17 
[ Hep. ISTo. 564. ] 
thus granted, although in quantity not a pecuniary equivalent to his sac¬ 
rifices, in obeying the.Treasury circnlar of September 6,1827, would have 
a recommendatory value to attract capital and associates disposed to sub¬ 
serve his most liberal views for the public good, and his own consequent 
reputation, even at the expense of their own immediate interests. Of the 
ultimate gain, both to individuals and the country at large, we have no 
doubt; hut toe do entertain a great doubt whether this national enter¬ 
prise tvill be effectually pursued for many years to come, without the 
directing influence of the individual zeal, energy, perseverance, and pa¬ 
triotic ambition of Dr. Ferrine. Our first acquaintance with the doctor 
comnienced in the island of Cuba, to which he ivas driven by sickness, 
and toe by business, in the spring q/’lS26. He was then expatiating on 
the advantages to be derived from the hitroduction of troqncal plants to 
the industry of our free institutions, and the facility ivith which it 
could be accomplished, in consequence of the proximity of Florida. 
From a resolution of Congress the ensuing year, the introduction of 
exotics in general was undertaken by the Government of the United States, 
by means of the Treasury circular addressed to a portion of the American 
consuls, of whom, as far as we can learn. Dr, Perrine is the only one who 
has taken any effectual measures to promote its objects, by acquiring use¬ 
ful intelligence concerning the various valuable plants abounding in his 
consular district, which, until very recently, included, with the peninsula 
of Yucatan, the State of Tabasco. Although the circular intimated the 
possibility of an appropriation of funds by Congress, none has hitherto 
been made : and in this state this national enterprise at present remains, 
virtually and apparently entirely abandoned by the'National Government. 
The most important department of it, however, viz: the domestication of 
tropical plants, we -hope to see accomplished by the persevering public 
spirit of Dr. Perrine. It is useless to specify the many useful trees and 
plants which will be thus introduced for food, drink, and medicine; for 
cheap clothing; for sumptuous furniture; for domestic utensils; for the 
ornament of our dwellings ; for the durability of our shipping ; for exten¬ 
sive consumption in our manufactures and the arts ; in short, for many of 
the necessaries and comforts and luxuries of civilized life. It is sufficient 
to contemplate the advantages which will accrue to the nation in general 
from the introduction of the single species of tropical plants which pro¬ 
duces the Sisal hemp, to show that it merits the special patronage of Gov¬ 
ernment. 
The Doctor has very judiciously concluded his account of the cultivation 
of the Jigave Sisalana , in the peninsula of Yucatan, without entering into 
details of the great benefits which would be derived from itSx cultivation 
in the peninsula of Florida, as they are evident to every reflecting mind. 
Although its culture requires a considerable superficies of soil, it needs but 
a trifling amount of labor; which exactly adapts it to the agriculture of 
our country, where land is cheap and labor is dear. The quantity or cost ' 
of the soil is a very inconsiderable item in the calculation of an American 
plemter. The capital necessary to be added to it, or employed upon it, 
constitutes his only embarrassment: and the great desideratum, therefore, 
is a staple for cultivation, which, with the least total amount of money, 
will produce the greatest proportional gain. The Jlgave Sisalana sup» 
plies this great object sought. What object of cultivation in the United 
States—nay, in the. world—unites in so great a degree these peculiar advan- 
2 
