189 



think that, by allowing the plants to grow thickly 

 together and attain a larger size, more produce will 

 be got. Not only so, but that the closeness of the 

 plants will prevent the growth of weeds, and so 

 labour, &c, will be saved. 



The plantations of maize are in similar condition 

 to the cotton ones, some of them are w r ell attended to 

 and others indifferently so. 



The Fijian does not seem to require teaching in the 

 management of his tobacco plants. He is well aware 

 of the effects of stopping the upward growth of the 

 plants, after they have reached a certain height, on 

 enlarging the lower leaves and perfecting their quality. 

 Experience gained from observation has taught him 

 the best soil and situation for the growth of the plant. 

 His favourite site for a tobacco plantation is that of a 

 house which has been burned. From the plants 

 grown on the few square yards of ground which the 

 house occupied, he wall gather upwards of 100 lbs. 

 of leaves. 



The facility with which the natives have learned, 

 from the early settlers in the group, the manner of 

 cultivating these articles augurs w r ell for the future, 

 and shows that, were a little care and patience be- 

 stowed on teaching them better methods than their 

 own, they would be readily adopted. 



The paying of taxes in kind is the best system for 

 the Fijians that could be put into operation, and from 

 the experience which they will gain by it in the cul- 

 tivation of mercantile products, it may be anticipated 

 that they will become extensive cultivators and pro- 

 ducers on their own account. 



The Candle-nut, i.e., the seeds of the aleurites 

 triloba, is entirely a forest product, to be had for 



