28 
almonds. They contain an oil that is said to protect the floors of 
ouses from the attacks of white ants. The pulpy receptacle is 
also edible and has an agreeable flavour. It is sometimes called 
in the West Indies the Cashew-apple. A new use appears to have 
been found for prs in Portuguese East Africa. According to a 
Report furnished by H.M. Consul in that region (F.O. Reports, 
Annual Series, No. 1463, pp. 14, 15) the natives inhabiting the 
Logon opposite the: island and city of Mozambique, poss they 
have bets ERU ds , *are bent on enjoying the sweets of 
indolen the only agricultural industry carri Ar on now 
consists i in ‘brewing and distilling the juice of the fruit of Cashew 
trees.’ 
The following is the Consul’s report of this apparently unique 
ndustry :— 
*Opposite the island and city of Mozambique there is a 
peninsula, about 12,000 acres in area, connected with the main- 
land by a narrow neck of land that is guarded by garrisons on 
each side. 
s peninsula, which forms part of Terras-Firmes, the 
Portuguese have made efforts at agricultural industry. 
“In the days of forced labour the plantations are said to have 
been very profitable. The numerous ruins of substantial farm- 
houses and residences testify to the wealth of the former planters. 
n the suppression of the slave trade the slaves were suddenly 
areis Food can be obtained from friends or robbed from the 
landowners. 
bad The liio of the natives and their pilfering propensities 
result in reducing the value of property. An estate which 
formerly produc ry a revenue of 2,000/. per annum hardly yields 
2001. at the preient da 
he only M bent! carried on now consists in 
owing ery distilling the jui = the fruit of cashew trees, and 
mowihg the $e of eqsonnat mm 
“Taxation on this ustry STE its limit last year. The 
lan pep olioan petitioned the King of Portugal to 
annul the recent law on taxat monstrated that 
if it were enforced they would be required to the 
ped ipa amounts far exceeding their incomes; in fact it 
uld fee them to cease manufacturing fermented and 
distilled liquor 
“Tt would seem that the law referred to was intended to 
prohibit the manufacture of liquor, and thus prevent the natives 
from obtaining 
“ During ihe Mii season (October, November, and December) 
the natives Mat themselves up to their favourite bevera rage, and 
during that time they g come perfectly useless. A great end 
would be obta tained if this liquor could be kept away from "un: 
]t is easy to prevent Europeans from manufacturing it, but I am 
afraid it will be Yenir to prevent the natives from doing s0, 
