hie of France, $c.) ORIENTAL COMMERCE. 



329 



thb article has been extended, by the abandonment or neglect of the coffee, 

 cotton, clove, and indigo plantations, the amount has increased to 4000, 

 5000, and latterly to 12,000 hogsheads annually. The island produces ex- 

 cellent black wood, and other woods adapted for the dyer and the car- 

 penter. 



When the island was first occupied by the British, its trade, as well as 

 that of Bourbon, was declared free. Upon its cession at the Peace, by the 

 French Government, (to whom Bourbon was restored), the trade of Mau- 

 ritius was placed under restrictions, whereby its intercourse with foreign 

 nations was interdicted. Subsequently, however, the trade was opened, 

 and by an order of His Majesty in Council, dated 12th July, 1820, the 

 following provisions were made. 



Goods, the growth or production of countries in amity with Eng- 

 land, (except articles composed of cotton, iron, steel, or wool, of foreign 

 manufacture), may be imported in British vessels, which may export to 

 those countries the produce of Mauritius. Foreign vessels belonging to 

 states in amity with England (which shall allow British vessels to carry 

 on trade between their ports and Mauritius) may import and export similar 

 goods, with the same exception. 



No foreign vessel is allowed to export a cargo from the island or its 

 dependencies to any British possession, or to any other place than a port 

 belonging to the stale or power to which the vessel itself shall belong. 



The extent of the traffic between Great Britain and the Isle of 

 France cannot be ascertained, as the official accounts in this country com- 

 prehend the imports and exports from places within the limits of the 

 East India Company's charter under one general head. The amount of 

 its trade with Bengal, during the years 1818-19, 1819-20, and 1820-21, 

 is thus exhibited in the Trade Reports of Calcutta :— 



Imposts trom the Island. 



Mcrchemdhf. Treasure. 



1818- 19 S.B. 4,10.23.5 4,2(5,830 



1819- 20 i 4,44,059 2,28,237 



1820- 21 - 8,32,200 3,58,911 



Total 16,86,494 10,13,978 



TCXTOUTS TO TI1E ISI.A.YD.' 

 Mtrc/utTKlitf. Ttttunre. 



6,63,450 



7,55,809 2,07,627 

 7,47,500 3,38,407 



21,66,759 5,46,034 



Its commerce with Bombay is thus shewn in the Trade Reports of 

 that Presidency for the same years. 



L 1 



