•226 TROPICAL SPICES 



1 



The leaf when first developed is partly of a bright red, and partly 

 of a pale yellow ; it soon, however, assumes a green hue, and 

 when at its full growth is on the upper surface of a dark olive- 

 colour, and on the under side of a lighter green ; it somewhat 

 resembles that of the bay, but is longer and narrower. Both 

 sides are frequently deformed by galls produced by the puncture 

 of a small Cynips. The flowers bloom in January, and grow on 

 foot-stalks rising from the axillae of the leaves and the extremi- 

 ties of the branches, clustering in bunches, which resemble in 

 size and shape those of the lilac, but they are white with a 

 brownish tinge in the centre. Though their smell has been 

 frequently extolled as very fragrant, yet, according to Pro- 

 fessor Schmarda, it is weak, and by no means agreeable, resem- 

 bling that of animal albuminous liquids. The flowers are followed 

 by one-seeded berries, of the shape of an acorn, but not so large 

 as a common pea. 



The plants are propagated by seeds or saplings. In two 

 years the shoots are fit for cutting, being then about half an 

 inch thick. Many of the shrubs in Mr. Stewart\s plantations 

 were already fifteen years old, but as the shoots are continually 

 cut as soon as they have obtained the proper size, a full-grown 

 trunk never forms, so that the more or less voluminous root- 

 stalk is the only criterion of age. 



The peeling of the rind takes place twice a year, from May to 

 June, and in November, as at that time, in consequence of the 

 heavier rains, and the increase of sap, it can be more easily 

 detached from the wood. The epidermis having been scraped 

 off, the bark is placed on mats to dry in the sun, when it curls 

 up, and acquires a darker tint. The smaller pieces are then 

 put inside the larger, and the whole closes together into the 

 tubular form, in which it is sold in the shops. The finer sort 

 is as thin as parchment, light brown, and extremely aromatic. 



The Chalias, who are still the only natives employed, and have, 

 from long hereditary practice, acquired a wonderful dexterity, 

 are paid by the weight, receiving fourpence halfpenny per pound 

 of the first quality and thus downwards, the average being about 

 threepence three farthings. Their pay and treatment is good, 

 and nothing is omitted to attach them to the gardens and to 

 prevent them peeling the wild cinnamon trees, which would 

 spoil the market. During the four months of the two harvests, 



