CTJLTIVATION IN CETLON. 



103 



Importation of Ceylon Coffee into the United States {Atlcmtio 

 Coast), 1866 to 1881. 



Average for fifteen years, 1866-81 14,160 packages, 1,098 tons. 



Average for ten years, 1871-80 9,530 " 716 " 



The Plantation Ceylon usually comes in casks and tierces, con- 

 taining 1,000 pounds in the former and 400 to 600 pounds in the 

 latter. It is known as Pea-berry, No. 1, 2, 3, and Triage. The 

 bean is very heavy or solid, rather more so than the best Eio, 

 and about the same in size and appearance as fine Blue Moun- 

 tain Jamaica. The beans in the different grades are all of a 

 size, and scrupulously clean. No. 1 is the largest. Native Ceylon 

 is a light, spongy coffee, that loses two per cent, more in roast- 

 ing than the Plantation. It is usually packed in bags, weigh- 

 ing either 112, 140, or 168 pounds. The bean varies in color 

 from a white to yellow, and in size is sometimes quite as large as 

 Java, and again as small as Mocha. 



The same quantity in weight of roasted Plantation Ceylon 

 will make a heavier bodied liquor than a sunilar amount of Java. 

 In flavor it ranks with the finest of mild coffee. 



In the year 1882 we look for a considerable export of Liberian 

 coffee from Ceylon. Quite an area is under cultivation; the 

 plants have thriven, and promise well. This matter has more 

 than a passing interest to Americans, for it is due to the industry 

 of the liberated slaves of America upon the plantations of Liberia 

 in cultivating a species of coffee indigenous to the forests of 

 Liberia, and known as Coffcea Liberica, that Ceylon, Brazil, and 

 other coffee-growing countries are enabled to utilize land for coffee 

 production that is not suitable for growing Coffcea Arabica. 



