EAKDAVU. 189 



Cocoa-nut fibre can be supplied in any quantity. 



The disputes which took place latterly between the fisher- 

 men on the coast of Illacuata have diminished the yield of 

 Beche-de-Mer ; nevertheless, the price is good, being 1,200 

 dollars per picul of 140 pounds, and for inferior 1,000 dollars. 



As to the sugar-cane, though it is to be found in all these 

 islands, and is used as food by the natives, no attempt has 

 yet been made to cultivate it on a large scale. 



The coffee tree has been introduced from Tonga, and 

 there are now more than 20,000 trees doing well. It was 

 calculated in 1865 that two-thirds of these trees would 

 fruit the year following. The berries hitherto produced 

 have been used as seed, it being found that trees from seed 

 produced on the spot yielded more abundantly than those 

 grown from imported seed. 



Arrowroot and tapioca are found as troublesome weeds 

 throughout the South Sea Islands, but the tedious operations 

 necessary to prepare these articles for European markets 

 prevent the traders from exporting them. In all the islands 

 the supply far exceeds the demand, and the price they 

 fetch in the colonial markets seldom exceeds 2^d. per 

 pound. 



Tobacco grows well, the leaves are large and fine ; but 

 the European settlers are content to use it prepared in the 

 native manner. 



Throughout the year, but especially in the months of . 

 May, June, and July, large numbers of whales are found 

 around the coasts of Fiji. Sperm and Humpback whales 



