VIRGIN ISLANDS

a group of islands, east of Port Rico, part of which belong to the British colony of the Leewards Islands and part to the United States. The latter were purchased from Denmark by the United States government for $25,000,000. A treaty providing for this purchase took effect on January 25, 1917. The islands were formerly known as the Dutch West Indies. The largest of the group is St. Croix, with an area of about 85 sq. m. St. Thomas contains about 30 sq. m. and St. Johns about 20. In addition to these there are about 50 small islands, for the most part uni i habited. In 1920 the population was 26,051, which is a considerable decline from the population in the ten years preceding. About 80 per cent. of the natives are negroes. The larger part of the trade is with the United States. The islands are very limited as to industry and industrial po ibilities. Attempts have been made to promote the growth of sugar cane, but with little effect. St. Croix aad St. Johns were formerly trans-shipping points for a considerable commerce but this has been transferred elsewhere. A commi ion from the United States visited the islands in 1923 with the purpose of suggesting po ibilities of their development. See Map West InpDIEs.