Adresboek van Suriname 1911

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Colony of Surinam.

Area, situation and boundaries.

Surinam, also called Dutch Guiana, lies on the Northern Coast of South-America.

It is bounded on the North by the Atlantic Ocean, on the East by the Maroni (Marowijne) River which separates it from French Guiana, on the West by the Corantyn River separating it from British Guiana and on the South by the Tumac-Humac Range which separates it from Brazil.

The actual boundaries of the Southern parts of the Colony have not yet been definitely determined, the upper courses of the Rivers and the Course of the Estuary referred to above, being not sufficiently known yet. Only the Northern boundary which is formed by the Atlantic Ocean may be considered as having been fixed.

As the boundaries are uncertain, the exact area of the Colony cannot be ascertained though it may be taken to be about 129100 square Kilometers, i.e. almost 4 times greater than that of the Netherlands. If the boundary - disputes be settled in favour of the Netherlands, this Colony should boast of an area of about 150.000 square Kilometers.

Surinam lies between Lat: 2 and 6 N. and Coastline between Longitude 54° and 58° W. As the population is confined to a ferd places on the Coast here and there on some of the principal Rivers, the greater part of the Colony may be considered waste. The cultivated area being less than 244 square Kilometers = 50.000 acres.

The Northern alluvial belt extending some 50 Kilometers inland is almost flat. A very large portion of this consists of morasses thickly wooded in which treeless

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swamps are also found covered with grass and briers. The Plantations and the small Agricultural holdings ly like oases in the wilderness with wooded morasses. Beyond this is a belt or zone of about 15 Kilometers of the so-called Savannah-land, consisting of foundless sandy plains which occupy many hours walk and on wihch few trees grow though covered with high grass and scrub. Farther inland follows the high land or third zone where many of the rivers take their rise and flow towards the Coast, forming as it were the only means of access to the interior. This highland is almost entirely covered with primeval forests. Only in recent years, particulary from 1901, have people penetrated in a systematic way into the interior with the object of exploring and mapping the Country. The inaccessibility of these primeval forests, the extreme difficulty of navigating the middle- and uppercourses of the Rivers, in which numerous Rocks, Cliffs, Rapids and Cataracts occur, and the Climate of the interior which has sometimes proved fatal to Europeans have all contributed to greatly impede these researches, the more so since little or on aid can be obtained from the roving, semi-barbarous Aborigines of the sparsely inhabited forests, so that the expeditions have to be undertaken with the assistances of the Bushnegroes most of whom are living along the middle Courses of the Rivers and are often reluctant to grant their aid for the purpose. In spite of all these obstacles, a large portion of the vast interior has become more widely known; such at least is the case with the chief-rivers taken from East to West, viz: the Marowijne, Suriname, Saramacca and Nickerie Rivers and their Sources. Concerning the County to the East of the Corantijn River forming the Western boundary, little is known as yet.

The direction of the chiefmountainranges and the height of the most visible peaks are now known. From the Tumac-Humac mountains running East and West towards the South, with tops of a height of 700 Meters, two chains separate themselves in a North-Easterly direction, whilst the Central ridge on the Coppename is also seen West. The most Western part, the source of the Corantijn, has not yet been traced.

The highland of Surinam is not volcanic; it is for the greater part composed of granite and gneiss.

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The whole of the higher and probably fertile interior is still waste and practically uninhabited and awaits only enterprising spirits to develop it.

Of still greater importance for cultivation is the low lying land where the Plantations on the Coast and along the Rivers are protected by dykes against the daily flood, and the so called backdams against inundation by swamp-water in the rainy season. All these show that the preparing of the land must have been an arduous task in the beginning.

About the middle of the 18th century there were on the Coast-land, especially along the Suriname, Commewijne and Cottica Rivers many Plantations on which Sugar, Coffee, Cotton and afterwards Cocoa were grown. This was the prosperous period of slavery, the time of the Campaigns against the runaway slaves (Maroons) who were escaping into the forests and from whom the present Bushnegroes are descended, the time when large fortunes were made in Surinam.

So long as slaves were introduced from Africa to make good the loss of labourers caused bij their escape or otherwise, the Plantations did well, and Sugar, Coffee and Cotton exported extensively. Cocoa, Tobacco and Indigo were also grown, and a large quantity of Timbre and fancy wood squared and dressed. When however the importation of slaves was stopped, many of the Plantations gradually went out of cultivation and eventually reverted to bush.

