INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. xlix 



(comparatively with its size) twice as mucli as any of the other 

 ravines, and of a very superior quality. It was from this ravine 

 that we produced the purest soda, and the Prussian blue,* sam- 

 ples of which you some time ago sent to England." 2lst Janu- 

 ary, 1810. 



" It is with much pleasure I inform you of the success in 

 salsola burning. There are now 25 casks of about 400 weight 

 each ; and I calculate upon three times that number being ready 

 by the departure of the first fleet. It is all of the very best 

 quality ; which I think will be proved by an analysis of the spe- 

 cimens of soda that have been already sent to England. Evidently 

 the plant improves by cutting ; which is all that is necessary to 

 be known, in order to be satisfied that it may prove a very valu- 

 able and permanent export." 2\st August, 1810. 



" The overseer will have finished burning barilla in Rupert's 

 Valley this week, from which place one ton and 1200 weight has 

 been produced, for the trifling cost of about ^6. The burners 

 will quit this valley on Saturday, and should you approve of it, 

 will go to Friar's, where the salsola is now in high perfection. I 

 expect by the end of the year to have an hundred casks of barilla 

 ready for exportation, containing, upon an average, 400 pounds 

 each, and that of the best quality." 2lst September, 1810. 



Mr. Thomas O'Connor, a respectable merchant at St. Helena, 

 who had for several years burnt salsola for his soap manufactory, 

 undertook to direct and superintend the burning in James's 

 Valley. The samples produced were, in appearance, equal to 

 the best Spanish sorts we had received from England. He used 

 no pits ; but kindled his fires on the surface of the ground, 

 feeding and stirring them, and taking care that the plant was 



* Some beautiful specimens of Prussian blue were made at St. Helena, and sent to 

 England. It might be manufactured in large quantities, and at a moderate price. 



h 



