142 STUDY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 
have ascertained in what manner it made its attacks, 
and whether it were possible to be transmitted with 
grain into a foreign country. On data like these, 
he could have pointed out the best mode of eradi- 
cating the pest, or of preventing the extension of its 
ravages. 
'(85.) But if some acquaintance with natural 
history may be thus beneficial in the councils of 
the nation, still more essential is it to those who 
possess lands in our colonies, and who are desirous 
of making them profitable. We hear, for instance, 
of the worn-out state of the West India plantations ; 
that the soil will no longer repay the expenses of 
cultivation ; and that the introduction of sugar, rum, 
&e. from other countries, has brought ruin upon 
these. We know not how far these statements may 
be correct; but admitting them to be so, it may be 
fairly enquired, what efforts have been made to 
remedy them? why could not the aromatic spices 
of the East be equally well grown in the West Indies? 
and why has not the cultivation of the silkworm 
been undertaken in the Antilles, instead of leaving 
this enormous trade in the hands of the Asiatics? 
Why, again, are not efficient and scientific trials 
made for rearing the tea plant either in the West 
Indies or on the neighbouring continent? What 
obstacles exist against the cultivation of the vine 
and the olive, —two plants which we know person- 
ally will flourish in every possible variety of soil, — 
in these ill-fated islands; and thus establishing in 
them new and important sources of commerce and 
of wealth? In deciding these and similar questions, 