In 1800 there were still 641 Plantations in cultivation; in 1850 the number fell to 278. In 1863 it grew considerable less when a Proclamation had put an end to slavery and the Plantation-labourers were left to themselves in 1873 after the abolition of the State supervision which compelled them to continue to work under indenture on the Plantations.

The attempts made in 1845 to encourage European farmers to settle in the Colony was not a success; though some 270 of their descendants are now settled as farmers in the neighbourhood of Paramaribo.

The state of things improved gradually; to some of the former slaves, small plots of land were granted which they might cultivate on their own account. This measure having proved successful, it was extended

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to negro and coloured labourers as well, so that along the Saramacca and Nickerie Rivers and later in other parts, settlements were established and parts of the abandoned Plantations recultivated.

The revival, too, of the large Plantations under the management of Europeans had been contemplated.

Immigration, first of British Indians and afterwards, (from 1890) of Javanese, enabled the Plantations still in cultivation to obtain labourers.

The cane cultivation hairing proved improfitable owing chiefly to the reduced prices of sugar. Cocoa became the leading product, whilst the cultivation of coffee was continued.

Thus from 1873 the Colony was enabled to regain the Agricultural position it formerly enjoyed. Besides this, many of the Immigrants, especially the British Indians, have remained in the Colony after the expiration of their contract and secured from the Government free of cost, like the former negro- and coloured labourers, small plots of land which they cultivate on their own account rendering there by the coast-land to be opened up and repopulated.

Thanks to Immigration, the population has increased by ± 35 procents. These results are satisfactory considering that it is only within the last ten years that serious attempts are made to encourage the immigrants to settle in the Colony after the expiration of their contracts.

Whilst reflecting on the aforegoing we may hope that Surinam is nearing a more prosperous era. What this Colony particularly needs is an industrious population; the country itself is rich and fertile.

Voyage to and from Surinam and travelling within the Colony.

About half a century ago the voyage to the West-Indies was made in sailing vessels and later in some of the French Mailboats. In the last few years, however, there has been a direct and regular fortnightly service between Amsterdam and Paramaribo. The Royal Dutch West-India Mail Steamers which are well accomodated leave Amsterdam every fortnight (on a Friday) for Paramaribo the

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voyage lasting 16 to 18 days. The fortnightly mail steamers sail from Paramaribo via Demerara, Trinidad, Venezuela to Curaçao and from thence via Haïti to New-York. From thence to Paramaribo the voyage takes 42 days during which time the passengers have ample opportunity to view a great deal of the West-Indies. The return voyage from Paramaribo to the Netherlands takes place via Hâvre where the passengers are at liberty to disembark and proceed to their destination over land.

Tha Royal Dutch W.I. Mail st. packet Coy. has a short time ago Commissioned four other large and well accomodated steamers which trade weekly between Paramaribo and New-York via Barbados, Trinidad and which have been specially fitted for the speedy transport of ‘Bananas’ to the U.S. market.

Communication with Europe is also maintained by the boats of the ‘Compagnie Générale Transatlantique’ whose boats call at this Port en route to Cayenne once a month. On their homeward voyage they again touch Paramaribo en route for Demerara, Trinidad and st. Nazaire.

A fortnightly communication is kept with the sister Colony Demerara by the steamers of Messrs. Sprostons Ltd. of Demerara. These vessels call at Cayenne via Paramaribo once a month.

The boats of ‘The East Asiatic Coy Ltd.’ of Copenhagen trade once a month between Paramaribo and the Danish Antilles.

As to travelling within the Colony, this usually takes place by water through wants of other ways of communication.

Govt. steamers take passengers from Paramaribo to Coronie, Nickerie and Albina within 10, 14 en 11 hours respectively. In order to secure a regular Communication with the Plantations, a steamer goes every day up to the Commewijne River to a point just beyond the former Military outpost Sommelsdijk, returning in the afternoon. Communication with the Plantations beyond ‘Sommelsdijk’ on the Upper Commewijne and Cottica Rivers.

A Govt. steamer goes up the Upper-Suriname River thrice a week and the Saramacca River twice a week.

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Some private steamers and Motorboats are also made to navigate the Suriname, Commewijne and Cottica Rivers occasionally.

