308 MANILLA. 



sixty -two thousand seven hundred piculs ; its value in Manilla is 

 about three hundred thousand dollars. Twenty thousand piculs go 

 to Europe. There are no duties on its exportation. 



That which comes to the United States is principally manufactured 

 in or near Boston, and is the cordage known as " white rope." The 

 cordage manufactured at Manilla is, however, very superior to the 

 rope made with us, although the hemp is of the inferior kind. A 

 large quantity is also manufactured into mats. 



In the opinion of our botanist, it is not probable that the plant could 

 be introduced with success into our country, for in the Philippines it 

 is not found north of latitude 14° N. 



The coffee-plant is well adapted to these islands. A few plants 

 were introduced into the gardens of Manilla, about fifty years ago, 

 since which time it has been spread all over the island, as is supposed 

 by the civet-cats, which, after swallowing the seeds, carry them to a 

 distance before they are voided. 



The coffee of commerce is obtained here from the wild plant, and 

 is of an excellent quality. Upwards of three thousand five hundred 

 piculs are now exported, of which one-sixth goes to the United States. 



The sugar-cane thrives well here. It is planted after the French 

 fashion, by sticking the piece diagonally into the ground. Some, 

 finding the cane has suffered in times of drought, have adopted 

 other modes. It comes to perfection in a year, and they seldom 

 have two crops from the same piece of land, unless the season is 

 very favourable. 



There are many kinds of cane cultivated, but that grown in the 

 valley of Pampanga is thought to be the best. It is a small red 

 variety, from four to five feet high, and not thicker than the thumb. 

 The manufacture of the sugar is rudely conducted ; and the whole 

 business, I was told, was in the hands of a few capitalists, who, by 

 making advances, secure the whole crop from those who are employed 

 to bring it to market. It is generally brought in moulds, of the usual 

 conical shape, called pilones, which are delivered to the purchaser 

 from November to June, and contain each about one hundred and 

 fifty pounds. On their receipt, they are placed in large storehouses, 

 where the familiar operation of claying is performed. The estimate 

 for the quantity of sugar from these pilones after this process is 

 about one hundred pounds ; it depends upon the care taken in the 

 process. 



