38 
A B0TA2^1ST‘'s KAMJ’>LE IN CENTKAL AMEKICA ; 
if they were to seek a supply of this special kind, as without any 
doubt it is very much more valuable than the common variety, 
and would command a much higher price in the various markets. 
It is believed that plants of this klnJ producing fruit, are 
now growing in Jamaica, and it is worthy of enquiry whether any 
facts are known as to its suitability for the Jamaica climate. 
A destructive animal in the provision grounds is the Sloth,” 
which is fairly numerous. It is a disgusting looking creature, 
specially adapted in form for living in the branches of trees, &c. 
It is to be seen occasionally at mid-day perched upon the top of a . 
bunch of Bananas or Plantains leisurely eating them without any 
apparent regard to external objects, never leaving the bunch 
until it is entirely consumed. 
Pine Apples of the several commoner kinds are in cultivation 
on the provision grounds, but just as we were leaving, we were 
presented with two enormous fruits ‘’of a superior variety. I 
immediately recognized this as being the tree '’Smooth Cayenne” 
a variety which I have not as yet seen in Jamaica. En- 
quiring into the history of its ^introduction into the Islands, 
we were told that the plants were introduced from Jamaica. It 
is one of the best varieties that can be grown and is highly es- 
teemed even when produced under artificial cultivation in English 
hot-houses. If to be found in Jamaica, it is strange it should not 
have made its appearance among the numerous varieties shown at 
the Kingston Horticultural Show, and that body would do well 
to offer a special prize for its production, in the hope of calling 
increased attention to the cultivation of another valuable variety 
of this delicious fruit. 
I cannot take leave of this country without mentioning the 
immense tracts of land on the interior mountains which without a 
doubt possess a climate somewhat similar to the Jamaica hills. 
Hence it follows that there is plenty of room for the cultiva- 
tion of such products as Cinchona, Coffee, Tea, &c., &c., while the 
coast districts are suitable for the growth of nearly all kinds of 
tropical products, &c. Cacao, is at home in the tracts near the 
coast, and produces a much finer bean naturally, than can be ex- 
hibited by many other countries which expend a large amount of 
capital and labour in its production. 
• The great drawback to the development of the country is the 
insecurity of the land tenure. We heard of instances in which, 
what is called a “forced loan” had been exacted from individuals 
(presumeably by the Government), in cases where the person 
had become obnoxious to the opposite political party. The taxes, 
and imposts, &c., appear to be regulated by no fixed law, but left 
