D 4 "' i- ? -, 7 ^ -•^ :.:•'■• ^^ •:*^ ^* -^r ir^>^ '• «. .«:^is; •4 > ^ .^c' c •1 TRACTS RELATIVE TO THE ISLAND OF ST. HELENA; ^VRITTEN DURING A RESIDENCE OF FIVE YEARS. BY MAJOR-GENERAL ALEXANDER BEATSON, . / < LATE GOVERNOR, &c. &c. &c. ILLUSTRATED WITH VIEWS ENGRAVED BY MR. WILLIAM DANIELL, FROM THE DRAWINGS OF SAMUEL T) AVIS, ESQ. I LONDON PRlNTliD BV W. BULMER AND C(t. CLEVEL AND-RO W ; AND SOLD BY G. AND W. NICOL, BOOKSELLERS TO HJS MAJESTY, PALL-MALL ; AND J. BOOTH, DUKE-STREET, PORTLAND-PLACE. 1816. ^^ ,30 (\ o(\ / TO THE HONOURABLE THE COURT OF DIRECTORS FOR THE AFFAIRS OF THE UNITED EAST INDIA COMPANY, THE FOLLOWING TRACTS, RELATIVE TO THE ISLAND OF ST. HELENA, ARE RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED, BY THEIR MOST FAITHFUL AND DEVOTED 1 HUMBLE SERVANT, ALEXANDER BEATSON. London : \st January, 1816. PREFACE. It had long been very generally supposed that St. Helena was a rocky and unproductive island ; mostly devoid of soil ; scantily supplied with water ; subject to severe and unusual droughts ; abounding with rats, and wholly incapable of extensive cultiva- tion, or improvement. Whether these notions have originated with early writers, or in hearsay information of passing visitors, or in wilful misrepre- sentation to answer particular ends, it is unnecessary in this place to enquire. It will be sufficient to observe, that they were very prevalent, both in England and at St. Helena, at the period of my appointment to the Government ; and that soon after my arrival, having reason to believe they were neither supported by facts nor appearances, I considered it my duty fully to inves- tigate the whole ; so as to ascertain whether or not those obstacles "> to improvement really did exist. The means that were pursued will be found interspersed throughout the first part of this Work. The results have been most satisfactory ; for they have not only exposed the fallacy of all such notions, but have most clearly demonstrated that many parts of St. Helena, so far from being desolate and barren, are pre-eminently fertile ; that the island, in general, is capable of viii PREFACE. the highest improvements, both in the cultivation of corn, and all sorts of vegetables ; and in raising valuable plantations of fruit and timber trees. Being aware that investigations of this nature could only be interesting to a few, and that there are certain points on which information will naturally be expected in a work treating of St. Helena, I have therefore endeavoured to adapt it to a more general class of readers. Accordingly, I have prefixed an Intro- ductory Chapter, which comprises Geological Facts, tending to illustrate the primary formation of the island ; Observations on its Mineral and Vegetable Productions ; Soil and Climate, and Seasons ; capabilities of Improvement, and on its singular Strength and Security as a Military Station. These additional subjects, together with a detailed account of the Mutiny in 1811 (the only historical event deserving notice since the year 1808), and a List of Indigenous and Exotic Plants growing at St. Helena, and some other matters contained in the Appendix, will put the reader in full possession of every mate- rial fact that has come to my knowledge, or that has occurred, during my residence of tive years. The whole is illustrated by 'Six Views of the most interesting parts, and by a Geological Plan and Elevation. I therefore indulge a hope, that this attempt to convey to the public more just ideas of this extraordinary island, may prove acceptable. The List of Plants, or a Flora of the island, was communicated by my deceased friend Doctor Roxburgh, a few days before his death. It is therefore the last work of that indefatigable botanist ; whose meritorions exertions in improving botanical science, and PREFACE. ix in applying it to useful economical purposes, are well known to the public. The Views are engraved by that excellent artist Mr, W. Daniell, from the drawings of my friend Samuel Davis, Esq. They are most faithful representations, and are peculiarly valu- able, as illustrations of the geological and military observations. The Plan and Elevation of the Island are compiled from the Survey, and the measurement of heights, taken by Major Rennell ; and from some other documents. In a book entitled " Tracts," I did not deem it necessary to touch upon the history of St. Helena : I wished also to preserve uniformity, by confining this work ^thollij to subjects that have never yet appeared before the public ; and to prevent enlarging it beyond the bounds I had prescribed. To those who are desirous of information upon the localities of the island, from the period of its discovery to the year 1807, I beg to recommend to their perusal Mr. Brooke's History of St. Helena, published in 1808 ; which is drawn from the most authentic sources, and is replete with accurate information. In attempting to introduce improvements upon an island where the arts of agriculture were little understood ; where lands were cultivated by manual labour, without the aid of animals ; and where prejudices in favour of old customs were strong, it was obvious there could be no hope of amendment without the evidence of successful examples. It was therefore necessary to have recourse to experiments. Ploughs, and other implements were introduced ; the labouring- population was increased by the introduction of about three hun- dred Chinese ; and an improved system of husbandry was carried * b X PREFACE. on, under the direction of an experienced Norfolk farmer. But it was a long time before the generality of the islanders would even look at these improvements.* They regarded them as "mere foolishness;" said " they might do very well in Eng- " land ; but that in a mountainous country the plough could " never answer ; that their forefathers had done very well with the " hoe, and they saw no use or necessity for these new things." At length, however, when they did perceive the facility with which extensive fields were broken up ; the rapidity with which they were prepared by the plough, and the excellent crops of potatoes and corn that were raised, they acknowledged the supe- riority of English farming ; and many of the most respectable soon afterwards followed the example. Besides giving examples in the use of the plough, and in the new culture of potatoes, and of corn, it was deemed proper to explain the principles, and to point out the advantages of the new husbandry. With this view, I prepared short agricultural essays, (detailing the progress and results of the experiments) which were printed, for general information, in the St. Helena Monthly Register. Thirty of those essays have been selected for the First Part of this Work. They are placed in the order in which they were written. The Table of Contents points out the sections wherein the several subjects are at first discussed, or afterwards resumed ; so that no inconvenience can arise from this arrangement : on the contrary, it was the only mode of shewing the progressive steps that were taken to convjgy useful information to the landholders ; and to excite amongst them a spirit of emulation in cultivation and planting. * Section Xlll. p. SI. PREFACE. li The complete success which has attended my eftbrts to im- prove the husbandry of St. Helena ; and, above all, to substitute the plough for the spade and hoe, are circumstances not unde- serving the attention of those who have valuable estates in the West India islands. According to Mr. Bryan Edwards's state- ment, founded upon his own experience, it appears, that by using the plough, in the operation oi holing a sugar plantation, the labour of slaves is only about one-twentieth part of that which is required when the same work is performed by the hoe. In breaking up lands, and preparing them for corn and potatoe crops at St. Helena, it might easily be proved, that the reduction of manual labour, by the use of the plough, has been in a much greater proportion. If, then, the plough were employed wherever the nature of the lands will admit, in all those countries where the hoe i« .^n general use, and consequently where the demand for manual labour is excessive, it seems reasonable to infer, that such a change would be productive of infinite advantage. The neces- sity for manual labour would thereby be reduced, and the bodily fatigue of the unfortunate slaves would be lessened ; which would, in all probability, lead to a greater increase of the present stock. By such means, all those inconveniences, whe- ther real or imaginary, that are apprehended from the abolition of the Slave Trade, might, in the course of a iew years, be effec- tually removed. Since the abolition of slavery at St. Helena, which took place in the year 1792, there has been an augmentation in the black population, which consists of three classes : the slaves of indivi- xii PREFACE. duals ; the Company's slaves ; and free blacks. It was intended to have shewn the actual augmentation during a period of nine- teen years, that is, since 1793 : but, upon examining the lists in my possession, it was found that, until the year 1803, the Com- pany's slaves and free blacks were excluded. On this account I have been obliged to confine the comparison to the period be- tween the years 1803 and 1812 ; by which there appears to have been an increase of 148 from a stock of 1539 men, women, and children. {See Appendix II.) / I CONTENTS. Introductory Chapter. — Comprising Geological facts, tending to illus- trate the Primary Formation of the Island ; Observations on its Mineral and Vegetable Productions, Soil and Climate; Capabilities of Improve- ment ; and on its singular Strength and Security as a Military Station, page i to Ixxxvii. PART I. Section I. — St. Helena once a ivoody Island — cause of its Denudation — Plans proposed for restoring Wood, and extending Cultivation — the Institution of Goat ranges injurious — Extermination of the Goats recommended, - _ _ - page 1 Skction II. — Experiments in the Culture of Potatoes — Comparisons of Manures — extraordinary Power of Guana, or Sea-foul Dung, as a Top- dressing — Hints to Proprietors of Islands and Rocks in Scotland, 10 Section III. — Easy mode of Thrashing , Cleaning and Preserving all Sorts of Grain, as practised in India, and various Parts of Europe, recom- mended in the Infancy of St. Helena Farming, - - ^5 Section IV. — Experiments illustrating the beneficial Effect of frequently stirring the Soil, _ _ - - - 28 Section V. — Feeding Chickens — an Exposition of the unreasonable and exorbitant Prices of Poultry at St. Helena, in 1811, - 31 Section VI — On Planting Trees — Groicth of Pineasters — remarkable Change in the Quality of Fir Timber in St. Helena — extensive Plantations of Pinensters recommended — Mimosa Myrtifolia [or Botany Bay Willow,) its rapid groicth — yields innumerable Pods, containing a sort of Pulse fit for feeding Poultry- — its Culture recommended, - - 32 * c xiv CONTENTS. Section VII. — On Potatoes — two Crops in the Year — extensive Culture recommended— solid Nourishment of, compared with Flour— Culture of Corn recommended as a green or dry Fodder for Cattle— former heavy Losses in Cattle ascribed to improvident management- Notices of dry Seasons and Losses in Cattle from the year 1724 to 1792. — Seasons of Drought produced by the Operation of some general Cause — severe Drought at St. Helena in 1791-2 pervaded the Peninsula of India ; and felt at Montserrat in the West Indies, . - . page 36 Section VIII. — Modes proposed to the Landholders for averting the Evils incident to Seasons of Drought, - - - 44 ^ncTio^YK.— On Pin easter Trees, - - - - 47 Section X. — On Guana, or Sea-fotcl Dung — and Experiments in the Culture of Mangel IVurzel, - - - 50 Section XI. — On naked Barley or Barley Wheat — Report and Opinions of Warren Hastings, Esq., and of Sir Hugh Inglis, on the Utility and Importance of this valuable Corn — Singular Account of its Introduction at St. Helena, - - - _ _ 59 Section XII. — On clearing Lands of Grubs — Detail of a Set of Experi- ments, by which is ascertained an effectual Mode of clearing Lands of those destructive Insects, - _ _ _ - 68 Section XIII. — Notes of Experiments in the Culture of Wheat, Barley, and Oats — green Crops of Fodder recommended — Suggestions for the I Improvement of the Pasture Lands — Evil Effects of Feeding a Population — Comparison of Exports from the Farms in 1789 and 1809. — Plans suggested for improving the Island, - - _ 77 Section XIV. — Observations upon the Rainy Seasons, from the year 1711 to 1811 — Notices onthe Fall of heavy Rains , Jine Shotcers, and drizzling Rain, from the \st of January 1806, to the Slst December, 1811 — erro- neous Notions upon the Effects of heavy Rains at St. Helena; sometimes damage the low Grounds, but always favourable to cultivated and pasture Lands. Ahtttract of the Fall of Rain from February 1811 fc/ February 1812, - - - - - - ^^8 CONTENTS. XV Section XV. — On the Culture of Barley Wheat — Produce, per Acre — The tenth Part nf an Acre, dibbled, yielded 405 for 1 — Deductions which prove that from 5\ Ounces of Seed, 900 Bushels of Corn might be 'produced in nine Months at St. Helena — successful Experiment in Malting and Brewing from Island Barley Wheat, - - _ page 96 Section XVI. — General Observations on Green-fodder Crops — ivoidd prevent Losses of Cattle in Seasons of Drought — One Acre equivalent to Fotirteen Acres of the best Pastures — Indian Corn, or Maize, cultivated in France, and at the Cape of Good Hope, as Cattle Fodder — Its pro- duce at St. Helena, in less than Four Months from the period of Sotcing, was Thirty Tons per Acre. Remarks on the Culture of Kidney Beans — Green-fodder Crops of these recommended, _ , 99 Section XVII. — On Adherence to Old Customs, - - HI Section XVIII. — Calculators Confessir^ns ; and his Opinions on the new Husbandry at St. Helena, - - - - II5 Section XIX. — On the Importance ofintmducing Agriculture on the Island — Erroneous Notions regarding Rats ; not more numerous at the Farms than in England — successful Method of destroying them, - 124 Section XX. — On Transplanting Wheat— further Remarks ou Grubs — and on Barley Wheat, _ _ _ - - 134 Section XXI. — On Terracing Lands, and preparing the Sides of Hills for Cultivation, - - - - - - 141 Section XXII.— Useful Notices on Husbandry at St. Helena — Crops liable to Attacks of Caterpillars and Aphides — Crops not liable to Lijury from those Insects — Lord Bacons Idea cf the Generation of Caterpillars apparently substantiated — .Method tried to prevent their Generation — the Haulm of Potatoes suggested as an auxiliary Food for Cattle — Expe- riments to determine the Produce of Coss Lettuce — yields, in three Months from the period of Sowing, about 15 Tons per Acre — an excellent Food , for Hogs, - - - - - 146 ^ECT'OV X.Xlll.-~ Homefolding of Sheep recommended, ~ 159 xvi CONTENTS. Section XXIV. — Progress of Agricultural Improvement in 1810-12 — beneficial Effects of extending Cultivation — the Government commend the Exertions of some, and animadvert on the Obstinacy and Idleness of others— flourishing State of St. Helena in the year 1675, - page 161 Section XXV. — Feeding Sheep with Potatoes, and Soiling Cattle recom- mended, _-_---- 165 Section XXVI. — Doctor Berry's official Letter to Governor Beatson — suggests the Culture of Kew Nnpal and Cactus Tuna, the Arabian Date, and Guinea Grass — Doctor Berry's fermenting Balls an excellent Substitute for Yeast— Captain Haig's Report on Nopal — a nutritious and valuable Antiscorbutic, - - - _ 168 Section XXVII. — Reply to Doctor Berry s Letter — English Husbandry acknowledged by St. Helena Farmers superior to their Oivn— Soil and Climate peculiarly favourable to Cultivation— Accounts received of tJie spreading Property and Re-production of Potatoes upon Islands in the South Seas — Experiments to ascertain these Points — Lead to a Singular and Advantageous Mode of Potatoe Culture in tropical Climates. — Potatoes a good Preparation for Corn Crops, — Fishery at St. Helena formerly Productive — Evils of the present System — Improvements sug- gested. — Establishment of Chinese at St. Helena — Diff'ers from that generally adopted — Tlieir Pay, Rations, and Occupations. — Trees attract Moisture and Rain — Cultivated Land has a similar Tendency. — Expe- ^' riment in reaping Barley Wheat — Yields per Acre 10^ Tons of green Fodder, in two Months from the Time ofSotcing — Loss of Weight when hayed 100 Pounds in 146. — Hints suggested for ascertaining the relative Moisture imbibed by cultivated and uncultivated Land. — Nurseries of Trees established at St. Helena. — Pineasters preferable to Arabian Date for Clothing the Summit of the Hills. — Favourable Report if Doctor Berry s Fermenting Balls, - - - 176 Section XXVIII. — Mr. Miller's Directions for rearing Scotch Pine are applicable to the Pineaster — St. Helena Pineasler Wood described — weightier than common Fir — thrives upon poor Soil — average Growth I CONTENTS. xvii about two Feet in the Year — sometimes grows more than three Feet. Plantations of Fi^s at St. Helena more profitable than in Europe — Compulation of their Value in twenty Years. Negligence and Inattention to the planting Law much to be regretted — The fittest Trees for St. Helena Plantations enumerated — Further Notices upon the Growth of Trees — and upon the necessity of extirpating Goats, and tending Sheep, - _ - - - page 191 Section XXIX. — 3Ieans of collecting Water on the driest Parts of the Island, and Observations on the Advantages resulting from this Practice, 198 Section XXX. — Further Observations on the Importance of planting Trees at St. Helena, 201 PART II. Narrative of the Mutiny, in December, \S\\, . - - 207 Appendix. — An Alphabetical List of Plants, seen by Dr. Roxburgh growing on the Island of St. Helena, in 1813-14, - - 295 Appendix II. — Abstract of the Population and Cattle on the Island of St. Helena from the year 1683 to 1812, extracted from the Records, 327 Appendix III. — The largest Produce of Corn obtained at the Company's Farwi^m 1814, - - . - 32^^ Appendix IV, — List of Seventy-six different Species of Fish at St. Helena, ^' ib. will DIRECTIONS TO THE BINDER, AND DESCRIPTION OF THE PLATES. I James Town, St. Helena, to face the Tillepage. On the left is Rupert's Hill, at the base of which are seen several buildiiiffs on the wharf. Towards the centre