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, 

 &c. 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, 



