32 
SPICES 
CHxiP. 
The period during which fertilisation can be carried 
on and the number of flowers which can be fertilised 
during the period are shown by the returns of the 
number of flowers fertilised in a vanillery at Mayotte, 
in 1895. 
From June 1 to 20 
5-280 
,, June 21 to July 20 . 
8-820 
,, July 21 to Aug. 20 . 
233-150 
,, Aug. 21 to Sept. 20 . 
. 1-209-640 
,, Sept. 21 to Oct. 20 . 
524-340 
Total 
. 1-981-230 
Thus in this region August 
to September gives the 
highest return of flowering (Wildeman). 
The importance of the suitability of the weather 
during the flowering and fruiting season is shown by the 
returns given by Dr. Galbraith from a plantation in the 
Seychelles. 
1893. (Flowering season in 1892, a long dry spell) . 1800 lb. 
1894. (Continuous rains) . . . . . 120 ,, 
1895. (Kesult of previous year’s rain) . . . 40 ,, 
1896. (Early rains after fine weather) . . . 500 ,, 
1897. (Early rains after fine weather) . . . 600 ,, 
FRUITING 
After fertilisation the ovary commences to grow and 
in about a month has attained nearly the size of a ripe 
fruit. It takes, however, about four months to become 
fully ripe. Macfarlane gives nine as the period required 
for ripening. Delteil says six to seven in Bourbon, or in 
Cochin-China three to four. In the Straits Settlements 
I find it takes about four. Delteil considers this quicker 
ripening unsatisfactory, the fruits being smaller and less 
powerfully scented. Probably much depends on the 
weather at the time. I found in Singapore that heavy 
storms of rain seriously affected the ripening of the fruit, 
often causing them to fall unripe, and the ripening 
season, January and February, is unfortunately usually 
the wettest time of the year in this region. 
