bananas and other native
fruits and tubers. In some years th'
quantity of rice imported into Manil;
from Saigon has exceeded 100000
| Inc l1tn Of JIS
600.
. Maize, next TO rice. is the most i'm
portant of the grain products of th
Philippines, the report stating that il
several provinces it is the chief sub
sistence of the natives. Tuberou
roots also constitute a valuable sourc
c of food. Among these the sweet pota
to occupies first rank, with an annua
/ production Of about 0S,000,000 pounds
{ The common, or white potato, al
I though of an inferior quality, come
next in Importance. Then follows tn
camoteng-cahey, or maniho.
Fruits grow in great abundance
bananas heading the list, while othe
varieties are the mango, pineapple
tamarnd, orange, lemon, plums, brea
fruit and pawpaw.
Large quantities of sugar cane ar
grown, but owing to crude methods o
manufacture, the sugar made in th
Philippines is inferior in quality ant
consequently brings low price Abou
500 100000 pounds year are exported
exceeding in Importance all other eX
{ ports except those of Manila hemp, o
which nearly the entire crop is mar
! keted abroad. The average yearl.
shipments amount to nearly 10000
{ long tons.
Cotton has recently lost much of it
former importance, partly because o
| the excessive taxation, but principaii
. because of successful competition 0
=. British fabrics.
! Years ago indigo was one of tn
I principal products of the island, am
there are many other kinds of dy
plants grown.
. Coffee is grown successfully IN IN
Philippine archipelago, but the planta
tions are not nearly so well manage
as they might be. AS general rul
Philippine coffee is not of the hes
, quality.
: Tobacco grows to some extent i
, most of the islands of the archipelago
: Over 100,000,000 cigars are eNporte
= annually from Manila, and the shiT
y ments of leaf tobacco average abou
:. 20,400,000 pounds.
/ OF spices the Philippines furnish cir
t namon. nutmegs, pepper, ginger an
d marioram.
Medicinal plants are abundant, Du
:. nost of them are little known.
| ~