is the fleur d'eaii batterv, behind which stands the Governor's town residence, called the Castle. To the right of the castle is the church and other buildings in the town. The mountain on the right is Ladder Hill, surmounted by fortifications ; which completely command the town and anchorage. II. ... James Town and Ladder Hill, to face the first page of the Introductory Chapter. This View is taken from the wharf. It also represents the fleur d'eau battery, and the same buildings behind it, as in No. I. ; together with the commanding fort of Ladder Hill, and the zig-zag roads leading to it from the town. The white object on the right, a little way up the hill, and just above the bow of the boat, is Pattons Battery. III. The Lines across the Front of James Town, to face page Ixxxviii. "', This View is taken from the west extreme of the lines. The declina- tion of the strata of Rupert's Hill is accurately represented, which could not be shewn in the two preceding Views, owing to the farther parts of the hills receding from the point of sight. On the left extreme is Munden's Battery, with a flag upon it ; and along the wharf is nearly a front view of the several houses, store-rooms, and cranes. IV. James Town viewed from the Road to hoT^a'WOOii^to face page 5S. This View conveys a perfect idea of the position of James Town, situated in a narrow valley between two hills. On the left is Ladder Hill, with its fortifications, opposite to which is Rupert's Hill. The DIRECTIONS TO THE BINDER, &c. xix whole of the path, which leads from the town, is completely com- manded by the cannon of Ladder Hill, Saddle Baltery, and High Knoll. The last fort is not seen, but it is situated about 400 yards on the left of the point from which this View is taken. V. The Waterfall at the Head of James's Valley, to face page 110. This is a beautiful object close to, and within sight of the Briars, at present the residence of William Balcombe, Esq. The mountain of High Knoll, rising abruptly at the distance of about four hundred yards from the Briars, and the opposite craggy hill, give a wildness and grandeur to this scenery which surpasses every other on this romantic island. VI View towards Sandy Bay, to face page 200. In the fore-ground is Mount Pleasant, the country residence of W. W. Doveton, Esq. On the left of his dwelling is a singular perpen- dicular rock of great height, named Lott. The back-ground of this view is composed of rugged and barren hills, totally denuded, although it appears by the official records, that in former times they abounded with ebony trees. It is remarkable that on the summit of Lott, some trees remain which have escaped the depredations of the goats. VIF. Geological Plan and Elevation of St. Helena, to face page 292, The Plan is compiled from Major Rennell's Survey, and other docu- ments. The elevation represents the altitudes, above the sea,iac- cording to his measurements ; which are as follows. "^^ Diana's Peak - - 2700 feet. Cuckold's Point - - 2672 Halley's Mount - - - 2467 Flag Staff - - 2272 The Barn - - - 2015 Alarm House - - I960 High Knoll - - - - I903 Long Wood House - - 1762 *l INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. 1 HE Island of St. Helena being extremely remote from all con- tinental land and other islands,* and so very singular in its appearance and structure, has been justly considered a proper subject for philosophic investigation. Of its primary formation different opinions are entertained. Some ascribe its elevation above the surface of the ocean, wholly to subterranean operations : whilst others contend, from the striking dissimilarity between the exterior and interior parts, that it is the remnant of a large island, of which the greater part has been sunk under water by the force of earthquakes and volcanoes. Although conjectures of this sort are sometimes founded upon rather a superficial view of things, and without that knowledge of facts which can alone lead to probable conclusions, yet, froi^ all I have observed, during a residence of five years, it seems to me that the last of these conjectures, which is that adopted by Mr. Forster, is the most plausible. If this conjecture could by any means be satisfactorily verified from the facts I am about to relate (some of which have hitherto wholly escaped notice) it seems to me that it would be highly * St. Helena is distant 1200 miles from the Coast of Africa; 1800 /rom South America ; 600 from the Isle of Ascension j and 1200 from Tristan d'Acunha and Gough's island. b ii INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. important in the progress of geology. It is well known that islands have emerged from the sea ;* but we have no record (ex- cepting the tradition of the Atlantiea Insula) of the immersion of any large portion of land by the effects of volcanoes and earthquakes. In viewing the hills on the east and west sides of James's Town from the anchorage, particularly the north end of Ladder Hill, we observe numerous strata rising from the base to the summit (600 feet above the level of the sea) which bear evident marks that the whole of this huge mass, extending several hun- dred yards to the westward, has been formed by a long series of floating lava. The extreme ends of the strata on the coast, are placed hori- zontally : but upon examining the sides of the hills, the lava seems to have descended, at a depression of about 20 degrees, and apparently from a crater somewhere about the site of the waterfall, t Of this crater no positive vestige remains : yet there are some appearances which might lead to a supposition that the present waterfall may have been its southern edge, or extremity — that it was bounded on the north-west by High Knoll, and that sub- sequently to the formation of that mountain and Ladder Hill, sof^e tremendous explosion opened a chasm, extending from the sea to the waterfall, and at the same moment, by tearing away, * In the year 1707 three or four islands were, by some violent convulsion, produced in the most southerly part of the Archipelago. The largest of these is called Santorini, and is as large as St. Helena, being ten leagues in circumference : but in rther respects it seems totally different, being a rock of pumice stone, covered with only nine or twelve inches of earth. t An exact representation of the waterfall is given in Plate II. The summit is 1250 feet above the level of the sea. The stream descends uninterruptedly, 260 feet. INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. iii and precipitating, a large portion of High Knoll into the crater, may have extinguished it. This conjecture is at least plausible (if not clearly verified) by the appearance of High Knoll. The western side is sloping, and the base of that part (extending more than 1200 yards from north to south) rests upon the surface of Ladder Hill ; whilst the eastern side is a stupendous precipitous cliff, the foot of which stands in James's Valley, at least 260 feet lower than the opposite base on Ladder Hill. In short, High Knoll, which rises 1903 feet above the level of the sea, is decidedly but a fragmentof what it has originally been. One third at least of this mountain has been precipitated to the eastward, apparently close to the water-fall, and into that very spot whence the eruptions of lava seem to have proceeded, and afterwards descended, even to the northern extremity of Ladder Hill : a distance of 3000 yards. The disruption of High Knoll has exposed to view many layers of lava, from the base almost to the summit, which may be traced throughout the whole distance to the north extreme of Ladder Hill. Hence it seems reasonable to infer that High Knoll was raised by the eruptions of a volcano. The strata on the east side of Ladder Hill point directly to High Knoll and the waterfall : and it is remarkable that there are several layers near to High Knoll, high up the cliiFs, from whicK salt springs ooze, and more especially during the rainy seasons. These layers have the same declination as the other strata. There is moreover a very singular vein of red clay on the eastern side, and near the summit of Ladder Hill (two hundred yards above the level of the sea) which corresponds in dimensions, ele- vation, and colour, with another vein on the opposite hill. Several .strata of slimy mud, very strongly impregnated with marine salt, are also to be seen on the same face of Ladder Hill ; one at the iv INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. perpendicular height of 30, and another at 300 feet. Hence it may be inferred, more especially from the correspondency of the veins of red clay, that some violent convulsion has laid open the chasm which is now called James's Valley. Although, from all these circumstances, it seems almost demon- stratively certain that the hills on each side of James's Valley have been gradually raised by eruptions from a volcano, succeeded some time after by tremendous shocks, yet upon viewing many other parts of the coast, and the interior of the island, we find no such decisive indications from which a similar deduction can be formed : but there are many indubitable proofs of considerable agitations, or changes, apparently unaccompanied with volcanic eruption. The most plausible arguments in support of Mr. Forster's opinion, " that St. Helena has undergone a great and total " change from a volcano and earthquake, tvhich perhaps sunk the " greatest part of it in the sea," may be adduced from the cir- cumstances of the Great Wood ; now called the Plain of Long- Wood and Dead Wood. This plain, comprising 1500 acres of fine land, is elevated 2000 feet above the sea, and slopes gently towards the south- east. In former times it was covered with wood, and was there- fore called " The Great Wood." So late as ihf St. Helena having- been formed by lava, and afterwards rent open and changed by subterraneous convulsion, yet, upon the whole, there appears to be strong grounds for supposing that the finest parts of the interior are the remnants of primitive land. Although the plain above-mentioned appears to have escaped in the general devastation, yet in its vicinity are evident traces of the most terrib.^ agitations. The Devil's Punch Bowl,* on the west — numerous dreary and barren conical hills on the north, between the plain and the sea, and the deep chasms at Turk's Cap, and Prosperous Bay, are indubitable proofs that all those parts have been violently convulsed : but perhaps the most un- accountable of the whole is, that amidst so much disorder and confusion there should remain a piece of level land which measures 200 acres. This remarkable spot is situated a little to the south of the Great Wood, and half a mile west from the promontory on which the Prosperous Bay telegraph is erected. It is elevated 5 or 600 feet above the level of the sea ; and is encompassed by low hills on the south and east, and rather open towards the other points. The soil is mud, and very strongly impregnated with salt : nothing grows upon it but marine plants. A water-spout which deluged the island in March 1786, left a sheetof water, which lay upon this flat for five or six days afterwards. How so large a portion of land could have been raised to so great an elevation, without • The Devil's Punch Bowl extends nearly from Halley's mount to Long Wood. It is an immense hollow which, in certain points of view, assumes a circular appearance ; and hence its name. It is 1000 yards from east to west, 700 across, and about 250 yards in depth. The sides are steep, excepting on the west, where there is some projecting land, on which stand a house and garden. It is the head of Rupert's Valley. C X INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. deranging its original level seems to be more inexplicable than the formation of all the surrounding parts. These are indeed nothing more than what is common to many islands, and to many other parts of the terrestrial globe. The corresponding strata of the opposite shores of Britain and France, leave no room to doubt but they were once united. The stratum of shells and mud on the hills at Agrigentum, three miles from the harbour, and 1200 feet above the sea, the oyster-shells found on the high mountains in Jamaica, the fossil bones of elephants found by Mr. Humboldt, on the Andes, 3280 yards above the level of the sea, and many other instances that might be adduced, serve only to furnish most incontestable proof that this globe has undergone many surpris- ing changes since it was first created. There are some other circumstances which seem to have escaped the notice of those who have written upon St. Helena, arising probably from having taken too short a time to explore it ; or from not being able to obtain information. Their accounts have certainly led to several erroneous impressions. For my own part, I perfectly recollect the idea I had formed of this place before I resided upon it. I considered it merely as a rocky island, rising' ahimptly out of the ocean, and having an iinfathomable depth all around it ; excepting at James's Bay and Sandy Bay, where the anchorage grounds, as I then imagined, had been formed by the deposition of soil washed down by the rains. Such were my own ideas from the accounts I had read and heard ; and as I have very strong reason to believe that this is the general notion of St. Helena, at the present time, it is proper I should enter a little more into its local and physical circumstances. That part of St. Helena, which is elevated above water, measures lOf miles long, 6| broad, and is 28 miles in circumference. The INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. xi coast is on all sides formed by stupendous and almost perpendi- cular cliffs, rising to the height of from six to more than twelve hundred feet. The principal accessible inlets are at James's Town, Rupert's Bay, Lemon Valley and Sandy Bay : all these have been strongly fortified. Several reefs of rocks, called ledges. Jut out, to the distance of two to four miles ; others are detached, some commencing at half a mile or more ; and there is one in particular called " New Ledge Fishing Bank," whose outer edge, or extremity, is said to be not less than nine miles distant from the coast. The soundings, at the farthest part, are 45 to 70 fathoms. Besides these Ledges there are several detached rocks or small islands at a little distance ; of which the principal are E^g- Island, Speery, and George's Island. All these, excepting the last, which is on the south-east, are situated to the west or south-west ; and as the New Ledge, which is the largest of the Ledges, or fish- ing banks, trends in that direction, it may be presumed that this is also the direction of the higher part of the projecting base of the island under water. In respect to the depth of water on the south and east, I have no particular information — perhaps being to windward of the island, and not so convenient to the fishing boats, may be thp reason that those parts have not been hitherto explored. According to a minute survey, taken by Captain Austin of the Royal Navy, along the northern face of the island, the bottom of the sea, extending from Flag-stafi" Bay to Horse-pasture Point, comprising about IG square miles, shelves very gradually. Three miles north of the coast at Flag-staffiheve is ground at 82 fathoms ; and at three-quarters of a mile from Horse-pasture, there are 3Q fathoms. It appears also by this survey that the bottom is in general, smooth and even ; consisting of mud, mud and shells. xii INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. sand with specks, here and there coral, and at one or two places, rock. But; in sounding to the westward the surface was found by Captains Cowan and Beville* more irregular ; and apparently resembling the surface of the island, consisting of hollows and ridges- Hence it is evident that this island, resting upon a base, which extends at least 25 miles from east to west, is not " a rock rising " abruptly," as had been erroneously supposed ; but is rather the pinnacle of a prominence in the bed of the ocean, gradually ascending, from unfathomable depths, to 2700 feet above water : which is the elevation of Diana's Peak, the highest mountain on the island. This deduction seems consonant to the opinions of some theo- rists, who have considered " islands as the tops of lofty mountains ; " the eminences of a great continent, converted into islands by a " tremendous concussion of nature :"t but whether the circum- stances, above stated, may be in any way useful to geologists, or whether they may throw further light upon the origin and for- mation of islands, or lead to new conjectures upon the probable site of the Atlantica Insula, mentioned by Plato, to have been partially destroyed by an earthquake and deluge, I shall not presume to say. If, however, any large island ever did exist in the part of the Atlantic under consideration, it might be inferred, according to those theorists, that the islands of St. Helena, Ascension, Sax- cmberg, Tristan d'Acunha, and Gough's Island, may have been its " lofty mountains and eminences ;" and that the whole space within that chain of islands, which is 1800 miles in length, and about 500 in breadth, has been sunk into the sea. * Commanders of the Camperdowii cutter, ■f- L'Abb^ Raynal, L'Abbe Pluche, and others. INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. xiii It is very remarkable, and well deserving the attention of naturalists, that a species of gum-wood tree (Conyza gummifera), whicli is indigenous to the climate of St. Helena, and which has not, I believe, been discovered upon the opposite continent of Africa, has been found upon Gough's Island and Tristan d'Acunha. I have in my possession a sketch of the Island of Saxemberg, upon which some trees are also represented ; of what sort I am not informed. But, if it should be ascertained hereafter, that they are of the same species as those on the other three islands, this might be an additional reason for supposing that all those islands, and perhaps Ascension, which has now no trees upon it, may have been, at some remote period, united. If the possibility of this connection be, for a moment, admitted, the question of immersion, according to M. Buifon's hypothesis, might readily be solved. " History," says this celebrated natu- ralist, " informs us of inundations and