ap^ imp'-oveincnts in India, Oct. 24. 



Mr Lickie, who lately travelled through your part of the 

 country in his journey from Europe, knew the tree in my 

 garden at first sight, and tells me that he saw several of 

 them in Mr Martin's plantation at Palamcottah. 



The tree I have likewise heard say, grows on the 

 island of Elmiferam, as well as at the fort of Palicatcherry, 

 and that the streets of Cochin are planted with it j in 

 ■which latter case I am sure PJr Powney will readily sup- 

 ply you with some plants for your garden. 



I mention these circumstances as preparatory to the 

 establitliment of more extensive plantations of a tree that 

 will aftord subsistence, independent of the periodical rains, 

 prove a means of counteracting monopolies of grain, and 

 furnilhing a reason for supporting the poor in times of 

 scarcity, by employing them to repair tanks, wells, and 

 choulterics at these times. — Two years ago Mr Alexan- 

 der Anderson wrote me from Cochin, that he supped 

 at a Dutch gentleman's upon bread fruit, which resembled 

 the finest yam he had ever tasted, I am, &c. 



Fort St Gioige, leh. 19. 179a. 



From Robert Andrews esq. to Dr 'James Anderson, 

 Dear Sia, - ' 



The nopal which you have been kind enough to send, ar- 

 rived safe by yesterday's tappal. It was immediattly plan- 

 ted, and I Ihall acquaint you hereafter if it thrives. I am 

 happy to inform you that the silk worms are now multi- 

 plying very fast, and appear perfectly healthy,— from the 

 first silk that I wind off, a sample will be forwarded to you, 

 and I have to request you will point out any defects which 

 may appear, that I may endeavour to rectify them. 



i have been lately informed, that the bread fruit tree 

 ^rows at Shevelipatore, where captain Dighton commands, 

 and that the fruit thereof is eaten by the natives in that 

 part of the country. I remain, &c. 



Irttchino^oly, March 1.179a. 



Fro?n the same to the same. 



Dear Sir., 

 I YESTERDAY received your second inclosure of the nopal, 

 w^hich has been planted. 



I was this morning vi^iting the bread fruit trees at 

 AUitory, and according to your directions set off several 

 joot!^ from the old trees j but in walking about the garden 



