276 THE STAPLE PKODUCTS OF JAMAICA. 
(op. cit. t. vi. f. 1-2), and arc distinct chough in appearance from the 
Atlantic species, the leaves being half as long again, lanceolate-linear 
instead of elliptic-lanceolate, and with the primary veins less arcuate 
(often quite straight) and connected at some distance within and pa- 
rallel to the margin by a rather conspicuous nerve. 
In typical P. xeduides these veins are much arched, and anastomose 
by a series of curves, not distinct, unless the leaf is held up to the 
liuht. 
THE STAPLE PRODUCTS OF JAMAICA. 
Suffer.— Three hundred estates in cultivation make about 30,000 
hogsheads. 
Coffee.— This is increasing in quantity, on account of the s 
mail 
settlers growing it. 
Arrowroot. — Decreasing in quantity. 
Ginger. — But little cultivated. 
Sago is grown in small quantities for domestic use. It is made from 
the small knobs or offsets growing at the base of the stem of Cgcas 
circumlis, and not from a Zamia, although it also produces Sago. 
The common Coco, Caladhun escuientim, and Bitter Cassava, Jatropka 
Mauikot, produce 18 per cent, of fine Starch, by grating them. 
edulis has within the last four or five years come into cultivation. 
There are two sorts; one has a coloured leaf, the other cannot be dis- 
tinguished from the common Indian Shot. C. Indica, the green-leaver 
var., is the best. This produces the " Tons les INIois" of the Fr ^ eh * 
Indian Com is grown' but sparingly, not sufficient to supp} ] 
Canna 
wants of the island. It is imported from N. America m 
quantity 
• • 
visions 
as well as all corn meal, which is retailed at 3d. to 4>\d. per qua 
All our Meal-stuffs come from America, also corn, and salt pro- 
, such as fish, herrings, mackerel, pork, very bad beef, e c, 
and sugar-cured hams. 
The common staples in daily use among the people are » 
Yams, Cassava, Banana, and Plantains. It is well known that 
is not a staple or cultivated plant indigenous to tlie island, 
ception of the Pine-apple. As for Cocoa-nuts, no one knows W & 
or when they came. The only plants imported during my tune, ar- 
able or cultivated, are the Chinese Banana, Canna edulis, and .~*j\^. 
wood ol" commerce. This latter is one of the most valuable rati* 
