62 CULTIVATION OF COFFEE IN VARIOUS COUNTRIES. 



beyond comparison, is now the greatest coffee producing country 

 of the globe. Java is the next in order, and although the lat- 

 ter does not yet contribute one-half the quantity of the former, 

 yet it furnishes nearly three times as much as other markets. 

 The United States alone imported from Brazil, in 1871, over 

 two hundred million pounds of Rio coffee. (See TcMe.) 



The first coffee-tree in Brazil was planted in 1754, by 

 Friar Villaso, in the garden of the San Antonio Convent at 

 Rio de Janeiro. Brazil was then governed by the Marquis 

 de Lavradio, as Viceroy. The first fruits of the tree were 

 presented to the Marquis, who distributed them among the 

 planters, explaining to them the advantages of adding another 

 valuable article of produce to the country ; but, strong in their 

 prejudices in favor of sugar and indigo, few took any pains to 

 cultivate it, and the progress of increase was so slow and 

 gradual, that in 1808, when Don Joas YI. fled from Portugal 

 to Rio de Janeiro, and soon after opened the port for foreign 

 trade, the annual crop of coffee did not exceed 30,000 bags of 

 160 pounds each. The increase until 1820 was very moderate, 

 the crop then being about 100,000 bags. The high prices 

 ruling in Europe, caused by the falling off in production and 

 increase of consumption all over the world, stimulated the 

 planters of Brazil to extend their cultivation of coffee, espe- 

 cially as the price of sugar had declined, and indigo, from its 

 inferior quality, became neglected ; also that much less capital 

 was required for the cultivation of coffee. The importation of 

 slaves at that time was great, prices low, and they were sold to 

 planters on long credits, payment being received for them in 

 produce. This enabled those of small means to buy estates. 

 Crops being abundant, and favorable prices obtained, they 

 were soon able to pay off their debts, and establish the custom 

 of credit which was denied to sugar planters, as that staple 

 became unprofitable when brought into competition with Cuba, 