In 1904 the construction of a Railway from Paramaribo to the interior between the Saramacca and Suriname Rivers was commenced. Up to October 29 1910 a line covering 163 Kilometers (100 miles) was completed which is since being worked. It was then resolved to extend the line in the same direction as far as ‘Dam’ a point beyond the falls of the Saracreek. It may be said here that the inhabitants of Paramaribo are not much benefited by the Railway. It are chiefly the golddiggers and balatableeders going into the interior and the petty agriculturists who, settled along the Railway up to a distance of about 40 Kilometers (25 miles) from Paramaribo almost directly after its opening, make a frequent use of the line.

‘Lelydorp’ (a prosperous settlement) which is at a distance of about 16 Kilometers (10 miles) from the Capital was also established directly after the opening of the line.

Surinam has only a few roads outside of Paramaribo; hence all inland transport takes place over the many navigable. Rivers along which the people are settled. This transport is effected by means of steamers, tent-boats and canoes. Formerly travellers were in the habit of using heavy tent-boats rowed by some 6 slaves; they were however, entirely dependent on the tides.

The footpaths which lead into the interior have disappeared since the campaigns against the Maroons ceased.

Climate.

Surinam lies in the torried zone between Lat. 2 and 6 N. It is hot consequently though the abundant rains, the fresh breezes, the light garments and daily bathing make the heat tolerable for Europeans as well, especially so as work is suspended during the hottest hours of the day. The morning hours particularly are fairly cool and after sun set a genial temporature sets in. At night it would be so cool at times that a light blanket is often an expedient.

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In a country so close to the Equator, day and night are of nearly equal duration and there is very little twilight. The temperature at 8 a.m. averages 25.3°, at 2 pm. 29.1°, and at 9 p.m. 25.9° C. The daily temperature-deviations are, consequently not great, as a rule, though the thermometer would rise to 36° C. and fall again to 22C. If we, therefore, do not exactly know the division of the seasons in Surinam and the corresponding important temperature-deviations, we may put the changes of the seasons to be four, the specification of which fully characterizes them. About the middle of February we have the short dry season up to the middle of April; the long wet season, about the middle of August; the long dry season to the middle of November; the short wet season, which latter season is considered as being most suited for the acclamatization of Europeans, not long in the colony. The coolest and most pleasant season, however, is the short dry season.

During the long rainy season heavy rains fall, which cause the Rivers to overflow their banks flooding the low-lying lands. The yearly rainfall in 209 days amounts to over 2300 Mm. (90 inches); i.e. more than thrice that of the Netherlands. Deep and rolling thunder then announces the progress of the dry season, the Rivers retreat to their beds and the stream in its lower course becomes dependant on the tide. Winds from S. East to N. East occur frequently; western winds are very rare and last a few hours only. Hurricanes such as are experienced in the Antilles are unknown in Surinam.

The Northern Coast-land is salubrious; the savannah region less so; and as to the woody interior, experience has taught that only descendants of the former plantation-slaves (bush-negroes) are able to withstand the fever prevailing in that part. In the Northern portion of the Colony, melariae fever prevails now and then after the long rainy season in August and September though generally in a milder form. We may, therefore, hold that the climate of the inhabited part of Surinam is, upon the whole, healthful for Europeans as well if they only lead a regular and sober life and take the necessary exercise. However it cannot be denied that the high temperature, much brainwork in a tropical climate and the

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monotony of daily life excercise on many and exhaustive influence both physically and mentally, so that after a some what lengthy residence in the Colony a trip to the temperate zone on vacationleave is commendable in order to recover the requisite strength.

Population.

The rather mixed population of Surinam is constituted as follows:

Indians (red Indians) descend from several tribes, especially the Arowaks and the Caribis. These Aborigines are the primitive inhabitants of this Colony. They are, except the Caribis, submissive and unasuming and ingenious. Excessive use of ardent spirits is the princi pal cause of their decline and increasing mortality. There are still about 1600 of them in the Colony, most in the interior, but also in the Savannahs and the coast-region. They generally shrink from social intercourse. The care over them, on the part of the Government, is restricted to the occasional distribution among them of some trifling presents.

Bushnegroes, descendants of African people, were introduced about the end of the 17th century from the Gold-Coast, Congo and Sudan to replace the red Indians who proved either weak or unwilling for plantation labour.

About 300.000 slaves are estimated to have been thus introduced, many of whom died, whilst other reluctant to regular work escaped their masters and settled in the forests. The frequent expeditions against these runaways having failed, they were left alone. They are boisterous and ingenious. Their love for cleanliness is much praised though many of their customs are still not in concord with hygiène.

