INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. Ivii 



demonstration, that " the island of St. Helena abounds with 

 " Archill." 



I have thus pointed out two valuable articles of commerce that 

 might be supplied from St. Helena. There are several others of 

 minor importance, which might be obtained at a very trifling 

 expense : amongst which may be reckoned the Socotrine Aloe; 

 the Palma Christi, and the Capsicum. The scientific reader may 

 possibly discover, in Doctor Roxburgh's List of Plants, several 

 others deserving attention. 



Of the socotrine aloe, or Aloe perfoliata, there are two or three 

 varieties. They all grow exuberantly ; and consequently might 

 be cultivated to any extent. 



The palma christi,* or Ricinus communis, which produces the 

 finest sort of castor oil, although a valuable plant, is totally 

 neglected. Its importance, the facility of its culture, and the 

 various uses to which it might be employed, are so well explained 

 iii Captain Barnes's ofl&cial report, that it would be superfluous 

 to add more upon this subject. 



" I beg leave to offer to your notice the following observations 

 on a subject which I humbly conceive would, if properly attended 

 to, materially contribute to the Honourable Company's interests 

 on this island, by affording a revenue of some magnitude, from 

 a neglected, yet very valuable source, with little comparative 

 trouble, risk, labour, or expense. 



Some time ago, I had the honour to present you with a small 

 specimen of castor oil, I had extracted from the fruit of the 



* The palma christi, of which the vernacular name on St. Helena is physic nuts, did 

 not escape the notice of Governor Roberts ; for it appears by the consultation, dated the 

 30th August, 1709, that he ordered them to be planted. 



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