POSSESSIONS IN THE INDIAN ARCHIPELAGO. 203 
made in a few residencies where they have succeeded perfectly. It 
is confidently expected that the residencies of Japara and Krawang 
will furnish in 1845, each from 18 to 20 thousand ibs. of cochineal; 
these residencies, as well as those of Bantam, Cheribon, and Saraa- 
rang, are designed for this culture which requires much care and 
hand-work. 
It appears that the clove does not thrive on the soil of Java; the 
plantations of which trial has been made have not succeeded although 
they were directed by skilled persons brought from Amboyna, and 
although the places they made choice of did not differ remarkably, 
as to ground and climate, from those of the Moluccas. 
Pepper is cultivated in two residencies; the culture of this creeper 
is not now so much sought in Java, as it was in the time of the Com¬ 
pany ; it has been replaced by cultures more profitable, and which 
require less care ; the province of Bantam has always furnished 
and still continues to produce the most pepper. 
The culture of tobacco is a very profitable article for the labourers, 
seeing that the produce is obtained from grounds which have already 
given a first crop. The qualities of Java tobacco are more and more 
prized in the European markets; the preparation and assortment are 
not yet all that could be desired, but they have progressed in this 
branch, and the contracts made w ith the new adventurers assure them 
of a considerable benefit. But, before the Javanese tobaccos can 
find an assured opening in the European markets, it is necessary 
that the cultivators should make use of seeds from the Havannah or 
Manila. The residencies of Rembang, Sourabaya, Samarang, Cheri¬ 
bon, and Tagal present districts suited for this culture; it has been 
carried on with success for a good many years in the residencies of 
Preanger, Pakalongan and Kedu, but only for the consumption of 
the interior and of the Archipelago. 
In 1828 the first experiment in the cultivation of tea was made in 
the garden of the Chateau of Buitenzorg where'800 plants of an as¬ 
tonishing viguor served as an encourageineut to undertake this culture ; 
considerable plantations were made in many parts of the island. , ;,The 
first trials did not answer to the expectation as far as regards the 
quality of this article, the astringent taste and feeble aroma of which 
caused the conjecture that the preparation of the leaf and its final 
manipulation are not exactly according to the process used in China. 
At present tea is cultivated in thirteen residencies; but the principal 
establishment where the final manipulation is made, and where the 
assorting and packing takes place, is in the neighbourhood of Batavia, 