They generally live in the interior among their Chiefs, some of whom enjoy an annual allowance and at times receive marks of distinction from the Government.

They are also met with in the Coast-land on the Cottica River. They are of great use in transporting goods to the gold fields over the middle and upper courses of the Rivers. Their number is estimated at about 8000.

The Chinese, introduced in 1858 and 1865, amount

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to about 1050, most of whom are shopkeepers and linenwashers.

British Indians were introduced as indentured labourers as far back as 1873 to supply the great need of labourers on the Plantations after the abolition of slavery. Many of them (about 20000) have, after the expiration of their 5 year indenture, settled in the colony as petty Agriculturists, mechanics and artisans. About 5900 are still employed as indentured labourers. They are hardworking and thrifty, quiet and law-abiding people. They are British subjects.

Javanese also came to this colony as indentured labourers for the Plantations. In the beginning of 1910 there were over 5500 employed; nearly 3400 of them have settled here.

They are also law-abiding people (Dutch subjects), but less industrious and thrifty than the British Indians.

It is intended to encourage the emigration of more Javanese to this colony.

The whites, about 2000, including 1000 Hollanders and other Europeans and Americans and a small number of their descendants constitute an ever changing population. The others are the offsprings of Israelites who settled in the colony many years since. The Whites hold important offices here, most of them being Govern. officials, officers, merchants, Plantation-Owners, etc.

Of the Colonists, descendants of the Dutch farmers who came to this colony in 1845, there are still some 270 of them in Snrinam engaged in dairy farming and stock-breeding.

Coloured people, some 50.000, originate from an intermixture of the whites with the negroes or the aboriginal Indians or of the latter with the negroes. In proportion as their origin goes, they are called Mulattoes, Mestizes, Samboes or Cobs etc. This category also includes the nummerou s so called town-negroes (to distinguish them from the Bushnegroes) who live at Paramaribo and in other quarters.

The total population of Surinam is less than 90.000. If the Colony were as tickly populated as the Netherlands, it would have a population of say 25 million.

From such a mixed population as referred to above it may be expected that their customs, habits and style of dressing must necessarily differ.

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Both British-Indians and Javanese live and dress themselves as a rule in the same manner as in their native land. The peculiar dress (Kotto) of the native women (among the lower class) deserves special mention. It consists of multi-coloured skirts resembling crinolines, low-waisted and loose jackets with two long linen ribbons behind and strangely tied up head-kerchiefs.

Most of the Chinese are Roman Catholic. Among the Bushnegroes and aboriginal Indians many have been converted by the Moravian Missionaries and the Roman Catholic Priests.

Hollanders, including whites born in the Colony and the majority of the coloured people speak Dutch. The Bushnegroes speak the so called Negro-English (taki-taki), which is mixed up with divers languages, especially English.

This dialect, the Negro-English, is also adopted by the other people of the Colony, but is gradually substituted by Dutch.

Paramaribo.

The Capital of this Colony was built on a shellreef close to the mouth of the Suriname River about the middle of the 17th century. It was extended in the course of the 18th century and numbers now, about 35000 inhabitants. It is divided into 6 ward and 2 outskirts. Not far from the city the Dutch farmers, descendants of the colonists of 1845, are settled.

Most of the houses of Paramaribo are built of wood. They generally stand close to each other separated only by a backgate, have no galleries or any entrance-halls so that one can easily enter unexpectedly. They are not enclosed by gardens.

The style of architecture is European at the sacrifice, however, of the much needed cool and fresh air. Fortunately some inprovement herein is gradually noticed; the houses are now made better suited to tropical life through the replacing, amongst other things, of the sash-windows by so called ‘Jalousies’.

Horses and carriages are seldom kept, and most houses have no stable or coach-house. Closets, Bath-rooms and Kitchens are, as a rule, outside the house. In the

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yards at the back of the houses are smaller badly ventilated dwellings, often mere hovels rented out to the natives.

Little is done for proper accomodation in the dwellings. Carpets and curtains are seldom seen in the houses, and the walls are usually unpapered on account of the great moistness of the air, the numerous insects and for the sake of hygiène.

The streets, most of which derive their names from those in Holland, have no trottoirs and are unpaved, and, therefore, often inpossable in the rainy season.

Tramcars do not drive through the City, nor do we come across with standing carriages. However, from any of the four well equipped livery-stables, up to date cabs on rubber tyres can be ordered at any time wherewith to take a drive in the invigorating evening air. The rates for each drive correspond with the European charges.