deluges of an extensive " nature. Ought not all this to convince us, that the surface of " the earth has experienced very great revolutions? Let us sup- " pose, for example, that the old and new worlds were formerly *' but one continent ; and that, by an earthquake, the ancient " Atlantis of Plato was sunk ; the consequence of this mighty " revolution must necessarily be, that the sea would rush in from *' all quarters, and form what is now called the Atlantic Ocean.'' Having now adverted to such circumstances as appear to sub- stantiate tlie opinion entertained by Mr. Forster, that St. Helena must have existed above water, before it had a volcano, and was afterwards violently changed, and partly subverted by subterra- neous tire, it I' ay be proper to shew iu what manner this writer supports and illustrates that opinion by the appearances of Ascen- sion and St. Helena. " The dreariness of Ascension," says Mr. Forster, " surpassed xiv INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. " all the horrors of Easter Island, and Terra del Fuego, even " without the assistance of snow. It was a ruinous heap of rocks, " changed by the fire of a volcano. Nearly in the cent:'e of the " island, rises a broad, white mountain of great height, on which " we discovered some verdure by the help of our glasses, from " whence it has obtained the name of Green Mountain. On land- " ing, we ascended among heaps of black cavernous stone, which " perfectly resembles the most common lavas of Vesuvius and " Iceland; and of which the broken pieces looked as if they had " been accumulated by art. The lava currents, cooling very " suddenly, may easily be imagined to produce such an effect. " Having ascended about fifteen yards perpendicular, we found " ourselves on a great level plain of six or eight miles in circuit ; " in one corner of which, we observed a large hill of an exact " conical shape, and of a reddish colour, standing perfectly " insulated. Part of the plain between those hills was covered " with great numbers of smaller hillocks, consisting of the same " wild and rugged lava as that near the sea, and ringing like " glass, when two pieces are knocked together. The ground " between the heaps of lava was covered with black earth ; but " where these heaps did not appear, the whole was red earth. '' The conic hills consisted of a very different sort of lava, which *' was red, soft, and crumbling into earth. We concluded, that " the plain on which we stood was once the crater, or seat of a " volcano, by the accumulation of whose cinders and pumice- " stones, the conic hills had been gradually formed ; and that " the currents of lava, which we now saw, divided into many " heaps, had perhaps been gradually buried in fresh cinders and " ashes ; and the waters coming down from the interior moun- " tains, in the rainy season, had smoothened every thing in their "way, and filled up by degrees the cavity of the crater. The INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. xv " rocky black lava was the residence of numberless man-of-war " birds and boobies, which sat on their eggs, and suffered us to " come close to them. On all this rocky ground, we only met " with ten shrivelled plants, which were of two sorts, a species of " spurge and a bind weed. " Having climbed over an extensive and tremendous current -' of lava, more solid than that near the shore, we came to the foot *' of the Green 3Iountam, which even from the ship, we had *' plainly distinguished to be of a different nature from the rest " of the country. The lava which surrounded it, was covered " with a prodigious quantity of purslane and a kind of new fern. " The great mountain is divided in its extremities, by various " clifts into several bodies ; but in the centre they all unite and " form one broad mass of great height. The whole appears to '• consist of a gritty tophaceous lime-stone, which has never been " attacked by the volcano, but probably existed prior to its " eruption. " St. Helena has on its outside, especially where the ships lie " at anchor, an appearance, if possible, more dreadful and dreary *' than Ascension : but the further you advance, the less desolate " the country appears, and the most interior parts are always '• covered with plants, trees, and verdure. However, there are " every where the most evident marks of its having undergone a " great and total change, from a volcano and earthquake, which " perhaps sunk the greatest part of it in the sea. " We visited (says the same author) isles that had still volca- *' noes burning ; others that had only elevation, and marks of •' being formed in remote ages by a volcano ; and lastly, we " found isles that had no remains of a volcano, but strong and " undoubted vestiges of having been violently changed and partly -' overturned by an earthquake, subterraneous Jire, and a volcano. xvi INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. " I cannot help referring- Easter Island, St. Helena, owA Ascen- " sion, to the last." The circumstances which have been noticed concerning- the strata of Ladder Hill and High Knoll, cannot, I presnme, admit of a donbt, that those parts have undergone a great change since the island was formed ; and that this change has been effected by eruptions from a volcano, succeeded by an earthquake. But, whether those other changes, which are visible in many other parts have been produced by similar causes, or subterraneous fire, it is perhaps wholly impossible to ascertain : nor does it even seem probable, that the effects from either, or from all these causes, could have left the island in the state it now is. There is a central ridge, as will be seen by the annexed sketch, which, running east and west, divides the island into, nearly, two equal portions. In no part of this ridge (which is elevated 2000 feet above the level of the sea) is there a single chasm or opening. It seems, therefore, wholly unaccountable that it should have escaped being broken and shattered, if eaith quakes, or subterra- nean fires, had occasioned the " overturnings." This ridge is narrow on tlie top ; and very abrupt on the south, especially between Diana's Peak and Manatee Bay. It continues eastward to the Devil's Punch Bowl, where it again narrows, and then spreads out and forms the Great Wood Plain. At the Punch Bowl it becomes so narrow that it seems nearly to have been broken : yet the whole extent, including the Great Wood, has stood fast, in spite of all appearances of disruption on either side. When the island was discovered (three hundred and thirteen years ago), it is said, there were no living animals upon it ; and that seals, sea-lions, turtle, and sea-fowl, occasionally frequented its shores. All this is perfectly reconcileable to the idea that INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. xvii St. Helena is a new land, raised from the bed of the ocean. But if we admit this to be the fact, how are we to account for the origin of the present insect tribe ; which are pretty numerous, consisting of various sorts of beetles, grubs, and worms? If these did not exist at the period of discovery, there seems to be no other mode of explaining their present existence, than by reviving the exploded doctrine of equivocal or spontaneous generation. Under this difficulty, it may possibly be inferred, that these sorts of insects actually must have existed : and, hence it would follow, as a natural consequence, that subterraneous fire, and volcanic eruption, have not been the sole causes of formation : because, in either case, no creature whatever could have remained alive. The introduction of quadrupeds, domestic fowls, and birds, remaining at present, may be easily conceived.* There is, how- ever, a species of land bird, inhabiting the interior, and found in considerable numbers, of which, I believe, no notice has ever been taken by any writer on St. Helena. It is of that descrip- tion not likely to be brought there by shipping, and seems for this reason particularly to deserve attention. It is not a bird of passage, for it is seen throughout the year: indeed none of that description have ever found their way to St. Helena. In appear- ance, and size, and in some of its habits, it resembles the common sand-lark frequently seen on the shores of Europe. It is called the " Wire-Bird ;" probably from its very long legs, resem- bling wires, which enable it to run with uncommon swift- ness. The legs are of a greenish colour ; the body and wings * Domestic fowls of all countries thrive at St. Helena. Besides these, there are peacocks, guinea-fowls, pheasants, partridges, doves, parroquets, Java sparrows, canaries, and averdavats. All these have evi«3ently been imported by shipping. There are also some rabbits, but no hares. The wire-bird, alone, is of tliat description which cannot be supposed to have been imported. d xriii INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER gray ; the breast white ; eyes large, and the bill moderately long. In its nature it is rather shy ; and as it does not seem to possess those powers of flight which could have brought it from America or Africa, it seems, therefore, not unreasonable to con- clude, that it is indigenous to the island. If so, it may be con- sidered as an additional fact, favourable to the conjecture that St. Helena is a fragment of a larger island. I have already mentioned, upon the authority of Captain Heywood, who commanded his Majesty's ship Nereus, that the indigenous gum-wood trees of St. Helena are the same as on Tristan d'Acunha and Gough's Island. It would be of impor- tance to ascertain with accuracy this fact ; and whether the wire- bird be also a native of those islands, and of Ascension and Saxemberg. If all these points should be verified, trifling as they may appear, they would be important to the cause of geology. The mountainous ridge which divides the island by its greatest length, appears chiefly to consist of indurated clay, in some parts surmounted, and in others mixed, with shattered rock ; which, being of a brittle nature and easily broken, has never been per- fected into solid stone. This clay may possibly appear to be the material which composes the greater part of the stones found on the island. It has no visible intermixture of sand, and is not tenacious, but friable. It is easily excavated in the form of buildings, with interior upright walls; and in this manner it is wsed for cait sheds, &c. Towards the western extremity, within a mile of the coast, the ridge assumes a different appearance: it is there very abrupt, and craggy, on the south, and slopes gently to the north : here are solid rocks, from which large fragments have been detached and lie scattered on the surface. The most remarkable of these are at the west extreme of the ridge ; where a great number. INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. xix standing on end, occupy a flat of about three acres. From their striking resemblance to tomb-stones, this place is called " the church-yard." I examined it with attention, and was led to conclude that its very singular appearance has been occasioned by a water-spout, descending with fury ; and by dashing out the soil and washing it down the adjacent ravine, has thus entirely uncovered the stones. An attempt was made to form some of the stones, taken from the vicinity of the church-yard, into mill-stones: but being brittle and laminated, and withal extremely hard, it was found impossible to manufacture them. This sort of stone, when struck, emits an agreeable sound. The sea-coast is generally bordered with rocks ; and in its vicinity as well as in some parts of the interior, are excellent quarries of honeycomb stone and basaltes. The former being of a softer and tougher texture than the latter, is therefore esteemed by far the best ori the island for buildings. Both, however, are evidently composed of the same material ; that is, of the clay above-mentioned. It seeuis to me that basaltes is changed into honeycomb by coming iu contact with fire ; for I have observed in many quar- ries an exterior coating of honeycomb passing so insensibly into an interior basaltic bed, and so intimately blended with it, that it was impossible to discover at what point the honeycomb ended, or the basaltes began. The most remarkable quarry which I observed of this sort, is on the high road between High Knoll and Plantation-house. Here, upon viewing the exterior, it was expected to find a valua- ble quarry ; but after penetrating a few feet into the hill, it was found that the hone^'comb was insensibly blended with the basaltic stone. This fact seems to correspond with what is stated by Sir William Hamilton, " that basaltes is fusible /^er se ; that XX INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. ' it agrees almost entirely with lava in elementary principles, in " its grain, and in all the diversities of its textnre." And it seems also to afford a demonstration, that after St. Helena was formed, fires must have rushed through chasms and openings, and scori- fied the clays, and the vertical rocks of basaltes, in their primi- tive state. Of the honeycomb stone at Ladder Hill, and near the Planta- tion-house, the Chinese, who are expert stone-cutters, have manufactured troughs, bowls, urns, pestles and mortars, and hand-mills. These last answer the purpose extremely well, leaving no grit in the flour. Wherefore, it may be presumed, that mill-stones in abundance, and of the largest dimensions, might be furnished from this island. Honeycomb stone is likewise found in various other parts. At Halley's Mount, and in its vicinity, are two quarries of an imper- fect kind. The one is on the eastern face of the mount, and the other on the ridge which forms the south-west edge of the Devil's Punch-bowl. The stones, particularly in the latter, have not attained the solidity of the more perfect sorts. At Halley's mount, amongst the cracks and fissures, are sometimes discovered bits of spar, and thin, hard, flaky substances, having small protu- berances on their surfaces, exhibiting a variety of colours. It is remarkable, that on the western face of Halley's mount the rocks are of the sa^e raw, shattered, and brittle sort, as those on the central ridge. Some indeed are of a consistence between clay and stone : and as there are no appearances of their having been touched with fire, it may be inferred that the Punch-bowl itself has been a crater, and that the flames issuing from it have scorched the eastern face of Halley's mount and formed the honeycomb stone, whilst the western face was in a manner hid from the flames ; and thereby the stone and clay have been pre- served in their primitive state. It is also deserving notice, that to INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. xxi the eastward of the Piinch-bowl, and in the vicinity of the Great Wood plain, there is not to be found a stone, of any sort what- ever, fit for the purpose of building-. This seems to furnish a further proof, that all that portion of the island is of a different formation from the other parts. On the surface of Ladder Hill are some beds of basaltes, pro- ducing flaky stones of extreme hardness. These lie horizontally, and when quarried, yield flags of from six to twelve superficial feet, and from four to ten inches in thickness. They are also sonorous; and as they require only to be squared, they are admirably adapted to the flooring of warehouses, granaries, and other buildings. In blasting some of the basaltic beds on Ladder Hill, both sides of the septa, or cracks, were sometimes covered with figures, apparently of metal ; of a bright silver colour, , beautifully representing trees and other objects of landscape. On the western side of High Knoll there are quarries of a very different description. They produce a stone very much resem- bling the Tufa I have seen in Sicily. Indeed this stone, and the small pieces of very light pumice which are scattered at the northern base of High Knoll, and upon many parts of Ladder Hill, are the only sorts that bear the smallest resemblance to the) productions of Etna, Strombolo, and Vesuvius. I had a com- - plete collection of these in my possession, which enabled me to make the comparison. The tufa, or red-stone of St. Helena, is of a brownish red colour. It is rather soft when taken out of the quarry, but hardens by exposure to the air, It has been used successfully in building ; and in forming a water-course for supplying the garrison of Ladder Hill, from the springs at Plantation-house ; and from the tank at High Knoll.* * Parti. Sec. XXIX. page 199, xxii INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. There is moreover a very extensive quarry of pozzolana on the eastern side of James's valley, about a mile from the sea. In the year 1807, my predecessor, Governor Patton, to whose talents and indefatigable exertions the island is much indebted, first in- troduced this valuable ingredient in mortar cements. It v»^as pointed out to his notice by M. Joinville, who had been attached to the suite of the Honourable Frederick North at Ceylon. This pozzolana, mixed Avith one-third of Sandy Bay lime, hardens in sea-water, and has withstood the beating of the waves for several years without being in the least degree diminished or affected. Even when used without any admixture of lime, or water, but merely after spreading it dry, and beating it well together, it soon consolidates after being moistened with rain into a mass almost resembling stone. In some parts of James's Town it has been used as a substitute for paving, and has been found to answer that purpose, not being liable to crack ; nor is it in the least affected by the heaviest wheel carriages. Limestone of excellent quality is in the greatest abundance.