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Among the first objects of experimental agriculture, I may mention the growth 

 of hemp, for which some parts of the rich plains of Santa Cruz are so well cal- 

 culated. This plant is indigenous to hot climates, and, in cold countries, is pro- 

 duced only during the hot season. Some which I sowed in my garden gave 

 the most flattering appearances, and, in six weeks after being sown, was eighteen 

 inches high ; but it was capriciously ordered to be cut down on my leaving the 

 estate. As an excellent substitute for this plant, I may mention the aloe, which 

 grows spontaneously in great luxuriance, and makes very good fences. From its 

 fibres I made some twine, which I am persuaded might have been manufactured 

 into strong and durable canvas. 



There is a great extent of low land, for the greater part of the year a continued 

 bog, in which many weak cattle are daily sufibcated ; but, under the management 

 of a skilful drainer, it might produce an abundance of fine grass. The large 

 plains, so favourable to the growth of rice, are uncultivated; nor is one piece of 

 machinery employed to take the rusk from that grain, to clean coffee, or to prepare 

 mandioca. A multitude of persons are employed in these operations, which are 

 extremely ill conducted, and are subject to every species of peculation. 



The rising grounds or hills present large tracts fit for the growth of coffee, cot- 

 ton, mandioca, and other produce. I have not touched upon sugar, because, at 

 present, Santa Cruz has no mills j the best lands for the growth of that article 

 were sold, together with the mills, some years ago. One of these, situated on a 

 river called Taguai, is at least equal, if not superior, to any, in the whole extent 

 of America. It was built by an able engineer on the most scientific principles, and 

 has two sets of rollers and two ranges of boilers. The rollers are worked by one 

 simple upright shaft moved by a horizontal water-wheel. It is a most capacious 

 building, not less than seventy yards long by about twenty-five wide, with a distil- 

 house and proper drying-houses at the farther end. This establishment, and the 

 lands annexed to it, if worked to their extent, are capable of producing more than 

 a thousand tons annually. 



The indigo of this country, as I have before observed, is not good ; probably a 

 better kind might be procured from seed brought from India ; and no place could 

 be found so favourable for the experiment as the royal farm. A large field is here 

 open for the introduction of cochineal, opium, tobacco, &c. which might be effect- 

 ed without expence, and would probably yield some profit. 



The excellent strata of lime which are found on the estate, might be worked to 

 great advantage, not only for the purposes of agriculture, but for building j and 



