320 TRAVELS IN 
to 60 rixdollars, and fi^quently at the rate of 80 to 100 rix- 
^ dollars. 
The article of brandy might become a very important com- 
modity in the export trade of this settlement, provided the 
cultivators of the vine were instructed in, and would take 
the trouble of, caiTying the manufacture of it to that state 
of improvement of which it is susceptible. At present they 
have no proper distillatory apparatus, nor knowledge to con- 
duct those which they have. The filth that is usually thrown 
into the still, with the refuse of the wines, is disgusting ; 
and the imperfect process is not sufficient to destroy the 
extraneous and disagreeable taste communicated by the 
loathsome materials. The whole operation is usually com- 
mitted to the care of a slave, who has little knowledge of, 
and less interest in, the business he is commanded to per- 
form : he falls asleep; his fire goes out; a rapid blaze suc- 
ceeds to make up for loss of time; the spirit thus carries 
over with it a strong empyreumatic flavor which it never 
loses. This spirit has been tried in the East Indies, but it 
seems they give the preference to arrack. If distilled with 
proper care, and under proper management, it might become 
a valuable article for the navy; and would, no doubt, find a 
market in both North and South America. Brandy is ex- 
ported at 80 to 160 rixdollars the legger, and is subject to 
the same toll, on entering the town, as wines. And both 
wine and brandy are liable to a further duty of 5 rixdollars 
the legger on exportation. The following table shews the 