Paramaribo is lighted with Gas since October 1909. This may be considered a valuable acquisition to the Colony; and it has been so much approved of by the inhabitants, that petroleum which was formerly generally used has within a comparatively short time given place to Gas.

Several of the broadstreets have been turned into beautiful avenues on which lofty Mahogony- and Palmtrees stand.

There are some Plains amongst which the so called ‘Gouvernements Plein’ takes a prominent place extending as it does as far as the riverside.

On this Plain stands Govt. House, constructed of wood, at the back of which is a Garden with various Palmtrees and open to the Public. The Military Band plays thrice a week there.

In the vicinity of Gouvernements Plein are the Public-buildings, such as the ‘Finance department’ (formerly the Town-hall) built of brick with a wooden tower; the Supreme Court, also of brick, the construction of which dates from the 18th century, the Government Secretary's office etc.

The Military-Hospital is enclosed by a beautiful Garden and has been excellently fitted also for the training of Med. students. The number of patients, most of whom are civilians, ranges from 500 to 700 yearly.

The Garrison is quartered in Fort Zeelandia where most of the Officers reside.

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Paramaribo has several Churches, two of which are built of brick; a Bank (the Surinam Bank); further a Library, a Post-Office, Telephone-Exchanges, Telegraph Office, - a Masonic Lodge, a Branch of the Ancient Order of Foresters, a Recreation Ground ‘Park’, where the Military Band plays every alternate Saturday- and Sundaynight and a dance is given for the members of this club.

Government.

The Government of the Colony is vested by the Queen in a Governor as Her Majesty's representative. The Governor has the power to appoint and discharge such Govt. officials as are not nominated by Her Majesty, the Queen. His Excellency is Commander in chief in and over the Colony; he superintends the Finances and has the right to pardon any criminal. Laws and Ordinances are formulated and promulgated by him.

The Governor is assisted by a Council termed, the Executive Council (Raad van Bestuur), the members of which are the Procurator-General ex officio and three other officers oppointed by Her Majesty, the Queen. The Governor Consults the Council concerning all Colonial Ordinances to be introduced and is at liberty to ask their opinion regarding other matters touching the Government.

The Legislative authority is excercised by His Excellency and a Body called the Legislative Assembly (Koloniale Staten), the members of which are elected by the Citizens who pay a yearly income-tax of not less than f 1400.

The number of the members may not be less than 13 and not more than 25; they are elected for the term of 6 years. The Chairman and the deputy-Chairman are appointed by the Governor among the members for every session-year.

The Colonial Ordinances which the Governor sends to the Legislative Assembly for their consideration are either approved, amended or rejected. After this they are despatched for with to Her Majesty, the Queen, who has the power to annul them.

The Estimate of the Colony is forwarded to the Legislative Assembly by His Excellency, the Governor,

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after having first heard the Executive Council, who approve of the Estimate with or without any amendments thereto. It is then transmitted to the Home Government; a considerable sum of money being always necessary to meet the deficiency. Not until the approval of the Estimate by the States-General has been obtained, with or without any amendments, is it promulgated in the Colony.

The means out of which the Colonial Expenditure is defrayed are, amongst other: Import-duty, Exciseduty on home-and foreign made Spirits, Housetax, License for cabs, carts and other vehicles, Ground-tax, Balata-Stamp- and Legacy-duties, Fare and Freight dues for passengers and goods conveyed by the Colonial Steamers.

In 1910 the Incomes were estimated at over 4 and the Expenditure at 5 millioen Guilders, so that the Mother Country had to meet a deficiency of 900.000 Guilders.

Surinam is divided into 12 Districts besides the Capital. The other districts are managed by Districts-Commissaries assisted by their Secretaries.

The highest Tribunal in the Colony is the Supreme Court at Paramaribo for Criminal Proceedings. Petty offenses are settled by a Magistrate.

The Education Dept. is under the supervision of the Inspector of Education. There are many well adopted Schools where instruction is given in Dutch, the Negro-English being excluded. Education is compulsory for children between 7 and 12 years of age.

The Land-force consists of a Corps of Colonial Troops under the command of a Captain; the Militia at Paramaribo is commanded by a Major, and the Active Militia Force in the several districts by a Captain in each district.

The Police-force, headed by the Commissary of Police take proper care for Public Order and Safety.

