187 



freely and the seedling are of a rapid growth and very hardy. 

 Looking to the probable out- put from Central American Countries 

 and the regular demand for this wood. It is fairly certain that he 

 who cultivates Mahogany in the West Indies at once, and with a deter- 

 mination to do it well, and on a fairly large scale, will succeed in 

 making laud that is now improfitable and valueless, into estates which 

 will give to their owners, in due time, a regular and substantial 

 return. Of course in matters of this kind the first question asked 

 is what will be the costs of planting. An answer can be easily and 

 truthfully given. The cost of planting is a small one. Say we plant 

 at 10 feet apart, 435 plants will be required for each acre or to allow 

 for supplies say 500 plants. These should be grown in nurseries 

 for at least two years and the cost should be but trifling as any 

 intelligent labourer should be able to attend to them in the intervals 

 of other work. And the practice which it is necessary to persue 

 can always be learnt by sending a man to the Royal Botanic Gardens 

 for a short time. "We can raise them here at a cost of some two cents, 

 2c. or one penny each and planters should certainly do it for the same 

 money. It will thus cost some $10 per acre for plants. The planting 

 can best be estimated for by the planter himself, but he should see 

 that it is properly done, and when this is done it is highly essential 

 that the plants should be protected from inroads of cattle, for the 

 first few years at least. So that the surrounding growth does not 

 over-shadow the plants or grow too near them, the thicker it is the 

 better and it is not ncecessary to clean or brush except to keep the 

 plants clear and to see they are not overrun by climbing plants. 

 After the first 4 or 5 years the plants, if in fair soil, should be 

 beyond the reach of stock and protection will not be required, but if 

 possible keep stock away altogether. The best way for a planter to 

 commence is to fence in half an acre or an acre in different localities 

 as trial plots and to increase his area if his plants thrive, and the 

 position is found a suitable one. 



193, —VANILLA— Vanilla planifolia. 



A SMALL quantity of Vanilla grown and cared in the Garden was 

 sent home in the beginning of the year and was valued by a large 

 firm at 10/- to 11/- per lb. Vanilla grandiflora and Vanilla 

 phmianiha also produced fruit. V. grandiflora produces a large 

 meaty pod having a fine perfume, but V. phoenantha is of no 

 great value for cultivation, as though sweet, its pods are much too 

 small to take the market. 



