CHAPTEK XVIII 

 VANILLA 



On the fertile, well-drained soils of Qucliniane, 

 such as are to be found along the new line of rail- 

 way between Inhamacurra and Fort Durao, the 

 cultivation of vanilla, nutmegs, cinammon, and 

 other spices will probably attract attention when 

 settlers begin to enter the country. Of these 

 vanilla is chiefly identified with the East Coast 

 of Africa. 



The vanilla plant is a creeping orchid requiring 

 artificially provided supports over which the vines 

 can be trained. The flowers must be artificially 

 fertilized, and the pods or beans, the vanilla of 

 commerce, must undergo a system of curing in 

 order that their natural aroma may be fully 

 brought out. It is a fleshy plant, demanding a 

 humid climate and a plenteous supply of moisture, 

 which, if rainfall is deficient, must be supplied by 

 irrigation. A proper control of shade is another 

 condition of success. The endeavours of the 



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