— 59 — 



nes or valleys, and by raising crops in the swamps and low 

 lying places. In such places two crops might be had each 

 year. Occasional patches af Rice were noticed in Mahe, and 

 in La Digue, there were 10 to 12 acres in a very flourishing 

 condition. 



" 33. Rice is sold in Port Victoria at fifty per cent and 

 •upwards above its cost price in Mauritius. 



" 34. The climate and soil of Seychelles are highly favora- 

 ble to the growth of the Spice plants. Of these Cloves and 

 Cinnamon are abundant. Both may be said to be naturali- 

 zed, being found in many localities. Doubtless they have 

 been introduced, but where planted they have taken posses- 

 sion of the ground to the exclusion of almost every other 

 plant. 



" 35. In several localities the Clove-tree has grown to the 

 height of 40 to 50 feet, with a trunk from 1 S to 24 inches in 

 diameter. This tree with its lively green oliage is really 

 beautiful. Although somewhat stately, its appearanee is 

 graceful. Its pryramidal shaped head resembles the Lora- 

 bardy poplar in outline, and the fragrance of its flowers fills 

 the air with perfume. 



" 36. The manner in which the Islanders gather the Clo- 

 ves is both reckless and wasteful. They cut oi? all the bran- 

 ches of the trees, although they are well aware that several 

 years must elapse before the trees again reach the bearmg 

 stage, and in fact that many of them will die altogether. 

 The cloves could be easily gathered from the highest trees 

 by means of a bamboo ladder. The trees are frequently cut 

 down for firewood. 



" 37. Apparently very little attention has been bestowed 

 OU the culture gf the Clove tree for a lon^ time, but on the 



