CULTIVATION. 215 
upon its extensive culture in Natal, which no human art 
can overcome. But suchan affliction does not extend to 
the imphee. On the contrary, the white ants (although 
swarming in the soil) never touch these plants. I have 
grown a fine crop of imphee on a sandy hill top, where 
it would have been utterly impossible to grow sugar 
cane, on account of the white ants. 
This seems a small matter todwell upon, but in reality 
it is of the utmost importance to Natal, India generally, 
the Straits (Malacca) settlements, and to every other 
country wherein that insect scourge exists; because it 
admits of sugar being produced from the imphee on 
millions and millions of acres which are totally unsuited 
for the sugar cane. 
This simple fact alone is calculated to enhance the 
price of land in Natal and the Cape Colony to an immense 
extent, and it will have the same effect in many other 
countries. 
I have introduced the subject of white ants in this 
place, because in trying of soils suitable for the sugar 
cane, it is absolutely necessary to exclude all those in- 
fested by white ants, whereas in the culture of the imphee 
their presence is of no consequence. 
In rich alluvial soils, in good light brick mold, in 
loamy soils, and, indeed, in almost every good soil in 
which there is a fair admixture of vegetable mould, the 
imphee delights, and will grow famously with sufficient 
moisture. 
Plenty of vegetable mold, strong heat and light, and 
considerable moisture, form the great essentials to the full 
development of the plant, and the perfect elaboration of 
