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'Hie Hoiiicultwist and Journal 



to this fact, we annually import of this com- 

 modity but about $15,000 worth. The quan- 

 tity of this fruit that can be produced in a 

 limited area, is great, and the preparation of 

 the jelly is exceedingly simple. We have 

 read published statements regarding the pro- 

 duct of small patches of Guava bushes in Flor- 

 ida ; but we must decline giving figures, as we 

 should be subjected to ridicule if not censure. 



Siignr Cnne. 



A large portion of the central and southern 

 portions of the state will produce the cane in 

 greater perfection than any of the West India 

 islands ; for the frequent rains which occur in 

 June, July and August, insure a luxuriant 

 growth of stalk and foliage ; and the succeed- 

 ing dry months enables the cane to develop 

 its saccharine matter in the greatest perfec- 

 tion. As a sugar producing region, it is su- 

 perior to Louisiana ; for in that state, the fo- 

 liage of the cane is injured by early frosts, 

 and the perfect development of the saccharine 

 principle interfered with. Of this substance 

 we annually import 1,457,512,299 pounds; 

 costing at points of purchase $79,146,974. 

 Of this amount we annually pay Cuba about 

 $50,000,000. It seems strange that we pos- 

 sess the climate and soil to produce sugar in 

 perfection, and yet our population rush to our 

 grain fields of the west, and raise wheat at a 

 figure that gives them a bare subsistence. 



Alniotitls. 



We imported in the year '72, 4,148,268 

 pounds, valued, at points of production, at 

 $471,601, or nearly nine cents per pound. 

 This crop can be produced in the greatest 

 perfection in the central portions of the state, 

 from Quincy to Sumpterville, and possibly as 

 far south as Cape Ruwano. 



Znnte i'urmntfi. 



Many are not aware of the fact that the 

 currants of commerce are merely the dried 

 berries of a seedless grape. If this particular 

 variety of grape would escape the ravages of 

 the Oidium and Phylloxera, its production 

 would prove remunerative, for in the year 1872 

 we imported 11,479,578 pounds of this fruit, 

 valued, at points where purchased, at $407,- 

 220. 



In the year 1872 we imported 6,423,559 

 pounds of figs, costing at points of purchase 

 $422,246. The fig can be successfully grown 

 in any portion of the State ; and the method 

 of preparing the fruit for market could be 

 easily acquired. As the cost of production is 

 almost nothing, and as the dried fruit sells at 

 points of production at about fifteen cents per 

 pound, we see no reason why their production 

 and preparation for market would not prove 

 profitable. 



In 1872, we imported bananas to the value 

 of $395,858. This fruit can be successfully 

 grown in Florida, from the Indian river and 

 Manatee to the extremity of the peninsula. 

 This crop is easily cultivated, and the annual 

 yield is enormous. The section where this 

 fruit can be grown is so near to our northern 

 markets, that if persons could be induced to 

 engage in its culture, the home grown article 

 would soon displace the imported. 



In 1872 we imported arrow root to the 

 value of $37,084 ; of medicinal rhubarb $50,- 

 912, and of ginger $89,572. These three 

 articles bring remunerative prices and are 

 easily cultivated, and in every way adapted to 

 the southern portion of the peninsula. Dur- 

 ing the same period we imported, of Cayenne 

 pepper, senna leaves, and opium, of the value 

 of $30,000. These articles could likewise be 

 produced. 



In 1872 we imported of the finer qualities 

 of tobacco 7,113,750^ pounds, costing at points 

 of purchase $3,479,506. It is a well known 

 fact that the State will produce a superior 

 quality of tobacco ; and, before the rebellion, 

 large quantities of an excellent article was 

 produced in the central counties ; and the 

 agents of German houses visited the State an- 

 nually for the purpose of purchasing the crop. 

 In Cuba, East Indies, and South America, it 

 is a well known fact that light soils, contain- 

 ing an excess of vegetable matter, produces 

 the mildest and best-flavored tobacco — rich 

 heaw soils, a coarse and strong sample, only fit 

 for the manufacture of an inferior article of ci- 

 gars. In Florida we have the soil and cli- 

 mate, labor is cheap ; through the medium of 



