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mountain plant in the Andes, it is not found, to grow in our higher elevations. Experience in Ceylon 
shows that it does well only at levels below about 2,500 ft., and that as a rule some shade is necessary. 
Pepper (Piper nigrum). — The plants received from Singapore two years ago are now making 
good growth, and appear to be of a more vigorous and better variety than any of the native ones so 
much grown for local sale. It is remarkable that the cultivation of this product on a large scale 
for export has never been seriously taken up in Ceylon. 
Gambier. — This is another great cultivation at Singapore, and, like pepper, is mainly in the 
hands of the Chinese. Between 25,000 and 30,000 tons of this tanning material are annually ex- 
ported thence, much of it of a very inferior quality. I have found it most difficult to obtain living 
specimens of the plant (Uncaria Gambier) from which this extract is prepared. Seed appears very 
difficult to get, as the climbing stems are all cut before flowering, but in March I received over 
200 cuttings in Wardian cases. Of these, one sickly specimen only survives. 
Tobacco. — It seems probable that a serious attempt at this cultivation as a planting product 
is about to be made in Ceylon. This is the result of the successful sale in Europe of a trial ship- 
ment of leaf grown in the Dumbara valley, east of Kandy, and of the visit to Ceylon of a tobacco 
grower of experience from Sumatra. So favourably impressed was he with the prospects of this culti- 
vation here, that it is understood that considerable purchases of land have been made for the purpose ; 
and tobacco culture for the home market is at last likely to have a fair trial. It is expected that 
Ceylon leaf will prove to be specially suited for the wrappers or covers of cigars. 
A good quantity of seed of four varieties of tobacco — Brazil, Havana, Virginia, and Sumatra- 
was carefully harvested at the Badulla garden and disposed of to numerous purchasers. 
Report on Colonial Fruit. — In compliance with a request from the Secretary of State, I wrote 
and sent in to Government in May last a report giving such information as I could obtain on the 
fruits grown in Ceylon. The object of the inquiry, which extended to all the Colonies of the 
Empire, has been to ascertain whether the trade in fresh and preserved fruit between the Colonies 
and the home or other suitable markets could not be extended and improved. However important 
in relation to some Colonies this question may be, it has little or no practical interest for Ceylon ; 
we are too distant from home to allow of our sending thither fresh fruit as a commercial specula- 
tion. Australia can grow for itself all it requires, and we have no other market within reach for our 
tropical productions. There is, however, one direction in w T hich an improved trade in fresh fruit is 
possible, and I may quote here a paragraph from my report on the subject: — " In the neighbourhood 
of the ports of Colombo and Galle there has taken place a considerably increased production of 
snob fruit as can be sold to the dubashes and bumboat men who supply the ships. It appears that 
this trade has become one of considerable migmtude, but no records of its amount are obtainable. 
It is certain that the quality is usually very inferior, and the prices paid to the native growers 
extremely low. The trade needs encouragement and regulation, and its details are well worthy 
the careful attention of the agents of the great Mail Steamer Companies at Colombo." 
As regards preserred fruit, 1 made tin 1 following remarks : — " I cannot but think that an 
export trade might be set on foot in preserved plantains and pine-apples. These can be readily and 
very cheaply grown in any quantity and of fine quality. Plantains simply sliced and dried in the 
sun like dates are very tasty and nutritious, and would, if cheap, be likely to sell well at home. A 
brade in preserved pine-apples has sprang up at Singapore, and might well also be attempted here in 
Ceylon." It should however be added that in such a business success very greatly depends on the 
style in which the fruit is put up ; unless it look attractive and pleasant, there is no chance of a 
sale in Europe. 
Gherimoyer (Annua Clterimotia ). — This delicious fruit has been produced, I suppose for 
the lirsl time in Ceylon, on trees sent out from Hakgala in 1SS2. and Mr. Nock reports that Mr. J. 
Sinclair, of Talawakele, Dimbula, has kindly sent him a few seeds from them. The Hakgala trees 
themselves liave not yet llowered, though doing well. The best elevation for this fruit is from 
3,000 ft. to 5,000 ft., and it is hoped it will soon now become frequent within that zone. 
American liltickbrrnj . — I obtained seeds of a strain of this fruit, "Wilson Junior," which 
has been highly recommended, anil they were sown at Hakgala, but 1 regret to say that none 
germinated. Several cuttings of Knglish wild Blackberries from Kew have however been 
successfully started at Hakgala. 
llrn:il A'h/ (/>> rt/iit//rtia e.rerlsa). — Of this handsome South American tree, which affords the 
hard-shelled oily seeds (nuts) so well known in England, we received three plants from Kew in 
November, ISSit. They h ive not grown very fast, the largest at Ilonar.itgola being now 2n.\ ft. high 
with a girth of 1 1 in. at a yard from the ground. The only tree at l'eradeniya is much smaller, but 
has twice hid the misfortune of being eaten off down to the ground by cattle. 
Mango* teen. — Mr. Cantley, of Singapore, when on a visit herein March brought with him some 
young plants of this favourite frnit tree. Fifteen were planted at Penideniya and thirteen added to 
the plantation at Henaratgoda, ami all are doing well. 
Tuberuw- rooted Vine ^ V'itis (Amjtelocissits) Martini). — This is a native of Co. bin-China, and 
was first brought into notice s<>me years ago by Mr. Martin, nf the Saigon lintunic Harden. We 
received seeds of it in ISS3 (weo report fortb.it year) from the Hongkong |5ot an ie Hardens Under the 
name of I '. Marti in'/ti /, and t here are now two health \ plants at 1 lonaratgoda. M r. Kurd, of Hongkong, 
informs me that it requires a rich soil and then produces very largo tubers ; the stout steins, which die 
down every year, require the support of a wire trellis. The grapes, which under liberal cultivation 