The Administrator of Finance is in charge of the Finances of the Colony and is Inspector of the Crowndomains and the Immigration Fund.

The Govt-Secretary conducts the general Affairs and exercises a direct supervision over the Aboriginal Indians and Bush-negroes.

A Man-of War which is stationed in the Dutch West-Indies, visits Paramaribo yearly.

The Colonial Steamers, by which passengers can be

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conveyed on payment of a fixed fare, maintain a regular Communication with the various districts.

Life in Surinam.

The morning hours being most pleasant, people in Surinam rise, as a rule, at 6 a.m.; the labouring class at 5 o'clock.

The stores and shops are open at 7 a.m; the Offices and Schools from 8 o'clock.

Govt. offices are up to 2 p.m.; the private offices are open from 8 to 12 noon, and from 3 to 5 p.m.

Life in Surinam is, upon the whole, rather monotonous though in almost every Surinam family music is made and dancing indulged in.

The people scarcely devote themselves to any arts. Concerts and theatrical representations by amateurs take place occasionally, the proceeds being usually in aid of some or the other charitable end.

The anniversaries of the birthdays of the Members of the Royal Dynasty are celebrated with great enthusiasm, especially that of the 31st August, the Queen's birthday when the feasts in the Capital sometimes occupy a whole week, and a good many booths erected near Gouvernements Plein. Bush-negroes, Gold-diggers and Balatableeders all come to town to enjoy themselves for the occasion in union with the townpeople.

It is understood that in Surinam also where the people constitute several races and casts and differ so widely in their respective pursuits and ideas, certain distinction among themselves must necessarily be the consequence.

The Animal and Vegetable Kingdom.

Most European and other domestic animals, such as dogs, cats, horses, cows, sheeps, goats, fowls, ducks etc. are seen in the Colony. European cattle and dogs, however, seldom thrive here and degenerate.

Cattle for butchering are not sufficient to supply the wants, hence they are imported from British Guiana and Venezuela.

Large ferocious animals, such as the Jaguar (Panther), Coegoear or Puma (red Tiger) are scarcely seen.

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Other wild animals (herbiverous) include the Tapir which goes here under the name of Buffals; further the wild Boar, Deer, varieties of Monkeys, Hares, Rabbits and Opossums which, like the Marters and Fitckets, generally prey upon birds. Small species of Crocodilles (caymans), lives in the Rivers; further Iguannas and some small Lizards. Different species of snakes, amongst which the poisenous Rattle-snakes, and the huge Boa-Constructor. Amongst the other reptiles, the very large frogs and toads deserve to be mentioned.

Surinam has numerous Birds of a magnificent plumage, such as the Humming-birds, Blue-birds, Flamingoes and Parrots; but pretty singing birds are scarce. The so called Carrion-Crow is a species of the Vulture. It preys upon Carrions and is well deserving as a roadscavenger.

Surinam teems with insects, amongst which Butterflies with glithering flies, glowing Beetles, the so called Lanternflies and Fireflies. Trouble some and dangerous insects are the Musquitoes, which are found in large number in certain seasons of the year. Sandflies, plantlice which one can easily catch whilst walking across grass and weeds; further cockroaches, Myriapods, Scorpions, whose bites are very painful, and divers species of Ants which are destructive to every thing eatible, inconsequence of which the legs of provisionsafes are constantly placed in bowls filled with water so as to keep these insects alsof. The exceptionally large Spiders with hairy legs (Bush-spiders), a species of the Tarantula, also deserve mention.

The Rivers of Surinam are stocked with Fish. Especially such as Pikes and hundred species are found in abundance.

Surinam has many varieties of beautiful Palms. The coco-nut palm grows luxuriantly in Coronie from whence Coprah is exported. The coco-nut is broken and dried and the oil prepared which constitute the chief substances for vegetal butter and the so called coconut-soap.

Surinam abounds with various kinds of delicious fruits, amongst which the Banana; the cultivation hereof has been considerably extended lately. The Govt. has entered into an Contract with a Company in Boston, the United Fruit Coy, for the delivery of Bananas which

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certain Plantations enjoying a subsidy for the purpose have bound themselves to supply.

Other fruits are Pine-apples, Pawpaws, Melons and divers kinds of Oranges.

Amongst the Ground-provisions, the Cassave and the Pea-nut also deserve mention. From the Cassave-meal bread is made and other kindred foodstuff.

As an article of consumption Rice fills a less prominent place here than in the East-Indies though its cultivation is being pursued energetically and promises a good prospect in the near future.

