Edible Products- 



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CACAO IN BRITISH HONDURAS. 



Several cacao plantations are now established in the Colony, and some 

 are producing good crops. Whereas a few years ago cacao was imported Ironi 

 London to supply local requirements, it is satisfactory to note that during 1904 

 British Honduras was not only able to satisfy home demands but to export the 

 prod uce. — Colonial Reports — A nnual. 



A CACAO DRYING APPARATUS. 



The following is a description of a patent cacao-drying apparatus erected 

 by Mr. Hoadley at Chaguanas, Trinidad:- 



The cacao-drying apparatus consists of an ordinary room, 34 feet square, with 

 25 feet perforated circular drying floor, upon which cacao is placed direct from the 

 fermenting box. In the centre of the drying tray is a vertical axle from which 

 project four arms which are revolved once in ten minutes. To each arm are 

 attached six ploughs, the operations of which are equal to the work of twelve 

 coolies in keeping the cacao in constant motion. Hot air is generated by exhaust 

 steam, which is passed into 1,100 feet of piping enclosed in a box, over which cold 

 air is drawn by a powerful fan which makes from 600 to 700 revolutions per 

 minute. The air in its passage becomes heated to any desired point up to 150 c 

 and is forced up through the drying floor. The machine will dry from 12 to 

 15 bags of cacao in thirty-six hours. The cost of installing the system is said to 

 be between £300 and £100. 



After drying, the cacao is passed through a machine which clays and 

 polishes, or merely polishes to suit the markets, and thereby saves the costly 

 process of dancing. The cacao is fermented in cylindrical drums, which are 

 partially turned every night and morning for ten to eleven days. — The Agri- 

 cidtural Neivs. 



COPRA IN TAHITI. 

 From 1895 to 1901 inclusive the export of copra from Tahiti averaged 5,000 

 tons per annum. In 1902 and 1903, however, the output increased to 7,100 and 

 8,500 tons respectively, but fell in 1901 to 5,600 tons in consequence of the 

 presence in certain of the copra producing districts of a species of acarus ( Aspidiolus 

 divastatri.c) which attacks the coconut tree and affects the production of nuts. 

 This pest soon disappears under the influence of continued heavy rains, however, 

 and the trees, with the exception of a small percentage which succumb, usually 

 recover within a period of two years and yield as prolifically as before. Copra 

 is in good demand at profitable rates, and it is therefore satisfactory to learn 

 that coconut trees are being planted freely in these possessions. — Diplomatic 

 and Consular Reports. 



VANILLA IN TAHITI. 



Whilst it must be conceded that Tahiti vanilla is inferior in quality to 

 that of other countries, probably on account of the deterioration of the vine 

 since its first introduction into this island from Mexico some 30 years ago, yet 

 it is a fact that during the years 1897-1902 its export and prices were sufficiently 

 elevated to aid this colony in the maintenance of a fairly high state of com- 

 mercial and financial prosperity. In the years 1897-99 its price varied from 9s. 

 5hd. to 5s. 2d. per lb., decreased to 3s- U$d. per lb. in 1900, advanced to 4s. 4d. 

 per lb. in 1901, and fell to 2s. 11c?. per lb. in 1902, since Avhich date it has 



