its Character and Productions. 211 



rapidity of growth, and the tubers are generally small and 

 watery. 



The Sweet Potato, or Buck, as it is called, the large 

 tuberous root of the Batatas edulis, a plant of the convol- 

 vulus tribe, is the chief garden esculent. It yields good 

 crops twice a year, and may be eaten roasted, boiled, or 

 fried in slices. 



The Arrow-root is very extensively and successfully cul- 

 tivated in Norfolk Island. The starch is separated in the 

 usual manner, in the months of September and October, and 

 is found to be of superior quality. 



Cayenne pepper, manufactured from pods of the capsicum 

 grown in these gardens, has a quality and flavour equal to 

 any that can be obtained. It is in much demand. 



The Sugar-cane is seen in many places growing luxu- 

 riantly, but quite neglected. The first settlers introduced 

 the plant, and made rum of its juice. Under the subsequent 

 regime this distillation was forbidden, and hence the cane 

 became valueless. 



Garden fruits, though varied and abundant, are- not always 

 of good quality. The banana, strawberry, and grape grow 

 freely, and may be cultivated to advantage. Easpberries 

 grow vigorously, but do not fruit. The apple also fails, 

 chiefly through blight. There are inferior qualities of pine- 

 apple, fig, olive, pomegranate, almond, quince, melon, and 

 peach. The loquat, originally derived from Japan by the 

 way of Batavia, is rather plentiful during the season; as 

 well as the passion-fruit. Orange and citron plants, intro- 

 duced from Sydney, are now just beginning to bear ; but it 

 is considered doubtful whether the walnut and mulberry trees, 

 brought by Mrs. Maconochie, will ever yield fruit. 



Wild fruits are abundant in the Bush ; limes and lemons 

 may be gathered' all the year round. The apple-fruited 



3 E 