Among the natives, however, Plantain, Cassave, Maize and other similar provisions form the principal article of food.

The Chief Agricultural products are Sugar, Cocoa and Coffee.

The cocoa-cultivation has suffered considerably of later through the witch-broom (cocoa-disease).

Surinam abounds in beautiful and valuable Timbertrees well adopted for building purposes and for Cabinet work.

Commerce and Industry.

Commerce and Industry have not yet been satisfactorily developed in this Colony.

From the appended Schedule showing the value of the most important articles of Imports and Exports for 1909, it will be seen to what extent Surinam is contributing to the Universal Trade, what are its leading products and the several countries with which Trade is being generally carried on.

Cocoa, Sugar and Coffee continue to be the Chief Agricultural products and have enabled the Colony to occupy a still important place in Commerce. Since the export of Bananas in the last few years, this fruit is grown extensively on most of the Plantations.

Timber and Balata are Bushproducts which through the medium of European dealers contribute also to Trade. Timber is obtained from the dense Forests of the interior including very good species suitable for housebuilding and for articles of furniture. The export, however, is insignificant in comparison to the quantity extant in the interior. As the means of transport are

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insufficient and irregular and as the valuable trees are much scattered, the exploitation is greatly improved.

Of somewhat greater importance to commerce is the Balata or Bullettree-milk which is collected extensively for the last 20 years, the demand having much increased. By making incisions in the bark of the tree which are found in clusters in the interior, but are sometimes scattered over a distance of many days travelling, a viscous liquid is obtained which becomes thick and is then transported to town in sheets.

Goldwinning was commenced in 1875 at different places, especially on the Marowyne and its tributaries. The exploitation which generally takes places on a small scale is carried out by washing the gold-bearing-earth. The grants where gold is regularly worked in accordance with the regulations made by the Government for the purpose are commonly termed ‘placers.’ The obstacles attached to the prospecting for and working of Gold are many, the tracts where gold is found being, as a rule, far from the inhabited parts whither no roads lead, so that the clearing of paths through the forests or the rowing of open boats over rapids and cataracts often occupies several days and even weeks. The climate of the goldregions too, often causes many diseases. Still, gold-exploitation may prove successful in the end.

Other minerals have not yet been discovered in paying quantities.

Except the five Sugar Factories, which are still operating, Surinam can boast of no important industrial enterprises. Two Match-factories which are using indegenious wood, some Sawmills, one Ice-factory and some Sodawater and Lemonade factories are the only establishments of the kind. Nearly all manufactured goods are imported.

From the appended Schedule it is evident that the imports chiefly pointed articles of daily use.

Surinam has actually no place beyond Paramaribo with a developed traffic, trade in the outlying parts being consequently restricted to the bartering of the few products which the Coast-land yields. Only the increasing exploitation of the goldfields may tend to promote trade in those regions.

The Bush-negroes and Aboriginal Indians contribute

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in a very small degree only to the promotion of Commerce, their wants being few and they being generally reluctant to any industrial pursuits. The latter make water-jugs with a dark reddish clay dried on the fire. On these jugs they paint various caricatures and arabesques. The jugs, also called goglets made in different size and shape, sometimes resembling certain animals, are generally used here, they being very suitable for keeping the water constantly cool.

The Aboriginal Indians are skilled in making divers pretty objects with seeds and pips. Baskets, bracelets, napkinrings made by them with small, brown, round and flat pips are often bought by Europeans and taken or sent as curiosities to Europe. Other things tastefully made by them are adopted to the preparing of Cassavebread etc. They also make a large number of hammocks and weave hampers and baskets with reed; these articles are much in demand several of which point to excellent workmanship.

The British Indians also make baskets, fans etc. The Creoles, on the other hand, do not feel inclined, as a rule, to do any work of the kind. Though the country yields abundant materials for the purpose, yet the people prefer to avail themselves of any such articles manufactured abroad, the materials of which, as said before, are within easy reach in this Colony.

Sea-fishing on a somewhat extensive scale has been started recently by Messrs. Sträter, Esser & Co. of this place. Thanks to this energetic Firm, the people are enabled to buy Sea-fish at a very reasonable price.

Fishing from Canoes is also carried on farther up the Rivers and in the Creeks, and further in swamps or in Ponds where fish are reared. Some of the abandoned Plantations near the Sea-side are also appropriated for pisciculture.