278 CORRESPONDENCE. 
The Nutmeg thrives well here, particularly where the Chocolate 
thrives ; there were no plants distributed until some years after I came 
here, and those sent out have borne freely ; there is one tree in this 
garden which produces regularly about 2000 fruits per annum. This 
tree bears or ripens its fruit in May and June, and again in October 
and November, two crops a year; from 150 to 200 plants are distri- 
buted annually gratuitously. The negroes steal half the fruit, and some 
of the plants also, and sell them. We have police, but no detectives; 
and I endorse Dr. Alexander's experience and assertion that our negroes 
are a set of liars and thieves from one end of the island to the other. 
Pigs, goats, and sheep, all become a prey to them, and there is conse- 
quently little necessity for labour. 
The Pimento is one of our useful indigenous plants, but there is 
scarcely any sale for it, and its price will not pay for pickling it. 
g.N I 
Logwood is another staple of little use, and not w r orth shippin 
have some thousand tons of it, which T am selling at a dollar a ton as 
it grows. 
Our Bamboo would be a source of wealth, if it were used and pre- 
pared as paper stuff. It would afford suitable and remunerative em- 
ployment for the 600 or 700 felons in the penitentiary. The Bamboo 
grows 100 feet in four or five months' time ; from my own observa- 
tions I have found it to grow, at an average, eight inches in twenty- 
four hours. 
The Cinchonas are thriving well in moist altitudes of 3000 to 5000 
feet. A specimen of C. rubra, that I raised, is now 14 feet high, ro- 
bust and healthy, producing flowers in plenty. Mr. Thomson is non- 
living up in the Eose Mountains, rearing plants and preparing sites for 
them, under the instructions of Government. 
Dr. Hooker communicates with me in a very kind way, requesting a 
continuance of interchange. He says that he is now making good use 
of my reports relative to the Bcehmeria nivea with the Government. 
wish something could be done for this all but abandoned country, 
have officially given in my opinion, as favourable to an extensile 
cultivation of this plant. Last post brought me a letter from the 
American Consul in Kingston, asking for plants and seeds, etc. 
Yankees are sure to succeed in the Southern States, and it appears 
they are now buying up the fibre in lav quantities, and making 
very profitable use of it. How long will the English nation be bfa 
to its own interests and tho of the Colonies P There is also a was 
