284 



per, gold, silver, ami uickol aijound. Salt exists in inountaius, in bemi-trauspareufc 

 crystals. 



We have uot a plow, steam-eugino, or wagon-road ou the island, or a saw-mill, and 

 yet, sncli is the natural resonrcos, over $800,000 wa« paid last year for transporta- 

 tion alone, from Santiago to Puerto Plata, about fifty miles. 



The foilowiug: is a list of tlie plants recei\'efl : 



Agiiacata, 3. — Vegetable fruit; a delicate salad vegetable; called 

 here avocata, or alligator pear. 



Mamey, 1. — Fruit. 



Maji, 7. — The indispensable hedge-plant of the island ; very large and 

 impenetrable ; a textile. 



Indigo, 7. — Common in all open lands. 



Arneira, 1. — Flower ; bright pink, in large, clusters. 



Guarantey. — Textile. 



Mariposa. — Parasite on the sour orange, or lime. 



Franl>ottan, 6. — A gorgeous scarlet flower tree. 



CULTUEP] OF MADDElt l^ tS.MYKXA. 



E. J. Smith, United States consul at Smyrna, gives the following ac 

 count of the culture of the madder root {Bnbia tinctoria) in that region : 



The ground usually selected is a flat or level plain, composed of a red and damp 

 soil, but well drained. The color of the soil is said to affect the color of the root, giv- 

 ing it a deeper red tinge, which is the quality most highly prized. When grown on 

 hill-sides or on high hard ground it is of a lighter color, and is less esteemed than th4 

 former. As a rule a dark soil is always chosen when it can be procured. 



Piowiug begins in May, and is repeated at intervals of a fortnight till October, to 

 render the earth as friable as possible. As the rains generally set in about this time, 

 the ground is allowed to rest until it is plowed previous to sowing, which takes place 

 in Februaiy and March. Between October and February, however, the ground may 

 be replowed whenever it is practicable. The seed is sown broadcast, and the ground 

 manured and left undisturbed. About 300 pounds of seed are sown on an acre. As 

 soon as the plant has grown some inches the ground is hoed and weeded. This opera- 

 tion is repeated as often as possible. Six mouths after sowing, drills are made of th« 

 widtli of about one foot, at intervals of three feet, the earth from these drills being 

 thrown over the plants so as to completely bury them. This is repeated every year, 

 or as often as is thought requisite, in order to force the strength of the plant downward 

 and produce roots instead of stems and leaves. Some of the roots thus treated attain 

 the dei)th of six feet. This process is performed only on the plains; ou hill-sides it 

 would be useless, as the rains would wiisli away the earth too fi-equently. The plant is 

 allowed to remain in the earth from three to seven years; but the usual time is five or 

 six. As a general rule the longer it remaius in the soil, up to the seventh year, the 

 thicker and better the roots will become. In certain locations, however, where great 

 dampness prevails, it cannot be allowed to continue more than three years, as a certain 

 gi'ass springs up which completely chokes it, causing destruction of the crop. 



When the roots are to be takeu up, the stems are cut down and the seed collected. 

 Drills are then dug to the required depth, and the roots on either side laid bare, which 

 renders the extraction of the whole easy and complete. The roots are laid in bundles, 

 and then carried to a rtNserved i)iece of grouud well beaten and perfectly dry, having 

 been previously i)repared for their reception. On this the madder is spread out to dry 

 through the powerful action of the sun's rays. Although an easy process, this is a most 

 important one, and should be performed thoroughly ; as, if the madder is packed 

 damp, mould will ensue and deteriorate the quality. For this reason principally the 

 summer season is always selected for this purpose. lu winter it has to be dried in 

 ovens, but the quality becomes inforior, and it seldoni dries well. The roots are packed 

 as closely as possible in hair bales containing 420 pounds, and then sent to town. 

 Here the bales are opened and the roots subjected to steam pressure, which reduces 

 their bulk one-half They are then enveloped in canvas, and bound with iron hoops 

 ready for shipment. 



The average cost to the agriculturist of a quintal of madder of one hundred and 

 twenty-five pounds, including all expenses till the time of packing in the interior, a« 

 also the tenth paid as a tithe to thp government, is 140 piasters or $'y 25, not including 



