, 1913-03-01

making citrate OF lime are already IN exist
ence, and with the establishment of a third,
which is expected to take place in the near
future, there will come an increase in the
shipments of this valuable product.
A falling off has occurred in the export of
cacao, chiefly because of the preference
given by planters 10 the more hardy and
profitable lime nevertheless the growing of
cacao appears to be we'll suited TO the re-
quirements of peasant proprietors, and con-
siderable attention has been given to this
matter by the Agricultural Department.
Amongst those industries which are being
established are rubber and vanilla. The
cultivation of vanilla has received a fresh
impetus during the year under review, main
ly through the enterprise of an owner of q
private estate.
Another feature of the year is the discon-
t~indation of the system Of boarding pupils
at the Agricultural School and the transfer
of their work to the Botanic Gardens. Agri-
cultural and science instruction has also
been introduced into the Dominica Gram
mar School, and this will doubtless be val
liable in the agricultural interest of the
Presidency.
Turning now from these external matters
to the internal working of the Department,
it is seen that it's activities proceed along
several distinct lines; maintenance OF the
gardens, work in the nurseries,, plot expert
ments, work connected with insect and fun
gus pests and their control, special investi-
cations, extension Of interest IN agricultural
matters and agricultural instruction, are all
included in the Departments scheme and
activities.
Observations on some of the noteworthy
plants and trees III the Gardens occupy two
pages in the report, where reference is made,
amongst other matters, to the admirable
practice of planting palms and ornamental
plants in groups; attention is called to re-
cent introduction of two new Mexican fruit
trees from California, and to the establish
ment and distribution of mangosteen Trees.
1t is stated that, of the Indian trees estab-
lished in the Gardens, a number thrive with
great vigour. Several exotic mahogany
trees are also we'll established. AS the Hon
duras mahogany (SaoietenjM m~GcrOphylIa)
ie superior to the common West Indian ma
hogany (SaoietemiG Mohogonl), seedlings of
the former species will be available for distri-
button in due course.
The extent of the work in the Govern
ment nurseries will be comprehended by re-
ferring to the table giving the number of
Seeding plants sent out during the year.
The average annual distribution of late has
been 70, 900 plants, of which $4,000 are lime
seedlings, the remaining number being made
up of cacao, rubber and budded citrus. Ar
rangements are being made to raise an adj
ditional 10000 lime plants to meet the in
creased demand on the part of the planters.
It is rightly pointed out that this increase
of work in one section Can only be of b tenn
porary nature, and that the skill and energy
of the Botanical Department will in the flu
ture be required for, and devoted to q great
er extent, to the further development Of
other industries.
AS regards the importation of plants, re-
ference is made to the new varieties of In
dian mangoes that have been secured. Two
Mexican varieties of avocado pears have
been received, and amongst other matters it
is stated hat efforts will be made in the flu
ture to distribute the valuable japanese
persimmon (Diospyros ho6i).-
The account of the pot experiments at
the Botanic and Experiment Stations begins
with trials with green dressings, of which
the now w~ell-known IephroSj0 candida has
given best results, whereas the chick pea
(Gicer 0rietinum) has been shown to be uu-
suited to the conditions prevailing in Domi-
MICA. Following this information are notes
on spineless lines, and under the heading of
vanilla it is stated that expert knowledge in