Department of Commerce [pp. 335-350]

COMMERCE.
345
reason that their estates were abandoned early in the war, and were, in
nine cases out of ten, completely ruined when restored to them, requiring
large outlays and great energy to place them again in working condition.
In many instances the business was resumed with borrowed capital, and the
failure this year wi]l make many of them bankrupt. Less than a third of
a crop will be made in South Carolina, and not more than half a crop in
Georgia.
Memorandum of the crop prospects of the Sea Islands of South Carolina,
Georgia and Florida, September 27, 1867:
SOUTH CAROLINA.
Edisto Island.........The prospects are very poor, and the yield will
not be more than half a crop in any event, even
if the worms do no further damage. Under the
most favorable circumstances, the white planters
will not make more than fifty pounds and the ne groes fifteen pounds to the acre.
John's Island.........Infested by the worm. Twenty-five pounds, at the
utmost, is all that can be expected.
Beaufort District......The crops are suffering terribly from the recent
rains and the caterpillars, and the work is slighted
by the negroes to a great extent. Cannot expect
one-third of a crop.
James Island........The same remarks apply with greater force.
St. Helena Island......This island will scarcely make any cotton, having
suffered more severely than any other to this date;
say a quarter crop.
Wadmalaw Island.....Here the worm is in force, and not more than one third of a crop can be made under any circum stances.
Port Royal Island.....Caterpillars eating up everything here. One-third
of a crop may be made if they disappear at once.
Coosaw Island.........The above state of things also prevails on this
island. One-third crop may possibly be made.
Hilton Head..........Suffers from the same causes, and to the same ex tent.
Lady's Island.........Is no exception to the foregoing in the extent of
the damage done.
Christ Church Parish.. The crops are going to destruction here, the cater pillar devouring the forms and young bolls.
St. William & St. Lukes..The rains in this parish have done vast injury, and,
with the worms, will reduce the crop to one-third.
St. Johns & St. Stephens.This parish escaped the worm until a few days past,
but it has appeared, and will probably inflict seri ous damage. Previous to its arrival the crop was
estimated at one-half, but the quantity of land
planted is very small.
St. Andrews..........One-third of a crop only can be made, under the
most favorable circumstances, during the remain der of the season. Caterpillars here also in great
numbers.
GEORGIA.
St. Simon's Island... ] All of these islands have suffered severely from exWilmington ".. cessive rains and the destruction by caterpillars,
St. Mary's "... in many localities; but, upon the whole, less inSappello "... I jury has been done to the crops than upon the
Jekyl *... J coast of South Carolina.