COFFEE. 109 



from this tree sold at a bit each, which is equal to 6d. 

 In the year 1752 the export of coffee from Jamaica was 

 rated at 60,0001bs.; and it has continued regularly to 

 increase since that time, except when additional duties 

 have been laid on, which have as regularly lessened the 

 exports and the revenue also ; an important proof, among 

 others, how frequently heavy taxation defeats its own 

 purpose. In 1791 there were 607 coffee-plantations in 

 Jamaica, employing 21,000 negroes. In 1808, the exports 

 from Jamaica were 29,528,2731bs. ; the next year they 

 were lessened about four millions of pounds; in 1812, the 

 export was 18,481, 9861bs. The Abbe Raynal says, that 

 12,550,000 pounds of coffee are annually exported from 

 Arabia Felix. 



Almost every species of the vegetable creation has an 

 apparent enemy peculiar to itself in the animal tribe, but 

 which is undoubtedly intended for some wise purpose, 

 although often beyond our investigation. The finest 

 coffee-tree in our colonies, and sometimes a whole plan- 

 tation, is seen to perish in a short time. This is often 

 occasioned by an insect called the coffee fly : this fly is 

 very long, and has attached to its head two saws with 

 which it sometimes cuts these trees to the very heart. 

 The white vine-fretters also attack the coffee-tree, to 

 prevent which, pine-apples are planted between the trees, 

 because these insects, preferring the juice of this fruit, eat 

 of it, which causes their death. 



Every gentleman who has stoves should raise this 

 tree for the beauty of its appearance. It is an evergreen, 

 whose leaves continue three years ; and being of a fine 

 dark green, make a beautiful contrast with the clusters 

 of pure white blossoms, which perfume the air with an 

 odour like jasmine. Nothing can be conceived more 

 delightful and grateful than the appearance and per- 

 fume of a field of coffee-trees when in full bloom : it 



