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now become an offensive nuisance. They have, moreover, 
so far lost their reputation as a medicine, that they have 
been transferred by the faculty from the column of thera- 
_peutics to that of dietetics, and are, in this latter quality, 
collected on many of the plantations to feed the hogs. 
* Chamarel's house, like almost every other in the island, 
is constructed of timber. The general predilection for this 
material has arisen from the abundant supplies of it in the 
vicinity of every plantation; from the portion of labour 
which must, at all events, be employed in felling it to clear 
the ground; and from the expertness in fashioning it, which 
is acquired by many of the slaves in the prosecution of this 
labour. The time, however, is fast approaching, when they 
must have recourse to more durable materials. The 
diminution of the forest from the rapid extension of cultiva- 
tion, will shortly render the use of stone a matter of 
economy as well as of necessity. For this purpose, the 
trap-rock of the Island is admirably adapted; and every 
part of the coast yields the very best material for making 
lime. . 
“The houses, in general, are built on a scale adapted 
merely to accommodate the family. Pavilions, for the use 
of Strangers and casual visitors, are erected at a short 
distance from the main building; and the back ground is 
Occupied by the slave cantonment. With the turn for 
improvement which the French are known to possess, it is 
^ matter of surprise, that these islanders never surround 
their houses with verandahs, nor is it a common prathes 
even to plant trees near enough to shelter them from the 
sun. The environs, however, are usually planted with 
Stoves and avenues of ornamental trees, chiefly Mango, 
Tamarind, and Acacia, intermingled with the Cocoa and 
e-palms; but above all, conspicuous, is the elegant 
ier (Terminalia Catappa.) The branches of this 
superb tree issue from the trunk in whorls, long, slender, 
and perfectly horizontal. Seven, eight, or more ce pol of 
similar configuration, but diminishing regularly according 
to their height, give it the appearance of an inverted 
