HISTORY OF MAURITIUS. 
»53 
an opinion that coffee might, in the course of time, become a useful branch of com¬ 
merce between them and Europe. In 1718, they procured from Moka and Ouden 
some young plants of the coffee tree: nor were they deceived in their specula¬ 
tion ; and the Isle of Bourbon became a productive settlement to the East India 
Company.* 
Extract from the Narrative of M. du Quesne , respecting the Isle of Bourbon , 
pi 1690. 
“ This charming island, which is in the twenty-first degree of south latitude, has 
an advantage, in common with a great part of the countries which are not remote 
from the line, that the heat is moderated by certain regular and refreshing winds. 
" It is, however, a peculiarity of this spot, that some of its numerous springs are 
pure and wholesome, while others are medicinal and purgative. The brooks, or 
rather small rivers, which water the plains, are so full of fish, that some travellers 
have declared it to have been a matter of difficulty to wade through them. There 
are several lakes, and one in particular, whose sources are so abundant as to supply 
the waters of seven considerable rivulets which meander through a wide.extent of 
fertile country. 
“ I shall not enlarge on the beautiful shells which cover the shores, nor on the 
coral and ambergris which are found on them; it is of more importance that the 
sea abounds in fish, and that the turtles, which it supplies in great plenty, are whole¬ 
some and delicious food. The land turtles are among the riches of the island: their 
flesh is delicate, and their fat is superior to butter for culinary purposes. There 
are sea turtles which weigh upwards of five hundred pounds: those of the land 
are not so large, though some of them would be an heavy load for a strong man. 
Their oil, for their fat, which never congeals, may be considered under that deno¬ 
mination, is an excellent remedy for various disorders. The turtle is very long- 
lived ; and it has been observed, that in the course of twenty years it does not encrease 
more than a few inches. 
“ The forests are not so thick but they admit of an easy passage; and their shade 
does not prevent the fruits from ripening. There are cedars and ebony trees in 
great abundance, and others that answer every purpose of the carpenter. There are 
also palm trees, fig trees, lataniers, orange and lemon trees, as well as the acajou, 
* M. Rochon. 
X 
