is largely distributed in the island, and its cultivation is being 

 extended in the hope that ultimately kola-nuts may become 

 a recognized article of commerce. The tree is hardy and 

 easily established, and there would be no difficulty in sup- 

 plying large quantities of the nut every year. Locally the 

 nuts are used as a stomachic and tonic. They are said to 

 have effected very remarkable cures in dyspepsia and allied 

 disorders, and are used for this purpose in the same manner 

 as cacao or chocolate. It is prepared by grinding the dry 

 cured nut into a powder and mixing with boiline water, sugar 

 and milk. Some people use the kola-nut regularly at break- 

 fast in this manner, and consider it superior to everything 

 else of the kind. Seed nuts are to be obtained in the months 

 of June to September, and if intended for shipment should 

 be planted in soil. To cure the nuts for export they only 

 require to be taken out of the pods and subjected to careful 

 drying in the sun until quite firm and hard. The process, 

 however, requires to be thoroughly done, owing to the thick- 

 ness of the cotyledous, and to prevent mouldiness on the 

 voyage." -From the Report of the Public Gardens and 

 Plantations for the year ending 30th September, 1884. By 

 1>. Morris, M.A., F.L.S., Director. 



Although the tree has become plentifully diffused 

 throughout the island, there is not as yet any export trade in 

 the product. It simply furnishes, as already stated, a petty 

 trade in the markets, and that which does not enter the 

 markets is consumed locally. There is, however, an imme- 

 diate prospect of the Jamaica article entering into commerce, 

 since a demand exists for kola-nuts both in France and 

 England, and some London merchants, it has been recently 

 mentioned, are taking steps to obtain a supply from Jamaica. 

 It has been stated that at present one manufacturer alone re- 

 ceives nearly the entire importation into England. Good 

 sound kola-nuts are now worth in the English market as 

 much as one shilling per pound. In 188G they were worth 

 70s. to 90s, per cwt. 



To show that a demand exists for this article which is 

 but ill-supplied, I may mention thit at the close of 1886 an 

 attempt was made to impose upon the French market a spur- 

 ious article. The commerce in the genuine kola-nut is at 

 present limited to African sources, and it is not plentiful 

 because it is not cultivated. To meet the demand, a singular 

 and audacious attempt was made to foist upon the market an 

 inferior but much more easily obtained substitute. Thisstuff 

 fell into the hands of the same French chemists and physio- 

 logists who were the first to analyse kola-nut, and upon 

 wiiose analysis and statement of physiological properties, I 

 based my letter to Mr. Morris, recommending it as a beverage 



