134 EFFECTS OP FORESTS ON MOISTURE. 



" Such are the water resources of the island, which have not more 

 than kept pace with the increase of the population, from 59 in 1854 ; 

 to an average of 550 in 1863; and after three years' experience and 

 much painful anxiety, with the necessity of reducing the allowance 

 to a gallon for each person during upwards of six mouths, I would 

 urge the paramount necessity of ensuring an adequate supply." 



The details of hydraulic works proposed by Captain Barnard I do 

 not deem it necessary to quote. After giving them, he proceeds : — 

 " I have found but little reliable information respecting the former 

 cultivation of the island ; but with the assistance of memoranda left 

 by Captain Burnett, records, and my own experience, I shall describe 

 its present state and capabilities of improvement. 



" Like Captain Brandreth, I shall divide the island into four parts, 

 with reference to its agricultural capabilities. 



" The first, consisting of about 200 acres, on the highest lands round 

 the Peak. 



" The second, of about 800 acres, lying below the Peak, from 2,200 

 feet to 1,400 feet above the level of the sea. 



" The third part, comprising tracts of cinder and ashes, with inter- 

 vening watercourses about the lower lands. 



" The fourth takes in extensive beds of lava and cinder, not likely to 

 undergo any change, but which produce purslane and other food, on 

 which herds' of wild goats feed and keep in good condition. 



*• This part comprises the Peak of Green Mountain, with all it 

 surrounding ravines and hollows, from a height of 2^820 feet to Elliot's 

 Pass, about 2,200 feet above the level of the sea. At the summit is 

 a small piece of table land, on which the Bei'mudian cedar, guava, 

 hibiscus, and other shrubs flourish ; it is frequently enveloped in mist, 

 and with the exception of a running grass gathered by the Africans 

 for the cows, it is covered with a long wiry sedge used for stable 

 bedding only. Orange trees brought with great care from Rio and 

 the Gape of Good Hope, have been tried on the N.E, side, where the 

 soil is deep and good, but without success ; they appeared to flourish 

 for a season, but soon began to droop and wither away ; consequently 

 all that retained any signs of life were transplanted into a nursery, 

 where they must remain until the weather is favourable for putting 

 them into sheltered spots in the ravines where lime trees flourish. 

 Numbers of trees and shrubs have been planted by the sides of the 

 path leading to the Peak since Mr Bell's arrival in 1857. They look 

 healthy aad strong, and the more tender ones are protected by tree 



