1840.] on the Tenasserim Provinces, fyc. 165 



do not grow better in the northern parts of Tenasserim ; Mergui 

 is the northernmost limit where they attain perfection, and 

 so it probably will be with nutmegs. Should nutmegs bear 

 amply in Tenasserim, their introduction and multiplication will 

 be of the greatest advantage, as no branch of tropical cultivation 

 is as yet known giving such an ample return as nutmegs. 



It is probable that the high prices of nutmegs will diminish 

 with the increase of the number of plantations, but even half 

 of the present price would be a very ample return. It is rather 

 doubtful whether clove trees will succeed in Tenasserim ; they 

 grow but slowly, and are very delicate. There is only one tree 

 which has blossomed this year, for the first time, in Mergui 

 Province. 



Coffee plantations are a branch of tropical agriculture which 

 is particularly well suited for every part of the Tenasserim 

 Provinces. Experience has taught, that coffee plants produce 

 amply, and that the coffee obtained is of a superior quality. 

 Some reared by Major MacFarquhar in Tavoy can be com- 

 pared with the second best in Java. The young trees begin to 

 bear in the third year, and are in full bearing after five years. 

 The virgin soil if cleared, and burnt down forests in valleys 

 on the sloping sides of mountains, are the best suited for its 

 growth. Such an article of the first importance in the Euro- 

 pean market, does not want a particular recommendation. 



Areca palm plantations are also of importance to the Euro- 

 pean planter in the southern parts of Tenasserim, where they 

 attain high perfection. They give certain returns, which are 

 not inconsiderable; they require however seven years 5 growth 

 before they produce fruit. 



The natives have only since the British occupation laid out 

 areca plantations on a large scale. The provinces do not 

 yet produce sufficient for the consumption of the country, and 

 the nut is imported from Sumatra, and Penang. 



Should arecas, as lately they have begun, be continued to be 

 transported to Europe for the purpose of superseding oak bark 

 and sumach for tanning purposes, the importance of areca plan- 

 tations would greatly increase. 



Cocoanuts. — In all tropical countries, having a large extent of 



