INDIGO. ARROWROOT. CASTOR-OIL SEED. 271 



curing of tobacco greatly improves its value, yet it is incontro- 

 vertible that climate exercises the main influence as regards the 

 quality of the article, which is particularly good in those localities 

 where the temperature is not beneath 75. In Venezuela, they 

 calculate that eight plants yield two pounds. It is to be regretted 

 that sufficient attention has not yet been directed to the cultiva- 

 tion of tobacco in Trinidad, and particularly in Siparia, where the 

 soil seems to be admirably adapted to its growth. 



Indigo (Indigo/era tinctoriaJ. anil). No indigo is at present 

 manufactured in the island, although that plant grows wild almost 

 everywhere along the road-sides, and might, therefore, be culti- 

 vated with success ; in all probability, however, years will elapse 

 ere the production of indigo is attempted in Trinidad ; it is 

 therefore unnecessary to offer any remarks on that branch of 

 agricultural economy. 



Arrowroot (Maranta anindinacea) and touloman, or tulema, 

 Oanna coccinea, or according to Dr. Lindley, Oanna achiras. 

 From the roots, or rhizomas, of these two plants is extracted a large 

 quantity of nutritious starch, extensively used as food for young 

 children, and particularly for convalescents and persons of irrit- 

 able stomachs. Arrowroot and tulema are, in medical opinion 

 generally, preferable to sago and the tapioca, and may be used in 

 the preparation of blanc-mange, and other dishes. Arrowroot is 

 a much smaller plant than the tulema, and thrives only in very good 

 moist soil ; it is generally planted two feet apart, and each plant or 

 stool must be carefully moulded in order to a good return. 

 The tulema, on the contrary, grows almost in any soil, provided it 

 is properly planted and due attention paid to its cultivation. The 

 plants are laid in rows, and at three feet distance. The flowers of 

 the tulema are of a brilliant crimson, those of the arrowroot y 

 white. This plant is usually called " tous les mois ;" but this is a 

 misappellation, and touloman the carib term for the " balisier" 

 is its true name. At whatever time touloman and arrowroot are 

 planted, they yield their starch only in the dry season. The 

 planting season is generally in May : one acre gives from 2,500 to 

 3,600 pounds. Touloman gives no trouble in its culture ; but the 

 parasol-ants are very partial to it. 



Castor-oil seed (Ricinus communis). In the climate and 

 soil of Trinidad the castor-oil plant grows to the height of twelve 

 and twenty feet. There are two varieties, the red and the white, 



