

PllEFACE. 



The introduction of quinine-yielding Chinchona- trees 

 into India, and the cultivation of the " Peruvian 

 Bark " in our Eastern possessions, where that inesti- 

 mable febrifuge is almost a necessary of life, has for 

 some years engaged the attention of the Indian 

 Government. In 1859 the author of the present 

 work was intrusted, by the Secretary of State for 

 India in Council, with the duty of superintending all 

 the necessary arrangements for the collection of Chiu- 

 chona-plants and seeds of the species esteemed in 

 commerce, in South America, and for their introduc- 

 tion into India. This important measure has now 

 been crowned with complete success, and it is the 

 object of the following pages to relate the previous 

 history of the Chinchona-plant ; to describe the 

 forests in South America where the most valuable 

 species grow ; to record the labours of those who 

 were engaged in exploring them ; and to give an 

 account of all the proceedings connected with the 

 cultivation of Chinchona-plants in India. 



In the performance of this service it was a part of 



903G44 