* It is said to be a concretion of shells and sand, and sometimes of clay. In consistence it is not harder than a sugar loaf, and is there- fore easily calcined ; one bushel of coals producing ten of lime. The mountains close to Sandy Bay, and not far above the level of the sea, are chiefly composed of it. Lot's Wife Beach, adjoining those mountains, is covered with a white sand, which consists almost wholly of small fragments of limestone. On the opposite side of the island, lime has also been discovered, particularly near Banks's Battery, and at Rupert's Bay, and, it is said, in Breakneck Valley. But there are neither shells, nor lime, nor any calcareous matter in the interior of the island. At Rupert's Bay the limestone rocks project into the sea. It would seem that sea-water has a tendency to harden, or perhaps * Part 1. Sec. I. page 2. INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. xxm to form, this concretion ; for upon tracing this vein^ we found that it gradually and insensibly softens as it recedes from the beach : so that at the distance of thirty yards it assumes the ap- pearance, and is in fact, a limestone sand. Calcareous clays are found in James's valley and Friar's valley ; and a calcareous spar, together with small oblong round stones, corresponding witli the description of plaster of Paris, are found in considerable quantity in the hills adjoining Turk's Cap Bay, and Prosperous Bay. Here also has been discovered a variety of pebbles extremely hard, which bear a fine polish, and have been made into seals and ornaments.* Calcareous spar is also found in the body of very hard and ponderous stone at Munden's Cove and Sandy Bay ; and even in the interior of the island : and it is said, that on George's Island might be collected a considerable quantity of gypsum. The following are the analyses, by the late Doctor Adam Baildon, of the lime quarries already opened. The specimens of plaster of Paris have not yet been analysed. Calcare- 1 Banks's Lime . - - ous Earth. Clay. Sand, 41 6 53 2 Rupert's hard sort 74 1 25; 36 i Too close to the 3 Ditto. Soft ditto 63 1 Sea for working. 4 James's Valley - - - - 54 42 4 5 Friar's Valley 58 42 — 6 Sandy Bay - _ - 70 1 29 Exhausted. 7 Lot's Wife Beach 75 3 22 8 Potatoe Ray . _ - 71 1 28 In abundance. 9 Turk's Cap Spar 98 — 2 10 Ditto. Plaster of Paris — — — Not analysed. * Specimens of all these stones were forwarded to the Honourable the Court of Directors in December 1810. xxiv INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. A species of natural cement is found on several parts of the coast of St. Helena, which seems to resemble that seen by M. Peron* on the coasts of the isles of Kangaroos, St. Peter, and St. Francis. This writer ascribes its formation, at these places, to numerous shells rolled incessantly by the action of the waves on the neigh- bouring shores ; which being broken into very minute fragments, and mixed with cjuartzose sand, speedily constitute the principle of calcareous cement of a superior quality. The finest specimen I observed at St. Helena, is between Egg Island and Union Cove. The rocks bear evident marks of the action of fire. They resemble the refuse of iron at smelting places. There are also numerous pumice stones, and a sort of shingle scattered over the surface of these rocks. Some very hard stones are so firmly bedded in this cement, that, in attempting to take them out, they broke in pieces. If such a cement could artificially be made, it would undoubtedly be far superior to the Roman, or any other cement hitherto invented. It seems to me that a likely mode of ascertaining the process of formation would be to imitate that which appears to have been the process of nature ; that is, to collect a certain quantity of powdered St. Helena limestone, to mix it with small fragments of basaltic stone, the size of coarse sand, varying the proportions ; then to sprinkle the mixtures occasionally with sea water, and leave them to dry in the sun. If these ingredients should not consolidate at first, the sprinkling of sea water should be continued ; and pos- sibly in the course of time, the consolidation might take place. This appears to have been the process of nature ; for the natural cement bears an exact resemblance to mortar made with white lime, and an admixture of coarse black sand : but, as there is no sand on the coast, nor in the interior of the island, it may be • Jour, de Phys. Vol. LIX. INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. xxv presnmed that those black specks in the cement are merely frag- ments of basaltic, or pumice stones If, however, the mixture I have suggested should not consolidate, there might then be reason to infer, that the calcareous matter laying on the rocks near Egg island, may have undergone calcination, at the time the rocks were in a state of fusion. Along the coast of St. Helena are many deep excavations, forming caves, some of which are raised several feet above the high water mark, and afford commodious retreats for fishermen in rainy weather ; others are under the level of the lowest tides ; consequently, there is a continual flux and reflux of water, occa- sioned by the swell of the sea, which in the course of time has penetrated very far into the base of the island. It would be impossible to explore these cavernous holes, be- cause the swell rises, at every ingress, to the top of the entrance ; which of course excludes all external air ; and the internal air being powerfully compressed by the rushing in of the water, produces, by its re-action, a very singular effect. On the perpen- dicular cliff, forming the coast opposite to Egg Island, there are two or three very curious jets d'eau. By the compression of air within the caverns, where they are probably more enlarged than at the exterior openings, it appears that the waters must have gradually perforated amongst the cracks and fissures, vertical, or more probably, oblique, and irregular passages within, and behind, the exterior rocks. The orifices of those passages appear on the face of the cliff at the height of 60 or 70 feet above the sea ; from which I observed the water to spout, exactly like the blowing of a whale, and, at intervals, corresponding with the times of the rise and fall of the swell. On the northern coast, at Munden's cove, and also to the east- "ward of Rupert's Valley, at a considerable height above the sea, e xxvi INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. is found a sort of saponaceous argil, which is used by the soldiers as a substitute for soap in washing. It is secreted in either small elliptical cavities, or partly occupies longitudinal vacancies in the rock. Formed into a lump, I have used it as as a wash-ball, by way of experiment: it lathered in a small degree like soap ; but left a prickling sensation on my hands, something resembling that which is occasioned by soap when overcharged with alkali : it dissolves entirely in water, and forms a smooth liquid mass, without the smallest grit, of the consistence of cream, of a reddish colour ; and when left to dry, it cracked ; but still retained a sort of unctuous finality. Of this production there has been as yet no analysis. I am therefore not informed whether it possess the same properties of steatites, which, according to the analysis of Bergman, contain in 100 parts, 80 of silex, 17 of mild magnesia, 2 of argillaceous earth, and nearly 1 of iron, in a semi-oxydated state. Various coloured earths or clays abound in many parts of St. Helena. Upon the hills towards the sea they are discovered, only here and there, in thin veins, bedded between layers of rock. In the interior, particularly about a mile to the eastward of Long Wood House, the deep and sloping sides of some of the ravines, which are of great extent, are clothed with a variety of beautiful tints of white, blue, grey, and red. Of the brilliance of these earths, when the sun shines upon them, no words, nor even the finest touches of the pencil, could convey an adequate idea. Whether those colours penetrate to any great depth within the surface, appears to me doubtful ; because, in digging the ditches for the new fences at Long Wood, at a short distance from the ravines, we rarely found any sort of coloured earth ; and this was generally of a reddish tint. We know, that by frequently stirring INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER, xxvii and exposing common earth to the influence of the air and atmo- sphere, that a pale brown soil is changed to a much darker hue. We observe, that as flowers gradually open, and are exposed to the air, the}' throw ofl" their old colom-, and acquire a new one ; but, whether certain component parts of earth or clay, are capable of being changed into any other colours than dark brown, or black, by a long exposure to the sun, air and moisture, I shall leave to the decision of those who are skilled in the sciences of natural philosophy and chemistry.* I have jiow endeavoured to explain the most striking facts, connected with the Geology and Mineralogy of St. Helena, which have come under my personal inspection. Having done so, I must here claim the indulgence of the reader, not only on account of the preceding observations having been made in a casual manner, but because they relate to sciences of which'I do not profess to have any skill or knowledge. I should indeed have contented myself with barely stating facts, and have left it to more, able hands to form conclusions : but in adhering to this mode, I was fearful I should have rendered the subject less in- telligible. It is for this reason I have been induced, occasionally, to draw conclusions, or to offer conjectures : but as these are given at all times with diffidence, I beg they maybe received merely as suggestions ; in which shape they may be of use to those who * Cronstedt is of opinion " that common clay, especially the blue, grey, and red " kinds, may derive their origin from mud ; and as the mud proceeds from vegetables, it " will thence follow, that the varieties of clay just mentioned, are notliing else but the " common mould altered, after a length of time, by means of water." Some of the white clays of St. Helena appear to be a species of lithotnarga, or stone- marrow, being as fat and slippery as soap. Possibly the white are the primitive clays of the eastern part of the island, which have, in the course of ages, been changed into a variety of colours by some unsearchable cause in nature. xxviii INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. may hereafter be disposed to contemplate the physical circum- stances of this extraordinary place. Although I am apprehensive, it may be considered that the preceding remarks are already extended to too great a length, yet there is a subject adverted to in the early records of the island, which appears to deserve particular notice ; not only, as being connected with the mineralogy of the island, but as it may here- after, if more fully investigated, lead to the most important results. In a letter from the Governor and Council to the Honourable the Court of Directors, dated the 1st of December, 1715, it is stated that two Spanish gentlemen, one a priest, the other an engineer, had arrived at the island. These persons having resided a considerable time at Mexico and Peru, professed to have a perfect knowledge of those appearances which are the sure indi- cations of the existence of rich mines. After having examined some parts of the island, they declared their opinion that, "there " are certainly some rich mines of metal here." The Governor, hearing of their conjectures, sent for them, and shewed them several places, where " there is a stoney soil that looks like ore," and they assured him that these are the signals of rich mines of metal: one of them indeed asserted his opinion, that what he saw " was the signal of a gold mine." * It would seem, that those Spaniards resided several months on the island, and that Mons. Oliviero was principally consulted ; for, bj a second letter on this subject, we find that Governor Pyke, who appears to have been a man of excellent understanding, * " The Governor sent for tliem and shewed tliem several parts of the island where " we have a stony soil that looks like ore ; and they have assured us tliat these are the " signals of rich mines of metal ; and, that one of them they take to be the signal of a " gold mine." Offieial Letter, 1st December, 1715. INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. xxix was still employed in his researches, with a view to the discovery of this precious metal. He does not seem to abandon the idea after five months perseverance ; but he complains that a want of labour prevented him from penetrating to a sufScient depth. The last record of this expected gold mine is in an official letter, addressed to the Court of Directors, dated the 15th June, 1716, in the following words : " The Governor has employed most of his time, since the ' arrival of the Heathcote here, with Monsieur Oliviero, a ' Spaniard, who has dwelt a considerable time both in Mexico ' and Peru, among the Spanish mines, and has set some of your ' Honour's slaves to work at digging on the N. E. part of this ' island, near a place called the Turk's Cap ; where we have ' found a sort of mineral earth, that the same Spaniard tells us ' is a sure signal of a mine of metal. We have sent home musters ' of it by the ship Heathcote, and are assured by the same Mon- ' sieur Oliviero, that as we go deeper, we shall find clearer and ' more evident proofs of metal ; these being none other than ' signals of ore, which, he says, all who understand mining, will ' affirm as well as himself. We wish we had hands to spare, ' that we might keep some employed in digging on this occasion, ' because we desire nothing more than to make the island yield ' to your Honours some reasonable recompense for the great ' expense and trouble you have been at to improve this (hitherto) ' unprofitable place." My attention was naturally attracted by those passages in the records, to the place pointed out by Governor Pyke. I there- fore employed three men, under the direction of Captain Plenry Pritchard, a very intelligent officer, to examine the hills in the vicinity of Turk's Cap Bay ; and to dig in those places that appeared the most likely to be productive of ore. No certain XXX INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. indications of gold have hitherto been discovered ; but, as Captain Pritchard mentions the " appearances of a silver ore " found in a soft yellow stone ;" and as the whole of his observ- ations are interesting, and may be of use hereafter, I will here record them in his own words. 1810, September 11. "I have this moment returned from " Turk's Cap Valley, in which I observe abundance of calcare- " ous spar, and various stones of extreme hardness. Being fully " satisfied with our first attempt to explore this valley, I have " every reason to believe that we shall soon come to ore of per- " haps the most valuable description. September 21. I have " sanguine hopes of the productions of Turk's Cap Valley ; *' having, since my last communication on this subject, collected " some valuable information. Mr. Thomson, who has a con.si- " derable knowledge in mineralogy, has promised to assist in " analysing whatever we may find : he is decidedly of opinion, " from the specimens I have shewn him, that we shall find metal, " of various kinds, in Turk's Cap Valley. September 27. " We have not proceeded so fast as could be " wished, by reason a large flake of blue-stone presenting itself, " which we have partly removed. There is a yellow earth, which " I washed, but found nothing deserving remark ; although its " appearance (according to what I read in Chambers' Diction- " ary) is very favourable. I send a piece of opake agate, in which " gold is found in South America. I hope for a true copy of " that original from the pit that is now opened. October 21. "I send a collection of stones found at the depth " of 26 feet in our present pit. They are certainly valuable in " themselves; and more so in the indications they ofter of ap- " proaching mineral earth. The dust in which they are found " (for they are all separate as you see them) contains particles of INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. xxxi ' shining metal, extremely minute. This is, I presume, suffi- ' cient to encourage perseverance. " I would propose, after having penetrated to the depth of 50 ' or 60 feet, and after carefully examining every strata of earth, ' &c. to commence cutting directly down the ravine, (as our pit 'is on the top of a hill 250 feet high),* by which means we ' shall be able to explore with great exactness the properties of ' the interior. This, and a scrupulous examination of the matter ' that may be found, would consume several weeks: but such ' an examination cannot be accomplished in any other way." 3d November, 1810. — Accompanying this I send specimens of ' .stones found at 27 feet deep. Most of them have veins of ore ' running horizontally ; and at this depth the vein of stone has ' changed to the red sort. It is capable of a very high polish. ' The earth with which they are incrusted is .soft and yellow ; ' but I do not perceive any indications of metal ; although they ' still correspond with some memoranda I have in my possession. * I therefore trust we may soon be satisfied as to the existence ' of valuable ore in this spot." 16th November, 1810. — " By the accompanying specimens, ' you will readily perceive I have been very successful in making ' the experiments you desired. I send the calcareous spar of ' Turk's Cap Valley in three different stages : the first is in ' powder, and dry ; the second, slaked ; and the third, mixed ' with water to the consistency of common mortar : when dried, * it is susceptible of the highest polish. " The last specimen of ore that I got from the pit is by far the ' most promising; for upon bruising a soft yellow stone, the ' whole of the veins produced an ore of a silver appearance. I * It is probable that these researches might have been more successful, if the pit, or shaft, had commenced at the foot of tlie hill, instead of the summit. xxxii INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. " am very certain, that if a proper process were adopted, it would " afford a satisfactory result — that ore is contained in the pit we " are now employed at/' 20th November, 1810. " Some of the accompanying stones " are the most curious we have yet arrived at in digging the pit : *' they afford strong indications of metal." * " I have also sent some of the plaster of Paris which is found " near Prosperous Bay. Of this a large quantity might easily be " procured, as it is dug up from the rocks, not more than a foot " from the surface. It is very easily reduced to a powder, and " makes a beautiful shining white, when properly laid on as a " wash, and a still more beautiful plaster." I