256 TRINIDAD. 



fermentation lias not been sufficient, it is caused to undergo a 

 second process of the kind. Although proper attention to the 

 cultivation and curing of tobacco greatly improves its value, yet 

 it is incontrovertible that climate exercises the main influence as 

 regards the quality of the artiele, which is particularly good in 

 those localities where the temperature is not beneath 75°. In 

 Venezuela, they calculate that eight plants yield two pounds. It 

 is to be regretted that sufficient attention has not yet been 

 directed to the cultivation of tobacco in Trinidad, and particularly 

 in Siparia, where the soil seems to be admirably adapted to its 

 growth. 



Indigo (Indigqfera tinctoria J. anil) . — No indigo is at present 

 manufactured in the island, although that plant grows wild 

 almost everywhere along the road-sides, and might, therefore, be 

 cultivated with success ; in all probability, however, years will 

 elapse ere the production of indigo is attempted in Trinidad ; it 

 is, therefore, unnecessary to offer any remarks on that branch of 

 agricultural economy. 



Arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea) and touloman, or tulema, 

 Canna coccinea, or, according to Dr. Lindley, Canna acliiras. — 

 From the roots, or rkizomas, of these two plants is extracted a 

 large quantity of nutritious starch, extensively used as food for 

 young children, and particularly for convalescents and persons of 

 irritable stomachs. Arrowroot and tulema are, in medical opinion 

 generally, preferable to sago and tapioca, and may be used in 

 the preparation of blanc-mange and other dishes. Arrowroot is 

 a much smaller plant than the tulema, and thrives only in very 

 good moist soil ; it is generally planted two feet apart, and each 

 plant or stool must be carefully moulded in order to a good 

 return. The tulema, on the contrary, grows almost in any soil, 

 provided it is properly planted and due attention paid to its 

 cultivation. The plants are laid in rows, and at three feet 

 distance. The flowers of the tulema are of a brilliant crimson^ 

 those of the arrowroot, white. This plant is usually called t( tous 

 les mois ; " but this is a misappellation, and touloman — the carib 

 term for the " balisier " — is its true name. At whatever time 

 touloman and arrowroot are planted, they yield their starch only 

 in the dry season. The planting season is generally in May : 

 one acre gives from 2,500 to 3,600 pounds. Touloman gives no 

 trouble in its culture ; but the parasol-ants are very partial to it. 



