BY J. H. MAIDEN. 153 



time in the tropics, ought to know it, but a handsome young tree 

 in front of Mrs. T. Nicholls' house which goes under this name is 

 Candle-nut tree ( Aleurites triloba). 



Date Palms have not flowered yet. 



Coco-nut Palm fails. 



I have introduced the Olive into the island ; it should do well. 



VEGETABLES, AIS^D MISCELLANEOUS FOOD-CROPS. 



All sorts of vegetables are known or have been grown in the 

 island. The islanders only get one crop (a winter one) of 

 cabbages, cauliflowers and other cruciferous vegetables, because 

 of the prevalence of aphis. 



Lord Howe onions are celebrated in the southern hemisphere. 

 At one time they formed the staple of the island, but the pre. 

 valence of smut has severely damaged the industry. They grow 

 a small pickling onion and a larger sort. These onions 

 have excellent keeping qualities. The industry commenced 

 about tifty years ago through the finding on the beach (by Mrs. 

 Andrews ; of two or three onions which had been thrown over- 

 board from a passing vessel. 



Sweet potatoes are very largely grown, and pigs are princij^ally 

 fed on the vines. Yams are grown to a less extent. 



The mountain Taro of Fiji has been received via New Zealand, 

 and was rather largely grown at one time, but it is not cultivated 

 now. The same remarks apply to the Onion Arrowroot (sic) of 

 Fiji I? Tacca). Two kinds of Arrowroot are still grown on the 

 island, viz, what they call "Indian Shot Arrowroot" (Ccciua) 

 and ''Potato Arrowroot." 



Mr. Henry Wilkinson in his Report (p. 20) speaks of "Sago," 

 but I observed none. 



Sugar cane is grown for pigs, and is also eaten by youngsters. 



Chocho ( Sechiiim ediiJe) is also on the island, but does not 

 appear to be esteemed. 

 11 