These minutiae relative to this spot, which is so very singular in its productions, and so widely different from every other part of the island, cannot fail, I should hope, to be acceptable to the mine- ralogist. He may possibly discover among them some traits by which he may judge of the probability of success in obtaining a valuable ore, by further perseverance ; at all events. Captain Pritchard's observations are calculated to render more complete the attempt I have undertaken to explain, in as concise a manner as the subject would admit, the natural productions and the most striking features of this island. I am not aware of having omitted any important fact connect- ed with the geology or mineralogy of the island ; but, if more particular information should be desired by those who take de- light in philosophic investigations, I beg to recommend to their * In one of these stones I observed a small piece of metal, which had the appearance of silver or tin ; many of them had a metallic tint, probably what the two Spaniards termed " the spume of metal, or the mineral fumes condensed in the upper crust." t Specimens of calcareous spar, plaister of Paris, &c. were sent to the Court of Direc- tors in December 1810. INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. xxxiii perusal an analytical description of St. Helena, which was pub- lished, by an anonymous writer, about ten years ago. The soil of this island is uncommonly fertile : producing, with- out manure, a succession of crops of potatoes, at the rate of more than two in the year for twelve or fourteen years together. It varies, in all the shades of colour, from a black mould to a pale brown. The former is the most productive, abounding more with mould and clay. The latter yields also exceeding fine crops of every kind of European esculent and corn. Even the driest and most barren looking spots of the paler sort, have been found to be well adapted to the growth of pineaster trees. Some of the blackest soil is similar to that which is usually appropriated to the culture of cotton in India. It dissolves entirely in water; cracks and blisters when dried by the sun-heat ; and is easily melted (if I may use the expression) and carried off with the gentlest currents during the rainy seasons. This species of soil is, however, very rare ; the others are more predominant, and are not disturbed by the heaviest rains. No analysis has been made of those soils : but so far as I could observe they are wholly destitute of sand. This circumstance, together with a want of tenacity in the clays, I take to be the causes that all attempts to manufacture bricks, or pottery, have completely failed. The climate of St. Helena is perhaps the mildest and the most salubrious in the world ; and is remarkably congenial to the human feelings. Neither too hot nor cold, it preserves through- out the year that medium temperature which is always agree- able. This temperature, however, varies considerably according to the elevation of the land. At Plantation-house, the range of the thermometer during the year, when kept in the same place, was only from 61° to 73°. At Long Wood, although at the same height above the sea, it was generally 5° lower : proceeding no f xxxiv INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. doubt from the situation being more exposed to the south-east trade wind. In James's Town it is generally 5° to 7° higher than at Phuitation-house. These are the temperatures within doors. In the open air at Plantation-house the thermometer sometimes falls to 52°, which happens between June and September; and in this winter season (if it may be so called) the inhabitants living in the country find it necessary, or at least comfortable, to make use of fires in their rooms. Thus, it will be perceived, there is a diversity of cli- mate ; so that a person residing in James's Town, in the warm season, may pass, within the short space of an hour, from the medium temperature of India, to that of the spring or summer months in England. This has been found beneficial to valetudi- narians from India, who occasionally resort to the island : some of whom have been restored to perfect health, after a few months residence in this salubrious climate. The late Governor Brooke assured me, that during the period of his government, a gentleman arrived from England who had been long suflTering under a pulmonic consumption. He .seemed to be in what is generally termed the last stage of that disorder (this to medical men may appear doubtful) : he was extremely reduced, and apparently beyond recovery. After residing only three months, he was completely restored, returned to his native country, and continued in the enjoyment of health for many years afterwards. In the XlVth Section of the first part of this work, I have treated, at considerable length, upon the rainy seasons. It will be sufficient, therefore, in this place to remark, that during the year there are two seasons of rain. The summer rains are usually expected in January or February ; and the winter rains in July or August. The periods of their continuance are generally from six weeks to two months : but neither their setting in, nor dura- INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. XXXV tion, is by any means regular. The quantity of rain which falls during the year varies considerably. In what are called favour- able years, the total quantity may be from 25 to 30 inches : and sometimes more. Even in an unfavourable year, 1811, I found the fall of rain was 22.4 inches : which is rather more than the average in London. From the 22d February, 1811, when the summer rains began, until the day of my departure from the island, on the 1st Sep- tember 1813, I kept an exact diary of the fall of rain ; which was continued by Mr. Jennings, the Company's gardener, to 1815. The rain was measured in an accurate rain-gauge, sent from England, by Sir Joseph Banks : the following were the results "• 1811 - - 22.40 inches 1812 - - - 29.04 1813 - - 32.13 1814 - - _ 49.96* * Abstract of the Monthly fall of Rain, at Plantation House, during the years 1812, 1813, 1814, and part of \B\5. 1812. 1813. 1814. 1815. MONTHS. Fall of Rain. Fall of Rain. Fall of Rain. Fall of Rain. Inches. Inches. Inches. Inches. January 0.80 3.0 2.54 0.78 February 2.90 2.54 5.92 3.10 March 7.31 1.54 6.70 2.78 April 2.23 2.01 7.35 not ascertained. May 0.57 9.84 7.49 ditto June 4.06 3.65 4.37 ditto July 3.45 2.23 3.19 ditto August 1.76 1.62 4.40 ditto September 2.02 2.79 2.76 ditto October 1.08 0.66 2.44 ditto November 0.62 1.81 0.78 ditto December 2.24 0.44 2.02 ditto Total 29.04 32.13 49.96 xxxvi INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. Hence it appears, that St. Helena, during tliese last three years, had its full share of rain, and in much greater quantity than usually falls in London : which, by an average of eleven years, is no more than 21.25 inches : whereas the average of four years, at St. Helena, was 33.38 inches. Cloudy days exceed in number, about two to one, those on which the rays of the sun fall upon the earth without interrup- tion ; and the number of days on which rain falls, during the year, is about 135. The wettest months are said to be January, February, and March, and June and July. This observation may be correct, although it does not accord with the preceding Abstract. The favourable or unfavourable seasons depend on the number of days of heavy rains, and fine showers. Some idea may be formed of the variations in different years by the following comparison : In 1806 heavy rains and fine showers, 92 days 1807 - - _ _ 79 1808 - - - _ 58 1809 - - - 71 1810 - _ _ - - 78 1811 - - _ 60 From thunder and lightning this climate may be said to be wholly exempted. In the course of 60 years, only two flashes of lightning are recollected ; and these, I believe, were unaccom- panied with thunder: neither is it subject to those storms and hurricanes, which occasionally afflict and desolate many other tropical islands. The trade winds generally blow with uniform steadiness ; very seldom increasing beyond what is called a fresh breeze. There are many copious springs of pure and wholesome water. These generally issue from the highest lands. The quantity - INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. xxxvii usually discharged at James's Town, was found to be six hogs- heads in a minute, or 2160 tons in the 24 hours, after the absence of rain. Comparing the size of this stream with the others on the island, I compute that not less than 10,000 tons of water are daily discharged from the springs into the sea in dry weather. Scarcely any use has hitherto been made of this water except for the supply of the inhabitants and their cattle, and for watering a few small yam plantations and gardens. Where experiments have been tried of irrigating the grass lands, even upon what were originally as barren and forbidding as any part of the island, they have been with a success which has astonished those who made them. Mr. Dunn's improvements, at the Briars, a beautiful and romantic spot near the waterfall, have most clearly demonstrated the extremely beneficial effects that might be derived from a skilful direction and use of the waters with which nature has so bountifully supplied the island. His meadows, though small, vie with the best in England. His garden produces excellent grapes, peaches, apples, guavas, oranges, plantains, and other fruits ; and all sorts of esculent vegetables. This small example is sufficient to prove the capa- bility of this fine island ; which is further exemplified by the gardens of Miss Mason, and Mr. John Mason, situated near the eastern side. Miss Mason's orchard is, for its extent, the finest and most productive I ever beheld : the apples are of a high flavour ; some of them have measured sixteen inches in cir- cumference. It appears, however, by the records of the Government, that this island has been occasionally visited by severe droughts ; a visitation perhaps not less frequent in other countries. Great losses of cattle have also been sustained ; but I am thoroughly convinced, that those losses might have been alleviated, if not xxxviii INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. entirely prevented, by the introduction of green fodder crops,* and a proper system of husbandry. This subject has been fully discussed and illustrated in several papers contained in the First Part of this Work. By these it will be seen, that the farmers of St. Helena have always depended solely on their pasture lands for the subsistence of their live stock : this was the real cause of their heavy losses : but before I quitted the Government, I had the gratification lo observe, that they began to be sensible of the advantages of the system of husbandry which I had been at so much pains to in- culcate. I earnestly hope, they may henceforward have every possible encouragement to persevere in their laudable beginnings ; for this would not only be the most effectual means of averting the calamities incidental to seasons of drought, but would also promote the general interests of the island, by making it abound with almost every necessary of life ; and consequently it would become more useful and valuable for the purpose of refreshing fleets. Doctor Roxburgh's Account of the Indigenous and Exotic Plants, which is given in the Appendix, would have left me nothing to add upon this subject, were it not that several of the vegetable productions appear to deserve more particular notice, * This opinion is fully corroborated by Governor Wilks's Agricultural Report, dated 10th of March, 1815. " Although," says he, " the calculation of profit on an acre of potatoes may be greater " than that on an acre of corn, it is a sufficient illustration of the necessity of corn crops " to any safe system of husbandry in this island, that as far as speculative opinion may " warrant a conclusion, the Company's stock of cattle would, in the event of a severe " drought, be preserved, while those of most of the other landholders would perish." The younger Mr. Breame, of Norfolk, lately returned to England, after four years experience at the Company's farms, assures me, that he has found, after acorn crop has fairly covered the soil, it is out of all danger, because the dews and drizzling rain are sufficient to bring it to maturity. INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. xxxix on account of their value in some of our British manufactures. The salsola, a maritime plant, which yields barilla, is very abun- dant. It grows spontaneously on all the exterior parts of the island, and to the distance of more than a mile from the sea. Different species oi lichens are found on the rocks and gum-wood trees ; amongst which, it has been ascertained, is the true Orchel, so valuable in dying. The palma christi, yielding a fine castor oil, intrudes itself every where, and grows in vast quantities : — and the capsicum, which produces red pepper, of the first quality, might be cultivated with advantage to any extent. Considering it probable, that these productions may, at some future period, attract more notice than they have hitherto done, and become valuable exports ; I shall therefore offer a few observations on each. The salsola appears first to have been observed by Governor Brooke, in 1789; at whose request it was examined by the Honourable William Petrie, at present Governor of Prince of Wales's Island. He describes it, in a letter to the Governor, in the following words : " I have the honour to inform you, that I have examined, by " every experiment which the shortness of my stay at this place " would admit, the maritime plant which grows spontaneously " in great abundance upon this island ; and on which you " desired my opinion with respect to the nature of the salt it " contains. " I cannot hesitate to assure you, from every trial I have made, " that this plant is of the kali species, Salsola soda of Linnieus, " and yields upon incineration, a very great quantity of the fossil " alkali: and that the only doubt I entertained at first, of tlie " species of this salt, arose from the acid, not having been pro- " perly converted, or expelled, on the incineration of the plant : xl INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. " which unavoidably gave equivocal results on the first trials of " this alkaline salt. " It would be superfluous to enumerate the advantages to our " commerce from the collection of such considerable quantities of " this salt, as may with great facility be made upon this island, " as they must be self-evident to every one who is acquainted with " the great consumption of this article in some of our most useful " manufactures in England ; and with the considerable amount '* which is ''paid to foreign nations for the importation of the " mineral alkali. " It makes a finer and harder soap than the vegetable alkali ; " some of our first chemists have preferred it to the other fixed " alkali in the manufacturing of glass ; and it is, I believe, " adopted, as a very useful article in the Materia Medica. At " present, our markets, I understand, are supplied with this useful " salt from Montpelier, where a very impure soda is prepared " from the kali ; and with a purer kind from Alicant, and per- " haps from other situations upon the Mediterranean coasts. " I have received the specimens of the plant, salt, &c. which " you have sent me : and I will take an early opportunity, after " my arrival in England, of submitting the salt to further che- " mical tests, the results of which, together with every other " information on the subject, I will with much pleasure com- " municate to the Honourable the Court of Directors, agreeable " to your desires." Soon after my arrival, I gave my attention to this valuable but neglected plant : and several experiments were undertaken with a view of ascertaining the best mode of burning, and the expense of manufacturing it into barilla. In the early stages of those experiments, some samples had been forwarded to England : but as they were from old plants injudiciously burnt, the barilla INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. xli was very inferior to that produced afterwards. Of the improved samples some were also forwarded to the Court of Directors, in June 1810, accou)panied with the following otficial report: " A box containing samples of tlie second crop of St. Helena kelp, is forwarded by ihe present fleet. They seem to be very superior in quality to any hitlierto sent to England ; and as the persons employed are become more expert in burning, it would be very desirable to have a separate analysis of these samples : for I have many reasons for believing that this export might be carried on to a large extent ; and that it might ultimately be pro- ductive of considerable benefit to this island. The success which attended the new mode of burning, and the very small expense at which the barilla may be manufactured, will appear by what Captain Pritchard says on these subjects." " 5th July, 1809. " On the 30th ultimo I commenced burning the second crop of thesalsola in James's Valley. I had only four labourers ; and on the 4th instant, that is, in five days, the vitrified cakes pro- duced from one pit were taken out, and weighed lOcwt. Iqr. Its quality appears excellent, and is certainly far superior to our former specimens. The expense of collecting and burning this quantity is exactly 25 shillings, or at the rate of 50 shillings a ton. The salsola vt'hich was cut down at Sandy Bay between the 3d and 9th of April, had again grown to its original size, and fullness, by the 15th of June ; that is, in 72 days, a vegetation * Garrison soldiers are usually employed on the public works at one shilling per day extra ; which is an advantage to the Company, and adds to the comfort of the soldier : — for since the prohibition of spirits, this indulgence cannot be abused. If the Cliinese, or other labourers, were employed in the manufacture of barilla, it would cost fnora Lb.AQs, to Z/8. per ton. xlii INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. wliich is scarcely surpassed in any other vegetable production. In all the ravines of the island duringthe months of rain, the growth has been in proportion. It may therefore be inferred that two crops a year might be produced from all those parts of the island where it grows. These observations will tend to shew the large quantities that might be manufactured if we had sufficient labour for that purpose." P'rom Captain Pritchard's remarks, it appears that the ex- pense of manufacturing, when soldiers are employed, is about 50 shillings a ton ; and if 10 shillings be added for contingent charges of carriage, cooperage, &c, the whole may be reckoned at ^3. The best Carthagena barilla has been sold at £o6. a ton. If St. Helena barilla should prove of the value of only £oO. the profit to the Honourable East India Company, if their soldiers were employed in manufacturing it, would be very great : conse- quently, this is an export particularly deserving their attention. My own observations upon the surprising growth from the old stems and roots in various places, twelve months after the first cutting, fully confirm the opinion given by Captain Pritchard. The experiments made at that time in raising the salsola from the seed are also very satisfactory, since they decidedly prove the possibility of extending the number of plants ; and that by aid- ing nature, and attending a little to the culture of the plant, which might be done at a very trifling expense, the produce from tins island, in the course of a few years, might be immense. I found some difficulty in ascertaining the period at which the seed is in a perfect state of ripeness. This, however, might very easily be determined, by gathering a few plants, at intervals of three weeks from the time the blossom shews itself, until the plant has changed its colour, from a pea-green to a yellowish tint. The best season for cutting the salsola is in May, June, INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. xliii and July, when the leaves are full of sap, and are therefore, I should imagine, more productive of the alkali than when they begin to fade and shrink.