CHAP, iv.] WEST INDIES. 213 



causes with which I am unacquainted, compelled the 

 proprietors to relinquish their project. 



Of the most important of the present natural pro- 

 ductions, as sugar, indigo, coffee and cotton, I shall 

 have occasion to treat at large, when the course of my 

 work shall bring me to the subject of agriculture. It 

 only remains therefore, at present, to subjoin a few 

 observations on the vegetable classes of inferior order: 

 I mean those which, though not of equal commercial 

 importance with the preceding ones, are equally ne- 

 cessary to the comfort and subsistence of the inhabi- 

 tants. If the reader is inclined to botanical researches, 

 he is referred to the voluminous collections of Sloane 

 and Browne. 



The several species of grain cultivated in this island 

 are, first maize, or Indian corn, which commonly 

 produces two crops in the year, and sometimes three: 

 it may be planted at any time when there is rain, and 

 it yields according to the soil from fifteen to forty 

 bushels the acre. Secondly, Guinea corn, which pro- 

 duces but one crop in the year: it is planted in the 

 month of September, and gathered in January follow- 

 ing, yielding from thirty to sixty bushels an acre. 

 Thirdly, various kinds of calavances, a species of pea ; 

 and, lastly, rice, but in no great quantity; the situa- 

 tion proper for its growth being deemed unhealthy, 

 and the labour of negroes is commonly employed in 

 the cultivation of articles that yield greater profit. 



This island abounds likewise with different kinds of 

 grass, both native and extraneous, of excellent qua- 



