12 CACAO 



high rate of duty which was imposed on the article in 

 England at about the same time. Whatever the cause, 

 the cultivation of cacao in Jamaica received a wonderful 

 check, for in 1671 Long states there were as many as sixty- 

 five walks in bearing, while in 1882 cacao was only grown 

 in isolated instances until the value of the product was 

 brought into notice by Sir Daniel Morris when resident 

 there in 1879-1886, when the cultivation largely increased. 

 The introduction to Jamaica was probably effected by the 

 Spaniards, as the English only came into possession of that 

 island in 1655, sixteen years previous to the date mentioned. 

 One species is mentioned by a writer (Martius) as having 

 been found in Jamaica {Theobroma sylvestris), but the 

 accuracy of this statement would appear to need con- 

 firmation. 



The figures in Preuss' work are very instructive. It 

 will be noted that the beans of the Nicaraguan CrioUo are 

 larger than those of any other kind shown, but the beans 

 of T. pentagona equal if not exceed them in size, and are 

 indiscriminately mixed with CrioUo produce in Nicaragua. 

 The cross-sections showing the interior spaces give the 

 reason for their light weight in proportion to size. In 

 other sections the compact form is shown, which renders 

 those kinds heavier bulk for bulk than those with hollow 

 centres. As a rule, however, the beans with hollow centres 

 have the best " break " and the best colour and flavour on 

 completion of the curing process. 



Spon's Encyclopaedia gives Theobroma angustifolia, T. 

 bicolor, T. guianensis, T. microcarpa, T. ovalijolia, T. 

 speciosa, T. sylvestris as producing commercial cacao, but 

 we cannot learn upon what authority. When travelling in 

 Central America in 1885, the author found Theobroma 

 bicolor indigenous in the province of Veragua, United States 

 of Colombia. It was known as " Tiger cacao," so named 

 from the rank smell of the seeds. It is not in general use 

 by the inhabitants, though it is said to be used in some 

 manner by the Indians. It has also the name of " Indian 

 chocolate " and " Wariba," the latter being the Indian 