* Being desirous of knowing how much alkaline salt was pro- duced from a given quantity of the salsola, and the comparative produce of alkali from furze and blackberry bushes, Doctor Kay, the medical superintendant, obligingly undertook the experi- ments, and reported as follows : " From a trial I made, to find liovv much salt a given quantity of the plant supposed to be the salsola would produce by inci- neration, and also to ascertain the comparative quantity to be obtained from the stems, and leaves separately, the results were as follow : No. 1. Thirty-eight pounds of the plant burnt entire (under cover) yielded of dry marine alkali, oz. or impure soda -____- 19 No. 2. Eighteen pounds of the stems entirely di- drachms. vested of leaves, yielded of the same salt, - 10 No. 3. Thirty-one pounds of leaves adhering to the oz. small extreme branches, yielded _ - _ igl Three pounds of the large stems were burnt with the leaves in order to begin and support the ignition ; but according to No. 2, the salt from these stems would only be 1 drachm and 2 scruples, so that the salt from the leaves was 16|- ounces and 1 scruple. Therefore, 100 pounds of leaves will produce upon an average 3 pounds 5:|- ounces of salt nearly. And the entire plant, by trial No. 1, will produce only 3 pounds 2 ounces. But, a day or two after the lixivium No. 1. had been evaporated, 1 found as much remaining in the cask from which it had been drawn as * The leaves of the salsola are small ; linear ; sliort (| inch) ; rounded, and flesliy : although full of sap, the plant burns fiercely without being dried. (See Appendix — Salsola salsa.) xliv INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. would probably have yielded one ounce of salt more ; in this case, supposing- the 38 pounds had yielded 20 ounces, the entire plant will give nearly three pounds lour ounces and a quarter from 100 pounds original weight; but the value of this addi- tional ounce from each hundred pounds, would be more than counterbalanced by the time employed in stripping the leaves, and their much slower combustion than when the plant is burnt entire, as cut or pulled from the ground. The ashes from No. 1 (per steelyard) weighed four pounds : those from No. 3, three pounds and three-quarters. As you wished to ascertain the comparative quantity of salt to be procured from furze, and the bramble or blackberry, I made the following trials. Oz. Scrup. No. 4. Seventy pounds of furze yielded of impure vegetable alkali somewhat deliquescent - i 2 No. 5. Seventy pounds of the blackberry-bush yielded of the same .sort of salt - - 5f The bushes were cut down from nearly contiguous thickets and burnt on the spot, and the ashes afterwards removed under cover. I think they would have yielded more salt had they been burnt in a grate under shelter, because some of the ashes were scattered by occasional puffs of wind ; but these had an equal effect on both piles. The ashes from No. 5 weighed (per steelyard) one pound and three-quarters. The weight of those from No. 4 I could not determine, as there was some earth intermixed with them. There are two species of blackberry here ; that used was the smaller sort, with green stems and paler leaves." Doctor Kay's experiments having been conducted in the same manner throughout, are so far valuable, that they shew with minute accuracy the respective proportions of alkali produced from INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. xlv the ashes of the several parts of tlie salsoUi plant, and a just comparison alsowiih those ("roin the furze and lihtckberry-biishes. But, as the very linuted scale of these experiments did not admit of sufHcient heat to vitrify the ashes into a cake, it seems proba- ble that the results of the sulsola would have been materially different, and perhaps more favourable, if the experiments had been made upon a larger quantity of the plant. I say more favourable, because I observed that those who have had consi- derable practice in burning, considered the loose ashes of very little value compared with those formed into cakes. The very high commendations which have been bestowed on the St. Helena barilla (particularly upon the improved speci- mens), by persons who have a practical knowledge of its manu- facture, have induced me not to withhold some further informa- tion in my possession, relative to the nnide of burning; the rapid re-production of the plant, and the practicability of extending its culture throughout many parts of the island which are wholly unfit for any other purpose. Although the sah^ola be a marine plant, and grows spontane- ously on the most barren places, where neither corn, nor escu- lents, nor trees, will grow ; yet it is of that nature, that it grows with ureat exuberance iu the gardens and fields in the interior of the island. This I determined by several experiments, of which it will suffice to give the detail of one at Plantation-house. Soaje of the seed, which is ijlack and extremely small, taken from plants on Ladtler Hill, were sown on the 7th February, 1810 in a box filled with garden mould. The plants appeared on the 4th March. On the 2(1 May they were eight inches high. Soon aiterthey grew so large in the box, that I determined to transplant them. Accordingly about a dozen were removed to the Plantation-house garden, where they continued to thrive ; -xlvi INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER and on tlie 25tli April, 1811, (that is, in fourteen months from the seed) each of the plants covered a space of about eight or nine feet in diameter. Hence it is clearly proved, that the salsola of St. Helena might be cultivated in fields, as in Spain, It seems, how- ever, to be of adifierent sort. Some'specimens of Alicant salsola, that were sent to me from England, were small twigs, about the size and appearance of lavender, and only twelve inches long: but at St. Helena, particularly in Rupert's and other vallies, or ravines, I have seen a single plant covering a space of fourteen or fifteen feet in diameter, rising to the height of six feet; and which was the growth of twelve uionths after cutting. How infinitely superior then would be the produce from the St. Helena sort ! I am of opinion, from all I have observed, that in raising this species from the seed, the plants should be permitted to grow at least eighteen months before the first crop is taken. Then, I conceive, they would attain sufficient strength for re-pro- duction ; and afterwards would yield one or two crops a year, ad infinitum, in the same manner as those plants (particularly in the low and sheltered places) growing in their natural state. I cannot better illustrate what has been said on this subject, than by extracting from Captain Pritchard's official reports the observations he made at the time he was employed in directing and superintending the manufacture. " The alkali at Sandy Bay being very superior to any yet pro- duced, and the new mode of burning being quite different from what was first tried, I shall here detail the process by which we have arrived at perfection. When the plant was put in a pit, according to Chaptal's directions, it was found to produce nothing but charcoal and ashes. But, by raising circular kilns on the surface of the ground with loose stones, so as to admit air on all sides, and making the INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. xlvii kilns only two and a half feet diameter, and four feet high, the fires bnrn fiercely, and the whole of the ashes, in four days, were formed into solid pieces, as hard as stone. To ascertain the difl^erence between this and our first mode of burning, I dug a pit, three feet in diameter, and four feet deep. It wns supplied with the plant in the same manner as the loose stone kiln. It had been burning nine days when I yesterday saw it ; and then there was not a lump which would weigh two ponnfis in all its contents, This failure appears to proceed from the total exclusion of air. I sent the overseer to Thompson's Valley, that he might re- port iiis opinion upon the jilant there, which is as follows. There is a great quantity, and it is very tall, but he supposes it will not yield much good alkali, from the quantity of stem (or stalks) with which it abounds ; however, I am inclined to think that this must solely arise from its age. If it were cropped, or headed down, I have no doubt it would afterwards produce abundantly : there- fore, should it meet your ph-asure, the party there may continue to collect and burn, and from the first samples a judgment may be fortned. It seems to me, that Sandy Buy will produce the greatest quantities, and the best." 2bth June, 1809. " I send you the produce o? one ounce of barilla, a part of that piece you saw at the Castle last Monday. I prevailed on Mr. Thompson to lixiviate and evaporate this small quantity. He says, that the alkaline salt is the finest and best he ever saw in all his travels. His early pursuits in life having given him a practical knowledge of these matters, his opinion may be the more relied on." Sth July, 1809. " The barilla burning at Sandy Bay goes on very well, and the alkali is exceedingly good. I was astonished to see that those plants which were cut down only three months ago, have again xlviii INTODUCTORY CHAPTER. sprung up. I send a specimen of one of medium growth, wliicli is hij^her tlian any we have seen in any other place. I send also a specimen of another kind of salsola, which is of smaller size than we have hitherto burned. It is not so abundant as the com- mon sort ; but 1 am convinced it would yield alkali in a greater proportion." 23d August, 1809. " The salsola grows very luxuriantly in Friar's Vallej^ by reason of the saline water with which this valley abounds. This is peculiarly deserving attention ; for these waters are nearly as salt as sea-water. I am persuaded from what I observed in my way to Thompson's Valley, that the salsola thrives better, and grows to a larger size when watered with salt, than with fresh water. I observed also, among some salsola plants which are growing within tive yards of the surf, that there are icicles of salt (if I may be allowed the expression) intermixed with the bushes ; some of which are from one to two feet in length, and as clear as crystal. I should have sent you one of them, but it was impossible to reach the spot from which they impend." 31st August, 1809. " Friar's Valley has produced the largest piece of barilla we have yet made. The overseer says it would have weighed nearly 1000 pounds before it was broken into pieces in the pit. I am perfectly sure that this is the most fit ravine to collect and culti- vate the salsola." 21th September, 1809. " I yesterday inspected the growth of salsola in Friar's Valley, and I was astonished to find that it is already fit to cut. This I attribute to the many salt springs with which that ravine abounds. I reported on a former occasion my opinion regarding the culture of salsola in this ravine ; and I can now assure you with more certainty, that this place is one of the fittest on the island for that purpose; for, according to my memoranda, it has yielded INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. xlix (comparatively with its size) twice as mucli as any of the other ravines, and of a very superior quality. It was from this ravine that we produced the purest soda, and the Prussian blue,* sam- ples of which you some time ago sent to England." 2lst Janu- ary, 1810. " It is with much pleasure I inform you of the success in salsola burning. There are now 25 casks of about 400 weight each ; and I calculate upon three times that number being ready by the departure of the first fleet. It is all of the very best quality ; which I think will be proved by an analysis of the spe- cimens of soda that have been already sent to England. Evidently the plant improves by cutting ; which is all that is necessary to be known, in order to be satisfied that it may prove a very valu- able and permanent export." 2\st August, 1810. " The overseer will have finished burning barilla in Rupert's Valley this week, from which place one ton and 1200 weight has been produced, for the trifling cost of about ^6. The burners will quit this valley on Saturday, and should you approve of it, will go to Friar's, where the salsola is now in high perfection. I expect by the end of the year to have an hundred casks of barilla ready for exportation, containing, upon an average, 400 pounds each, and that of the best quality." 2lst September, 1810. Mr. Thomas O'Connor, a respectable merchant at St. Helena, who had for several years burnt salsola for his soap manufactory, undertook to direct and superintend the burning in James's Valley. The samples produced were, in appearance, equal to the best Spanish sorts we had received from England. He used no pits ; but kindled his fires on the surface of the ground, feeding and stirring them, and taking care that the plant was * Some beautiful specimens of Prussian blue were made at St. Helena, and sent to England. It might be manufactured in large quantities, and at a moderate price. h 1 INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. entirely consumed before he added fresh fuel. From his statement of the expense of ccdlecting and burning, it appears that 20 days labour, (averaging f>iily s^ven hours per day), produced 690 pounds of well viiriiied ashes ; this is 34t pounds from seven hours labour of one man At this rate 100 men employed during 300 days in the \ear (vt'hich would be 30,000 days labour) might manufacture 462 tons. But if we take the quantity at only 400 tons, and suppose it would sell in England at ^50, per ton, the value would be £20,000. The cliarges of making would be nearly as follows. 