INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. Ixxvii 



Upon my arrival, in 1808, I was forcibly struck with the dis- 

 orderly conduct of the soldiers. Scenes of the grossest intem- 

 perance were daily exhibited at the spirit houses. Crowds of 

 soldiers and sailors were in constant attendance, rioting and 



in garrison, that in drunkenness alone, originate 19 in 20 of the crimes for which tlie sol- 

 diers are brought to punishment." 



In a subsequent report, Doctor Baildon notices more particularly the appearances of 

 St. Helena scurvy. Upon these appearances, and upon the anti-scorbutic qualities of 

 nopal, he reported as follows, 



" 2\st August, 1809. 



" I consider Doctor Anderson's discovery of the anti-scorbutic and nutritious qualities 

 of the nopal, to be of the greatest importance to diis island. Vegetables are here very 

 scai-ce ; wherefore, if the opuntia had no other recommendation than that of being a 

 pleasant vegetable, it must be considered as a great acquisition to the inhabitants in gene- 

 ral. I have formerly stated to you, that the men of this garrison, from their living 

 principally on salted provisions, and being seldom able to procure vegetables (joined to 

 the abuse of spirits,) are generally afflicted widi the scorbutic diadiesis ; which appears by 

 their spongy gums, purple spots, and by scratches, often degenerating into livid, trouble- 

 some sores, &c. Some I have seen admitted into tlie hospital as bad with scurvy as if 

 just landed from a long voyage. As an adtUtion to our liospital diet, the opuntia will, 

 therefore, be a most valuable article. I trust, indeed, that if cultivated in sufficient 

 quantity, it will soon be the means of altogether preventing the soldiers from acquiring 

 the scorbutic taint ; however this may be, it wiU certainly add gi-eatly to their comfort as 

 an article of common diet. It must appear from all I have stated, that the several spe- 

 cies of opuntia will be extremely useful on this island, for the following purposes. 



1. As a pleasant vegetable for common use. 



2. As a most important addition to the hospital diet in genei-al. 



3. As an article of food for the soldiers, adding to their comfort and preserving their 



health. 



4. As an anti-scorbutic, used raw or otherwise, for seamen landed here. 



5. For the supply of ships while here, as an article of diet, and as an anti-scorbutic to 



carry to sea. 



6. As fences. 



7- As an ornament to the hills of James's Valley.'" 



Doctor Baildon' s Letter, 2 1st August, 1809. 



