205 



the caoutchouc trees should be thinned out. The caoutchouc 

 tree grows well, and naturally in the same places as the 

 sandalwood. Of course sandalwood or any other kind of trees 

 could be used instead of the caoutchouc. 



In the case of sandalwood being used, one half of the trees- 

 would have to be thinned out when they were about one- half 

 or three parts grown, and consequently of no value, on account 

 of the wood not being fragrant. Any other kinds of trees 

 planted would be for the sake of their timber, and as they 

 would also have to be thinned out at an early period of their 

 growth, the timber would be valueless. 



The caoutchouc is not a loDg living tree, and it would be 

 worked out at about the time thinning would be required. 

 The natives could collect the caoutchouc as taxes, or it might 

 be otherwise collected. 



In the province of Navosa, which is well adapted for grow- 

 ing sandalwood, the Fijians might plant it instead of paying 

 taxes in produce, or they might be paid for planting it, while 

 at the same time they paid their usual taxes. 



In either case the planting would have to be inspected by a 

 trustworthy officer. That being so a good extent per annum 

 would have to be planted in order that the fullest benefit 

 might be obtained for his salary, and the expenses of over- 

 seeing reduced to the lowest possible proportion per acre. 



The plantation might be extended by annual instalments. 

 The above suggestions may also be applied to Macuata, and 

 the natives in the interior of Vanua Levu could do the 

 planting. 



This letter may be read as a continuation of the letter 

 headed na Tua-tua-coka, and dated 19th July last. In addi- 

 tion to the suggestions mentioned in it with regard to j:>lant- 

 ing, &c, it may be mentioned that the weeds, grass, &c, 

 should be burned off the ground before planting by seed 

 sowing, &c, be commenced. Planting should commence after 

 the ground has been watered by the first rains, say in Novem- 

 ber, and as early completed as possible. When prolonged, the 

 young plants have not time to be sufficiently rooted to with- 

 stand the drought of the next dry season, and failure is the 

 result. The seeds preserve their vitality for several months, if 

 kept in a place which is neither too dry nor too damp. To 

 hasten germination the seeds may be steeped in water or mud 

 for a short time before they are planted. After this they 

 must not be allowed to get dry before, or when being put into 

 the ground, 