100 Chinese labourers rated at £30. per annum, which rather exceeds their annual expense at St. Helena (see page 186) _ _ - _ £ 3,000 Freight to England, at £5. per ton - - 2,000 2400 old beef casks for packing - - - 2,400 Contingent charges of cooperage, carriage to wharf, &c. 50 7,450 Estimated value - - - - 20,000 Leaving a profit of ' - - - 12,550 It is impossible to form an estimate of the quantity that might be manufactured at this place. The salsola plants in their natural state are scattered over the exterior of the island, from the margin of the coast to the distance of more than a mile from the sea. Upon Ladder Hill, and Rupert's Hill, New Ground, and many other elevated spots, as well as in the ravines, they are generally detached shrubs, two or three feet high, and covering a space of from four to eight or nine feet in diameter Souie are much larger : but to the eastward of Long Wood there seems to be a different species, growing like a creeper, the plants uniting. INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. li and forming a matted texture over the soil, which at a distance resembles a fine rich meadow. But whatever may be the quantity of salsola plants at present, I have no doubt it might be greatly increased, and at a trifling expen>e, in the following manner. Having succeeded in raising plants from the seed in Planta- tion-house garden, and npon some barren spots on which the salsola was growing spontaneously, there can be no doubt of the possibility of extending the culture. It seems to me, that the least expensive mode would be, to loosen the soil in the intervals among the natural plants intended to be cut ; to postpone cutting vintil the seed is perfectly ripe ; and, after cutting, to spread the plants upon the loosened soil, and beat them a little before they are carried to the fire. I conceive, that by these simple means, the seed would be sufficiently deposited for the purpose of vege- tation. If, however, an entire new plantation is to be made, I would recommend that the surface soil should be previously loosened by a rake or harrow, and the seed very thinly sown, and then bush-harrowed with the salsola itself If the sowing were to take place just before the rains are expected, the new Plantation would thrive exceedingly ; and if permitted to remain, as already mentioned, for eighteen months before the first crop is taken, it would yield one or two crops a year. New plantations might also be formed from seed beds ; as the young plants have been found to thrive well after transplanting. I have dwelt the longer upon this subject, because it holds out a fair prospect of obtaining some return for the heavy charges that are annually incurred by maintaining this small establishment. Amongst the various lichens with which the island abounds, there is that valuable species called Orchel. The circumstances lii INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. of its discovery, and the encouragement tliat was held out to collect it, and send it to England, are recorded in a letter from the Court of Directors, dated the 16th December, 1743, in these words. •• We are well satisfied, that our island abounds with archell, of which some sent us, is of the right sort, particular samples whereof came enclosed, as also of what grows in other parts. Mr. Goorlwin has informed himself concerning this product as far as the short time would admit, therefore we must further refer you to him. As this product is for dyeing, and will be of great benetit to our country, we are willing to give our inhabitants all encourage- ment for the gathering it. The best sort of what our island produces, as by the samples sent us hitherto, if cleansed, gathered and picked, is worth £40. or ^50. a ton, and as the freight home will be one-third of our freight from India, being about ^10. a ton of 20cwt. net, we will therefore give to all such of our inhabitants as bring in any quantity not less than half a hundred, after the rate of 15 shillings a hundred, to be paid down by you as they bring it in. But further to encourage them to gather large quantities, we will give leave to any of our inhabitants to ship it and send it home upon their own accounts on the following terms. As it is the product of the island, which is our property, we will have 25 per cent, on the gross sale, in full of all charges for our indulgence, and £10. per ton freight, which we must pay the owner ; there being no custom payable to the crown, the re- mainder will come to the proprietor, which we will take care shall be duly paid to his attorney. You are to receive and pay for accordingly what they shall bring in to you, the parcels not being less than half a hundred. INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. liii as before mentioned, and agree with the commanders to take it on board their respective ships, at one-third freight upon our account, and license all others to ship for their own account on the terms above-mentioned ; you taking care to agree for the freight on the like terms, w hich we will answer and make eood. A sufficient quantity of spirits is delivered to Mr. Goodwin, to make the experiment, in order to know the true archell, who has also directions how to make use of the same." It will no doubt appear surprising, after the knowledge of so valuable an article of commerce being a spontaneous production, that it should have, to this day, remained wholly unnoticed and disregarded. I cannot ascribe the supineness and negligence of the inhabitants to any other causes, than the scanty means of labour which they have always complained of, and to the terms proposed in 1743 not having been sufficiently encouraging to withdraw them from other pursuits, which yield, without much trouble, a certain and quick return. The sale of their farm pro- duce to the shipping was a plain and uncomplicated concern : but to collect, and select the proper lichens at the very low price which was offered,* the payment of freight, and the subtraction of duty, together with the necessity of correspondence, and of agents in London., required a new sort of management, to which a St. Helena planter had never been accustomed. Conceiving, however, that the increased value of this dye, of late years, and the augmentation of the labouring population, by the introduction of Chinese, may hereafter hold out stronger in- citements to exertion, I resolved in the mean wliile, to use every means in my power, to obtain the fullest information concerning a natural production which may ultimately prove of considerable * In 1743, it seems that Orcliel sold in London for L50. or L60. a ton. In later times it has arisen to nearly four or five times that price. liv INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. value to the Honourable East India Company. Captain John Barnes, the military surveyor, undertook to explore all those places where the lichens are to be found, and to collect specimens for the purpose of being sent to England. In his researches lie discovered seven different sorts: upon which he made the follow- ing report. " Having read that the Lichen rocella (which for the purposes of dyeing affords a very beautiful and valuable tincture called Archill) is imported into England, from the Canary and Cape de Verd Islands, and consideiing that St. Helena, from its similar situation, might also produce it, I have with the approbation of the Hon. the Governor, made a collection of lichens, &c. in the hope that amongst them it may be found ; especially as it appears from the records of the island in the year 1743, that the true archill had been sent from hence to England, and was highly approved of. I cannot take upon me to assert that my search has been perfectly successful, but from every information I can obtain, I am induced to believe that it has not been entirely the contrary. I have not had time to make experiments on the lichens collected, nor indeed could I have satisfactorily depended upon the result of any, had they been made so as to have determined which was archill, carried on as they must necessarily have been with considerable difficulty, both for the want of proper apparatus, and scientific skill and experience on my part. It will afford me the highest possible satisfaction, if any of the present collection may prove at all conducive to the interests of the Honourable Company. The package and box, No. 1, contains a lichen which is con- ceived to be a species of rocella : this conjecture is strengthened by the information of a gentleman, a native of this island, who points it out as the same sort which was approved of at home : it grows in abundance on the rocks near the sea, and especially at INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. Iv Gregory's, Hold-fast Tom, Prosperous Bay, and on the windward coast of the island, considerable quantities of it might be collected very readily and at a trifling expense. No. 2. is a lichen which grows upon the gum-wood trees all over the island, but particularly on those in the Honourable Company's plantation at Long Wood, where it is abundant. From this lichen, it is presumed, a beautiful colour may be ex- tracted ; it might also be found valuable as a substitute for gum, if used according to the process in Lord Dundonald's patent. That nobleman's report states " that lib. of dry (prepared) lichen " will do as much work in calico printing as l^^lb. of gum " Senegal, and the difference of price makes a saving of c£45. on " each table or press, in war time, and half that in peace." The lichens his Lordship specifies are " those which grow on trees " and shrubs." It may not be held unreasonable to suppose that the lichen of this number may possess superior mucilaginous qualities, growing on the bark of a tree which itself yields a very pure and excellent gum. No. 3. is another lichen, found as No. 2. No. 4. a whitish crustaceous lichen ; found in abundance all over the island. No. 5. is a box containing a specimen of a yellow lichen : this is found in many parts of the island, both in the interior and towards the sea ; it grows on trees, rocks, and arid soils ; it is not so plentiful as the other kinds. No. 6. is a lichen growing on rocks, intermixed with No. 1. and is in great plenty. No. 7. a small fibrous lichen ; found generally, and in abun- dance on rocks, walls, &c. There is no doubt but this island produces other, and perhaps infinitely more valuable lichens than any of those collected ; spe- cimens of which with all care shall be made. Ivi INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. Should it appear to the Honourable Court of Directors as deserving tlieir consideration to obtain from St. Helena the true Archill, and it be not found in any of the lichens already gathered, if an accurate description of it, with a specimen of the plant from Canary or the Cape de Verd, together with instruc- tions and tests for experiments could be sent out, it might at once be determined whether it is to be found on this island. I cannot offer any calculation of the quantity which may at present be procured of any of the lichens ; certainly many tons of each, particularly of No. 1. and 2. No. 5. appears to be in the least abundance." Si. Helena, 10th July, 1809. Lieutenant Phillips, of the artillery, also procured five samples from the windward rocks of High Knoll. — " The whole," says he, " are so very brittle and hy pepper. There may possibly be others which have escaped his notice ; for amongst them is that kind which yields the best sort of Cayan-pepper. They all thrive luxuriantly in the low vallies near the sea, producing two, some- times three, crops in the year. In those places, the plants raised from the seed, bear fruit in nine months ; and at Plantation- house, where it is cooler, in eleven ; shewing, on the same plant, blossom, unripe and ripe fruit, all the year round. Those who are experienced in the culture of capsicum, recom- mend an annual succession of plants, because they degenerate, or become unproductive, after three years. By this means there can be no doubt that immense quantities might be raised, and at a trifling- expense. In short, from all that has been stated con- cerning the mineral and vegetable productions of St. Helena, and its fertile soil and fine climate, it must be evident (as Governor Byfield observed in the year 1730) that " if the inhabitants were " a diligent, industrious, laborious people, such as you want, " and they ought, and this place requires, they might raise many " things for the supply of shipping, which would turn to a very Ixii INTRODUCiORV CHAPTER. " good account ; for the island is really capable of considerable " improvement. We have set them a good example, and hear- " tily wish they had discretion enough to follow it."* Notwithstanding this complaint of a want of diligence, industry, and discretion amongst the inhabitants, I observe by theRecords,f that Mr. Byfield's unremitting exertions had brought the island into a higher state of improvement than at any period of its history. During his administration, the inhabitants were so abundantly supplied with island productions, that there was no demand what- ever for salted beef and pork from the public stores. The small quantities that remained in store, Mr. Byfield requested permis- sion to have sent to Bencoolen : in order " that it should sell for " a little, rather than be all lost, which must be the case if it " remain here ; for we have not any demand or occasion for it."{ This retrospect to the Records clearly shews, tliat if St. Helena were properly managed, and agriculture carried on to the extent of which the island is capable, the demand for imported provisions might be reduced to a mere trifle. It is well known that St. Helena, since the period of its dis- covery, has been successively, and exclusively appropriated by the Portuguese, Dutch, and English, as a place of rendezvous and refreshment for ships returning from India. No expense has been spared to render it suitable to this important purpose. Many judicious orders and regulations have been from time to time sent from England ; and it was particularly enjoined " to render every " acre of ground capable of cultivation, as productive as the " nature of the soil would admit." So early as 1675, the govern- ment was told by the Directors of the East India Company, that " We find there is wanting industry and pains-taking in • Extract from official letter, dated the 24th June, 1730. t Letter, 26th May, 17S0. | Governor Byfield's Letter, 26th May 1730» INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. Ixiii *' many of the inhabitants ; which we will not permit to con- " tinue amongst you : for they that will not plant, and take care *' for provisions of their own, we will not supply them : rather " send them home under the title of drones." This threat was actually carried into execution by Governor Roberts in the year 1708 ; and had a temporary effect. But, notwithstanding those orders and menaces, and all that had been done during more than a century to excite a proper spirit of industry amongst the landholders, I found on my arrival in 1808, that 88 acres, in gardens and potatoe grounds, was the total quantity of cultivation. This indeed was barely sufficient for a scanty supply to the shipping : and the produce was sold at the most exorbitant rates. Under such circumstances, it may readily be imagined, that little, if any, of the island produce was con- sumed by the inhabitants. The fact is, that in 1808, there was a population of 3600 living almost wholly upon the public stores, obtaining most of the necessaries of life in profusion, at prices not exceeding one-third of the prime cost in England.* Nothing could possibly be more adverse to improvements than so strange and unprecedented a system. The feeding of a popu- lation was not only baneful in its effect upon industry and cul- tivation, but the scanty produce which so small a portion of the lands afforded, aided by a combination to keep up the prices, had enhanced every article of farm produce to such a degree, that the object of maintaining the island, at so great an expense, was almost entirely defeated. The commanders of ships could not purchase refreshments for the seamen at the rates which were extorted : accordingly, they took no more than what they re- quired for themselves and passengers ; and the consequence was, that the quantities exported, of island products greatly * See page 207. Ixiv INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. I diminished.* It will scarcely be credited that so determined was the spirit of combination to keep up the prices, that rather than * Abstract of the principal Articles of Farming Stock exported 1789, 1810; shewing the increase of Prices, and the decrease in the means of Refreshment to Shipping. COMPARATIVE EXPORTS. ARTICLES. Prices in 1810. 1810. 1789. Prices in 1789. N'uraber. Number. Bullocks killed, Is. 2d. per lb. 176 346 6d. per lb. Busliels of Potatoes, - 105. to 12s. 3288 346S 6s. per bushel. Bunohes of Vegetables, Baskets of Apples, Peaches, Oranges, Figs, &c. - not ascertained. r ditto 375 88 not ascert''. ditto Cwts. of Hay, lOs, or 12*. 139 181 6s. per cwt. Pompions, _ - _ 2s. Gd. to 5s. each 1118 2032 Is. 6d. each. Turkies, - - - 32s. to 42s. do. 278 725 5s. to 8s. each. Geese, _ _ _ 21s. to 25s. do. 95 28 6s, each. Ducks and Fowls, - 7 s.Gd. to 12s. do. 1810 5104 Is. 6f/. to 2s. Hogs and Pigs killed, - Is. 3d. per lb. 170 347 6d. per lb. Sheep, - _ - 40s. to 60s. each. 25 201 21s. each. This Abstract clearly shews that the refreshments to shipping in the j-ear 1789, and particularty in beef, hogs, sheep, and poultry, when the sale of rice and paddy to the inhabitants from the Company's stores amounted to no more than L327. per annum, were far more abundant than they have been of late years, notwithstanding the annual sale of rice and paddy, had augmented to £,3600. per annum, in 1809. From this ten-fold augmentation of the issues of paddy, which is the grain used for feeding stock, it might have been expected that the quantities of stock raised, would have been proportionally increased : but cifects directly contrary have been produced; for, not only have the quantities greatly diminished, but the prices have been raised in a triple, or quintuple, proportion. The theory of markets finding their own level, can never be applied to St. Helena. The markets there are always deranged by tiie arrival of fleets. To these alone the islanders look for a sale of their products ; and from the c.iptains and passengers they demand whatever prices they choose. Nothing can prevent exorbitant prices being demanded, but the interposition of Government. If the prices were regulated and kept within moderate bounds, a greater degree of industry would be excited, a greater quantity of stock would be raised, and the islanders, by a more extensive sale, would derive a griater profit, or return, during the year.* In 1811, the Government did inter- pose, and prohibited any person demanding, or receiving, more than five shillings for a fowl : the otiier sorts oi poultry were reduced in the same proportion ; and potatoes fell in price, by the effect of the Company's farms. * See Section XIII. p. 85. INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. Ixv lower potatoes from 10 or 12 shillings a bushel, and rather than feed slaves and servants, and far less live stock, with so valuable a commodity, the crops were actually sufiered to rot at the farms, and many cart loads were thrown into the sea. The price of every other article was in the same proportion. In regard to raising the prices of the island produce, no reason- able grounds have ever existed. From taxes the inhabitants are wholly exempted. They are subject neither to poor rates nor tythes ; and they hold their lands at an extremely moderate rent, that is, from \s..Qd. to 5s. or Qs. per acre. The war taxes in England have not extended to this place ; and which can only be felt, and that in a very trifling degree, upon woollen manu- facture, and a few other European articles. The necessaries of life (beef and pork, flour and rice) had remained at the same prices since the year 1772 ! ! From this period to 1808 the beef and pork, supplied from the Company's stores, had invariably been sold to the inhabitants, both white and black, at Ad. per pound ; flour at 2\d. ; rice at a little more than \d., and paddy* at |rf. per pound. Between the years 1800 and 1808, there being no restriction on the issues of those articles from the public stores,t the consequence was, that in this short period, the annual charges of the island had increased from £69,000. in 1800, to 06157,000. in 1808. J But, after having most clearly ascertained, by referring to the Company's orders, that neither the low prices at which provisions were sold, nor the profuse issues from the public stores * Paddy is rice ia the husk, with which poultry and horses, &c. are fed. t In justice to the late Colonel Brooke I must observe, that during the whole of his meritorious administration, the demands on the public stores for imported provisions were veiy trifling; and the refreshments supplied to the shipping were sold at extremely moderate rates. See Comparative Prices, 1789 and 1810, page Ixiv. i See page 208. k Ixvi INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. had ever been sanctioned by the Court of Directors, a reform was adopted, wliich, by its jiiadual operation, produced a reduc- tion in the charges of the island, from <£I57,356. in 1808, to £104,880. in 1812.