HISTORY OF MAURITIUS. 
213 
harvest it was reduced to forty. We also raised beans, which were received at 
the magazines at an hundred livres the millier ; but the cultivation of that grain is 
now entirely suppressed, and the growth of wheat ordered in its stead; which does 
not exceed it in price, is a much less certain crop, and requires a fourfold proportion 
of time and labour. 
There are not more at present than an hundred and fifteen plantations, divided 
into four districts or quarters, at the distance of about six leagues from each other : 
nevertheless, there is a difference of upwards of six weeks in their respective seeding 
times and harvests. In the plains of Willems we are but a league from Moka, 
where they do not enjoy an equal degree of warmth with us. This circumstance 
is occasioned by the mountains that separate us; we are on the sunny side of them, 
while their shade chills the environs of Moka, and retards their harvests. The port 
is inclosed by the mountains in the form of an horse-shoe towards the sun, which 
produces an extreme heat to the month of July, when the air acquires some degree 
of freshness. Clouds of stinging flies, gnats, and fleas, are extremely troublesome 
in that situation. The air having more activity in the plantations, these tormenting 
insects cannot live among them. The confined air of the port occasions diseases; 
but as I am only obliged to go there once a month to attend the review, and never 
remain there more than twenty-four hours, I have been so fortunate as to escape 
them. Indeed, a longer absence might be attended with very serious consequences, 
as the Negroes demand the most attentive vigilance, or very severe punishment. 
I choose to adopt the former ; and, to declare my real sentiments, I think the rural 
occupations and enjoyment of my plantation, infinitely preferable to the busy scene 
of the port. 
This island, with all its charms, has its inconveniences, but they are of a nature to 
be soon forgotten, amid the various advantages and pleasing circumstances which 
are enjoyed; and, after all, who would not wish to be the inhabitant of a spot where 
there are neither taxes or law-suits? As for myself, I have a few slaves, and a tract 
of ground to occupy them, with grain to sow it. My harvests have been successful, 
as well as those fruit trees which form a part of my revenue. We have standard 
peaches and apple trees from Normandy. Their fruit is ripe in January, when the 
ships arrive ; and as the seamen are famished for fruit and vegetables, they are ready 
to pay a handsome price for them. The other fruits are figs, bananas, both green 
and yellow, the anana, dates, &c. &c. 
