— 29 — would be to intensify the disastrous effects of a total or partial failure in raincultivation, such as has been experienced during the seasons 1912-14, and render the whole country dependent on imported foodstuffs. Whether it may not be possible by enlarging the areas of supply and demand to modify the unfavourable incidence of alternating surplus and deficiency is a leading commercial and agricultural problem in the Sudan.

Equilibrium Prices.—The equilibrium value of dura, which will ultimately determine the place of the crop in the irrigation system, has been obscured by three years of famine prices and by the effects of speculation, which culminated during 1914 in local " corners " in grain. An attempt should be made, however, to estimate the various factors now controlling the course of prices, and the influence of possible improvements in market organisation and transport facilities.

The following statement is instructive as further illustrating the speculative and unhealthy character of grain-farming in present conditions : January Market Prices for White Dura.

(Milliemes per 100 kilos.)

Market.