106 



ia superior to that which is coloured. The value of 

 the arrowroot exported during 1878 was 776/., in 1877, 

 500/., and 281/. in 1876. 



Three or four species of nutmegs (myristica), called 

 male, grow wild in the forests of Fiji. Some of 

 the settlers use the fruit of one of these (myristica 

 eastancefolia) as a substitute for the nutmeg (myristica 

 moschata). It closely resembles the latter in size 

 and shape, and in the colour of its aril, or mace, but 

 its aromatic properties are not so well developed. A 

 quantity of them was sent to Sydney, but the Chinese 

 in that city soon detected the want of flavour, and 

 there was no further demand for Fiji Nutmegs. It 

 may be presumed, from species of the genus being 

 found in the jcolony, that the soil and climate will 

 prove favourable to the growth of the true nutmeg. 

 They are undoubtedly favourable. Although proof of 

 success is yet wanting, no one need hesitate in plant- 

 ing the tree in Fiji, especially in the sheltered valleys 

 and hillsides in the interior of the large islands. 



None of the native cinnamons possess the grateful 

 aromatic fragrance of the cinnamon of Ceylon (cinna- 

 momum zeylanicum), and, consequently, they are of 

 no value as articles of commerce. Their presence, 

 however, among the indigenous plants of the colony, 

 bespeaks a successful issue in the cultivation of the 

 true species whenever it may be tried. The cinnamon 

 is n hardy plant, which will thrive in the poorest soils. 

 There is no doubt of its growing well in Fiji. By 

 some of the settlers macou is used as a substitute 

 For cinnamon in seasoning custards, puddings, &c, 

 liii t, ;it the best, it is a poor exchange. 



Tin- clove and allspice will thrive in all parts of 

 the colony, the sr.il and climate being favourable to 



