Mr Snell, The Natural History of the Island of Rodrigues 285 



One of the most profitable products of this island is acacia 

 seed, which is exported to Mauritius for cattle feeding. The acacia 

 {Lucaena glauca), which was introduced about seventy years ago, 

 now grows wild and flourishes everywhere, covering the ground 

 for acres, and forming a dense almost impenetrable scrub, beneath 

 which nothing will grow. The cattle and goats are exceedingly fond 

 of the leaves and pods, and this is probably the reason for its 

 spreading so extensively, the original plantation having been in a 

 valley near Port Mathurin. Amongst other things which have been 

 successfully grown may be mentioned coffee, vanilla, sugar-cane, 

 oranges and lemons. Bananas and plantains, custard apples, 

 strawberries and raspberries are found wild. Many other com- 

 modities such as ginger, safran (turmeric) and arrowroot have also 

 been grown. 



There is very little real pasturage in Rodrigues, the largest 

 area being in Malgache Valley. Besides this there are barren tracts 

 round the coast covered with coarse grass, which provides in- 

 sufficient subsistence for the stock. Most of the inhabitants own 

 goats and pigs, on which they rely for their milk and meat supply, 

 and which are also exported. They were allowed to run wild, but 

 measures have now been introduced by the Government to control 

 them. Poultry, ducks and geese also thrive in the island. 



Rodrigues was originally covered with dense forests of lofty 

 trees, with corresponding undergrowth. Indeed, according to 

 early descriptions its vegetation partook of the nature of a regular 

 tropical moist woodland. Here were to be found flightless birds, 

 the Solitaires, and giant land tortoises. When Leguat saw this 

 island first, the scenery was such as to call forth from him such 

 designations as "a lovely isle," "an earthly paradise." To-day its 

 grandeur and beauty have vanished. There remains a bare parched 

 pile, on which it is difficult if not impossible to discover any corner 

 in its original condition. Many agencies are responsible for this 

 destruction and denudation. It has been swept by fire many 

 times, accidentally and intentionally. The goats devour the young 

 shoots and leaves of any vegetation within their reach. Pigs have 

 done their share, especially with regard to the Latanier Palm 

 (Pandanus), of the nuts of which they are very fond. Then there 

 are the introduced plants, which have in many cases crowded out 

 the native vegetation. A notable example is seen in the acacia, 

 previously mentioned, which has spread into almost every valley 

 in the island. A certain amount of destruction has been done by 

 the inhabitants, who have cut timber over large tracts without 

 discrimination. Though a check has been placed on this by the 

 government, there still remains a source of destruction, in that the 

 inhabitants are in the habit of acquiring year by year fresh tracts 

 of woodland, the undergrowth of which they cut down and burn, 



