140 CHOCOLATE. 



consistence of butter, in which you gene- 

 rally find deposited five and twenty seeds. 

 These, if taken just before they are ripe, 

 afford a good preserve. Each tree yields 

 between two and three pounds of fruit an- 

 nually. The usual times of gathering are 

 in the months of June and December. The 

 chocolate of the Magdalena is particularly 

 esteemed for its fine quality, and there is 

 a greater demand for it than can be sup- 

 plied; but it is hoped that enterprising cul" 

 tivators will introduce a spirit of greater 

 industry to these shores, so as not only to 

 meet the demand of the country, but raise 

 sufficient for a considerable exportation to 

 other parts of the world. 



At sunset stopped at a small cottage, 

 having only advanced five leagues, the cur- 

 rent having become very strong. We were 

 very kindly received by the owner of the 

 cottage, an old hunter, whom we found sur- 



