INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. lix 



and from the time the seed is placed in the earth to the period of 

 gathering its produce, one man is fully competent to the manage- 

 ment and care, of at least, 1000 plants. 



As a shrub, it might also be rendered very useful. Where 

 inclosures are made by sunken fences, or sod walls, on these, as 

 an additional security, it might be advantageously planted, being 

 of quick growth, thick and strong. Considerable quantities of 

 fuel would also be obtained from it, which might be used in pre- 

 paring the castor oil. 



It would doubtless be found serviceable in other respects, as 

 time and experience would afford opportunities to demonstrate. 



In collecting the fruit, neither much time nor labour would be 

 consumed, and consequently little expense incurred. Children 

 (who for the most part are brought up in habits of idleness on 

 this island) might be beneficially employed for this purpose, and 

 their reward made commensurate to their diligence. 



The process I adopted in extracting the oil, and which has 

 proved successful, I need not in this report detail ; not that I 

 have the least objection so to do to any one, particularly to you, 

 who have always been good enough to honour with your ap- 

 proval the humble attempts I have made to afford satisfaction 

 to my honourable employers ; but it may be necessary to state, 

 that it is an expeditious method, sure, and attended with small 

 cost. 



The fruit being gathered at a proper age, I can safely assert, 

 that in the several extracts I have made, the produce of pure 

 castor oil has never been less than in the proportion of one-third 

 of the weight of the bean ; generally approaching nearer to half 

 the weight, and that the average which may be fairly estimated 

 is full forty per cent. 



The refuse of the bean after the oil is obtained, I understand 



