113 
Vanilla cultivation in the Seychelles.—In continuation of informa- 
tion that has already appeared in the Kew Bulletin, 1892, 111 (with 
late), the following particulars have been com mmunicated to t 
establishment by the ‘Secretary of State for the Colonies :—- 
ADMINISTRATOR OF SEYCHELLES to COLONIAL OFFICE. 
Government House, oe 
Sr, September 25 
I mave the honour to report that the rezult of the Vanilla crop 
for this year is most satisfactory. The crop up to the present (it is not 
quite all gathered) is returned at 40,000 Ibs., and has realised over half 
a million of rupees 
The prices have been exceptionally high owing, I am told, to a re- 
duced exportation of Vanilla from Mexico. Seychelles Vanilla is now 
well and favourably known both in the London and Paris markets 
I have, &c. 
(Signed) H. Cocsnuny Ed 
To the Right Hon. istrator. 
JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN, M.P., 
&e. &c. 
Extracr from Colonial Reports. Annual. No. 182. Seychelles. 
Annual Report for 1895, p. 9. 
Next to cocoanut oil, Vanilla is our most important produce, and in a 
good year the crop gives a return of about Rs. 400,000. Un -— rtunately, 
vanilla is a most ec HESS pan and, whereas we m good 
crop for two consecutive years, we may "have also three, or 'evii four, 
years without any fob at all. 
Botanic Station, Old Calabar.— The following is an extract from a 
letter received from Mr. John Henry Holland, whose appointment as 
Assistant ecce of the Botanic Station in md 2 iger Coast Protectorate 
was announced in the Kew Bulletin, 1896, p. 1 
«The ss are well situated, on rising mae covering altogether 
about 45 acres. This includes a large area planted wit ‘small 
proportion with cacao, whilst mtem grounds and nursery occupy 
the ME part. "There is, I can assure you, plenty to do. 
arters are good, situated Gonvenienty | in the gardens, on a hill 
edt 100 feet high. We have not a very extensive view of the 
surrounding country, being partly enclosed with dense bush. e can, 
however, see Duke Tow n at the foot of the hill, and catch a glimpse 
of the I with an cde iil sight of a steamer passing by to the 
anchora 
Spanish Chestnut.— The cultivation of the Spanish chestnut has now 
got gm the experimental stage in Bashahr. Some of the trees 
planted 15 years ago are now 30 feet high and four feet in girth. 
