14 
A llOXANr.sTV ItAMlVI.H lA’rKNTRAI. AMUliUA ; 
for some 2o days^ aud then it w.as found in a comparatively sound 
condition on my arrival in Jamaica, They are often carried os 
Produce to Colon where they meet with a ready sale. 
Eeturning to our quarters in the evening we distributed 
among the peoploj a set of Economic plants we had brought with 
us from Jamaica. The most desired appeared to be Nutmegs, 
Pimento, and Mangoes of the No. 11 variety, only a few of the 
coarser kinds of the Jatter fruit being under cultivation. The 
Mango is a favourite object of attack with tne ‘‘ We-We’ or Um- 
brella Ant and special means have to be taken to guard the trees 
from their attacks. One of the most efficient methods, appeared to 
be that of forming a tin trough around the tree, which was filled 
to a depth of two or three inches with coal tar ; and this plan was 
also adopted to preserve the dwelling bouses from the attacks of 
wood ants, by placing the same kind of trough around the piles, 
on which the majority of the houses were constructed. 
The people were very eager to obtain notes as to cultivation 
in regard to the plants distributed, as well as those in common 
cultivation, and being asked to do so, I treated them to a short 
exposition on the first principles of Horticulture, during which 
considerable wonder was excited by showing them the dilferent 
parts of a plant, as seen through Browning’s Platyscopic lens, an 
indispensable article of outfit to the Naturalist and llotanist in 
any part of the world. 
The next day we visited other provision grounds situated in a 
different direction, but found them similar in general appearance 
to those mentioned. On enquiry into the question of labour, 
it appeared that it was of. a somewhat intermittent character. 
The heavier duties being performed by the Spanish and Indian 
portion of the population. The rate for ordinary Creole labour 
was 75 cents, per day and the others lower in proportion — the 
residents of African descent thus being entirely masters of the 
situation. 
We met with several groups of large and highly ornamental 
palms ; that locally known as the Aiipoo” which I take to be 
a species of Iriartea being very plentiful, as was also the 
''Eaawa,” Socratea (Iriartea) Exhoriza, Mart. 
The stem of the former plant possesses a hardened exterior 
which is about one and a half inches in thickness, very solid, and 
straight in the grain. It is utilized for making rods, used in 
striking the bawks-bill turtle ; an occupation which affords to the 
inhabitants a means of emolument by no means to be despised seeing 
that the tortoise-shell sells at the rate of per lb. on the spot. 
