ha 
a 
: coffe 
tended to Mauritius. Liberian coffee, thou 
6. As to silk, if it is intended to grow any of the mulberry-feeding 
kinds, Sir Joseph Hooker cannot but apprehend that the climate of 
Mauritius will be found too hot, and the Indian Tasar silks have not 
d 
; ard to wheat, &c., it is hardly conceivable that in the face 
of the great areas devoted to this staple in India and Australia that 
Mauritius can do much more than for local consumption. The culti- 
vation of oil-seeds is a more promising industry, and for these there 
would be probably a good market at Marseilles 
8. Something might be done probably with Cacao, in carefully selected 
ions. The cultivation of Vanilla was taken up in Réunion in 1850 
after the failure of the sugar cane, Itis now said to be the mainstay 
of that island. The preparation of the pods is peculiarly an industry 
suited to the resources of small proprietors. 
9. Sir Joseph Hooker would also particularly urge on the attention 
of proprietors with suitable land the cultivation on their estates of 
choice woods, such as Ebony and Sandal. For these there is always a 
demand and a market. The cultivation of spices, such as Cloves, is also 
worth attention. 
It is to be regretted that the apparently promising fibre industry 
has not prospered. That there must be a solid bottom to it Sir Joseph 
Hooker is, however, convinced. The aloe fibre produced in the colony 
i 
could be overcome, would carry everything before it. It is exciting 
a great deal of attention in Europe at the moment, and, whether 
by mechanical or chemical means, there is reason to hope that a practicable 
method will be found of preparing it on a large scale. Sir Joseph 
heart really engaged in the matter, to study the whole question of the 
i i i fibres. Both in 
penetrate the subject. 
11. Sir Joseph Hooker would like, as remarked in my letter of May 2 
ast, to see a report from the Director of the Botanic Garden as to the 
suggestions that occur to him in the present crisis. 
am, &c. 
(Signed) W. T. THISELTON Dyer. 
John Bramston, Esq., D.C.L., C.B., 
Colonial Office. 
a 50446. a EEA A 3 
i 