* Another cause of the increase of the island charges, was a total neglect of the orders of the Company to extend cultivation. This would have undoubtedly been the best means of lessening the demands on the public stores, and of augmenting the stock of cattle : but, instead of obeying those orders, the farmers gradually became graziers. Their cattle and sheep were left to themselves on the pastures; and no provision of fodder of any kind was ever thought of, to meet a season of (Irougl)t. Lands formerly in cultivation were abandoned and overgrown with weeds ; and few traces of industry were to be seen. Under such circumstances, the increase of population, that is, of planters and their slaves, had been of no advantage to the island ; for in the year 1717, when the total of those inhabitants was only 833, there were 1765 cattle on the island ; and in 1812, when the same class of inhabitants had increased to 1732, their stock of cattle was no more than 1494. Such were the real causes of all the existing evils. Had the same energies which are so conspicuous during the governments of Messrs. Roberts, Pyke, Bytield, and Dunbar,t (between the * See Note, page 208. ■j- " Governor Roberts's administration ( 1 708-1 J ) may justly be said to form a new asra in the history of St. Helena. The general disorder into which the island had fallen, and tne accumulated defects which had arisen and multiplied under his predecessors, were at once corrected by his able conduct. Attention to business, regularity, and economy, were established in every department; whilst strict justice, and a conscientious regai-d to the Company's interests, distinguished the measures of this excellent Governor." " By a vigorous execution of laws, which had long been disregai'ded. Captain Roberts rendered liimself obnoxious to those who were desu-ous of accommodating their private INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. Ixvii years 1708 to 1740) been followed up, St. Helena, at tlie present time, would have been in tiie most flourishing condition. Its views at tlie expense of tlie Company''s interest ; and, as trutli anil justice could form no basis for open remonstrance, secret misrepresentation and detraction were the only wea- pons that could be employed against him. These, together with a ])lausible statement dehvered to the Court of Directors by George Hoskinson, a wealthy planter, of infamous character, at length succeeded in effecting tiie removal of Captain Roberts. The ground- less charges which had been preferred against him, were soon detected ; and the unjust treatment of the man whose merits had been so conspicuous, justly excited the strongest indignation." • • ■ " Governor Pyke was twice in charge of the Government ; first, in 1 7 1 '1- 1 J), and after- wards in 1 732-38. His attention was principally directed to agricultural improvement. Although he had many obstacles to encounter, yet, in five years, he restored the island from a most ruinous condition, to as flourishing a state as could be expected, considering the difficulties he had to overcome. He has vei-y justly been accused of arbitrary con- duct ; but upon the whole, the Court of Directors were satisfied with his first adminis- tration, and re-appointed him Governor in 1732.'" " During five years that Mr. Byfield filled the Chair, from 17^7 to 1732, his savings for the Company were calculated at X25,565. Their sense of his merits was manifested by an addition to his salary, and other marks of favour. The inhabitants also, about five months after theii- liberation from the galling yoke of Captain Smyth's tyranny, testified their acknowledgments in an address to Mr. Byfield, for his equitable adminis- tration ; and, in the foOowing year, again took occasion to express their high sense of his just and indulgent disposition. But, when the recollection of former sufferings and oppression had worn off, present blessings were undervalued, and chscontents fomented against the man, who, by general confession, had every claim to esteem and affection. A powerful party was formed against him, and a deputation of two of its members was sent home to lay their pretended grievances before the Court of Directors." " Byfield, indignant at this imgrateful treatment, retired from his situation in disgust ; but whilst his enemies succeeded in tlriving him from the island, they were little awai'e of the punishment they had been preparing for themselves. Captain Pyke was appointed to succeed, and anived in March 1732. During his second administration, he fully justified the charge of arbitrary conduct, of which he was accused. The white inhabi- tants were ignominiously whipped and imprisoned for trivial offences ; the military officers /ined and suspended \vithout courts-martial," &c. &c.* The day on which Mr. Byfield * Mr. Brooke's History of St. Helena. Ixviii INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. inhabitants, by being compelled to industrious habits, would have been affluent ; and its fertile lands, by yielding more than two crops a year, would have supplied, in abundance, almost every necessary of life. St. Helena has generally been represented as a barren rock; but this is not the fact. There are two or three thousand acres, (as already observed) covered with excellent soil of unusual depth, and capable of cultivation. Comparing it with Malta, every part of which I have explored, I consider it infinitely superior in capabilities. In Malta there is scarcely any natural soil, and yet that island abounds in corn, cotton, silla, and fruit of all kinds ; and the prices of provisions are moderate. Its fields, formed at a great expense, by bringing soil from Sicily, contri- bute to support a large population, and its cotton-thread is a valuable export. But, at Malta, every man depends on his own industry: at St. Helena, on the contrary, it is remarkable that all, with very few exceptions, are under no such dependence. If a soldier be employed in labour, it matters not to him whether he be idle or active ; he knows he is clothed, fed, and paid, at the Company's expense. It is the same with the slave ; for he, poor man, has no stimulus to exertion ; he is also fed and clothed by his master, but not paid. And in respect to some others, and the embarked for England, he gives a very summary view of the state of the island : ' We ' have had,' says he, ' a fine season again ; and this place plentifully abounds with yam, ' and hcef, and ■idk.Jelhws!' Letter to the Court of Dii-ectors, 24th March, 1732.'' *' Goveriior Dunbar was unweaiied in his exertions (1743-7) to watch over the re- soui'ces and fertility of the island. ' He introduced the plough : and his experiments in the cultivation of oats, barley, and wheat, at Long Wood, gave rise to such hopes of suc- cess, that a barn was erected there ;" but his successor had no taste for improvements, and those promising beginnings were totally forgotten, and no longer thought of, until the year 1808. INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. Ixix free blacks, they contrive, by extorting high wages, to provide their maintenance by two or three days labour in the week, which enables them to purchase from the public stores, at a cheap rate, a sufficiency of imported provisions for themselves and families. Such was the state of St. Helena, in the year 1808. It is there- fore by no means surprising that clamours arose, and that repre- sentations were made, concenring the very inadecjuate refreshment which the island afforded. But, since that time considerable changes have taken place; the Company's farms have been established ; Chinese labourers have been introduced ; and a much larger quantity of land brought into cultivation, both by the government and individuals. The objects 1 had in view by establishing those farms were to place, beyond all contradiction, the capabilities of the soil and climate ; to set good examples of English husbandry ; to defeat the com- binations already mentioned ; and to regulate, or keep within reasonable bounds, the market prices. All these intentions had been fultilled in 1812. Potatoes had fallen in price, from 12*. to 4s. a bushel delivered at the farms, and to 6s. in James's Town. Some of the planters, having superabundant crops, publicly advertised to sell at 3s. .6d. ; but this was rather discouraged until cultivation shall have been more extended, particularly as the commanders of the Company's ships declared they were perfectly satisfied with the reduced prices. Many of those commanders, as well as captains of H. M. ships, very handsomely acknowledged the great benefits their crews had derived from the ample supplies of vegetable produce ;* and it * Wlien H. M. ship Illustrious arrived at St. Helena on the 19th July, 1813, Captain Skene represented the deplorable state of his crew ; being worn out by long residence in India, and many of them severely tainted with scurvy. One hundred and fifty-four men Ixx INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. seemed very generally to be admitted, that whilst St. Helena can furnish large quantities of potatoes and vegetables at moderate rates, it could seldom be necessary to make any demand for beef at the island price, which is fourteen pence per pound ; for in all disorders incidental to seamen after long voyages, (except in cases of great debility,) it is probable that a vegetable regimen, combined with ships provisions and wholesome beer, may be nearly, if not wholly as efficaciousin promoting a recovery as a change from salt to fresh meat. The question seems to be, whether sixteen pounds of potatoes (which cost fourteen pence) be equiva- lent to one pound of fresh meat. The experiment is worthy a trial, if not already made. From these recent facts, it will readily be perceived how very easily St. Helena might be rendered the most perfect and com- plete place of refreshment for ships in the world. All that is wanting is to promote and encourage the culture of the lands. If the present scale of cultivation were enlarged, and plantations of trees extended to many of those parts that are unfit for other purposes, there cannot be a doubt, that every necessary refresh- ment for fleets, and food for the inhabitants, as well as useful timber and fuel, might be produced in the greatest abundance. The laudable spirit for improvement, which at present exists among some of the landholders, affords a fair prospect of attaining all these objects. " Plantations of trees," says Governor Wilks,* " are become a favourite object with most of the landholders, " since the destruction of the goats, has begun to shew that trees were upon the sick list, incapable of duty : but on the 1st of September, when he sailed for England, most of them were restored to health ; ancj the sick list was reduced to thirty. Their recovery was chiefly ascribed to tiie abundant use of vegetables, and whole-; some beer. * Governor Wilks's Agricultural Report, dated lOth March, 1815. INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. Ixx *' can really be preservetl :* and also, since plants have been " procurable. Accordint;" to present appearances, penal obliga- " tions will be superfluous. At present, my chief doubt arises '•' from the apprehension that I shall not be able to supply the •' whole of the demands for the present year." It has been already stated, that the climate of St. Helena is remarkably pure and salubrious, and wholly exempted from gales and tempests. There is abundance of fine water, and a safe and commodious anchorage all along the leeward coast, where ships are not only sheltered by the high land, but are most pow- erfully protected by the fire of the batteries. And as St. Helena is in itself a place of great strength, situated in the direct tract of ships returning from India, it seems impossible to imagine a port more peculiarly adapted for the purposes to which it has been so long appropriated. The Cape of Good Hope, since it has become a British colony, appears, however, to have been considered as a more suitable rendezvous. Fresh meat, flour, and wines, can undoubtedly be procured there upon more moderate terms than at St. Helena. I know of no other superiority that the Cape possesses ; and I am firmly persuaded, if the circumstances of both climates, more especially the uniform and moderate breezes of St. Helena, were compared and contrasted with the tremendous gales to which the latitude of tlie Cape is subject, at all seasons of the year,t that • The advantages tliat vvere expected to result from the extermination of the goats have been realised : they are pointed out in the first Section of this Work : which is almost verbatim my official minute upontliis subject, dated the 20tii of September, 1810. Although tills measure met with some opposition in the first instance, there is not, now, one person on the island who entertains a doubt of its expediency. t In the month of November, 17^^, which is a summer month, H.M. ship Sceptre' and every vessel in Table Bay, was driven on shore. Had there been a valuable India fleet there at the time, it is highly probable that the whole would have shared the same fate. Ixxii INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. such a comparison would lead to a conclusion, that the Cape of Good Hope is not only inferior to St. Helena as a rendezvous, but is of all places the most unsafe, and the most improper for the resort of valuable fleets. In order, however, that the reader may form his own judgment on this question, I shall here present him with an account of the climate of the Cape, as given in a recent publication.* " For nearly half the year the south-east wind prevails, and at thnes rages with the most desperate violence. The inhabitants of Cape Town are apprised of its approach, by observing at first a small white cloud, or mist, rising between the mountains called the Devil's head and the Table mountain ; soon after the Table mountain itself becomes enveloped in thick cloud or mist, and the stoim almost instantly begins, and roars in the most terrific manner, without ceasing, many days together. At its height nothing can scarcely stand against it. Waggons drawn by twelve or fourteen oxen are frequently blown out of the road." " Those dreadful storms continue, for different periods, from three or four, to nine or ten days ; and between the periods the heat is very intense. The spring opens about the end of August, and the two hottest days I ever remember, were the Christmas days of the years 1811 and 1812 ; on the former of which, by a thermometer in Cape Town, the degree of heat was, at half-past nine in the morning, at 120 degrees, and was thought to be still more in the advance of the day." " During the prevalence of those hurricanes, not only the sensations of invalids are acute to an extreme, but even the robust and the healthy feel its dreadful effects. The frequent and almost momentary transitions from heat to cold are extremely unpleasant and dangerous to an English or European constitu- * The Importance of the Cape of Good Hope, published in 1814, by R. B. Fisher, Esq. INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. Ixxiii tion, until it is inured to it. The finest part of tlie year is termed the winter, commencing about March or April, to the lattei end of August, or beginning of September. This is the rainy season, when it frequently rains in torrents for many days, and the houses and whole town are deluged with water. But in the intervals of rain the temperature of the air is remarkably mild and pleasant, and the atmosphere most uncommonly clear. It is seldom or ever very cold, except that sort of cold which arises from damp. The tops of the mountains are at this season covered with snow ; but T scarce ever remember to have seen snow on the plains." " In Table Bay, which is known to be excessively deep and rocky, and as it were the surrounding country reversed, for many months in the year no ships can land, or even enter; and, if any, being before in the Bay, continue there during those months, which is sometimes unavoidable, they ride with very great diffi- culty, and in considerable danger, with head and bow anchors, which are frequently obliged to be shifted at the turn of tide. Even in the finest season, and often in the cahnest weather, there is an immense surge which there is nothing to break. There are no harbours, docks, or quays ; a complete open road-sted, and nothing but a long projecting jetty about 300 yards, on which if you cannot safely land, you must be content to go stern foremost with the surge, and be left on the sand." " There are only six months in the year in which ships ever venture into Table Bay ; and during the Avinter season, the Admiral on the station, and the men of war, coi>stantly go round to False Bay, and take shelter in Simon's Bay. The number of vessels said to have been lost in Table Bay is almost incredible. I myself saw two ships, that,- in the same night, broke from their anchors, run aground, and were totally lost, and tvhen the weather was not very tempestuous." 1 Ixxiv INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER This account of the dangers of Table Bay, and the frequency of long continued and violent tempestuous gales, must satisfy every disinterested person, that St. Helena is, from its local cir- cumstances, infinitely superior, in every respect, as a place of rendezvous and refreshment. At the Cape, " the numl)er of " vessels said to be lost is almost incredible." At St. Helena, there is not, on record, a single instance (nor can there ever be) of a vessel being lost by bad weather. How great then must have been the value and importance of this small island to the commer- cial interests of the East India Company ! If tlu.'ir ships, dur- ing the last century and a half, had been compelled to resort to the Cape instead of St. Helena, it may readily be imagineil that, in such a climate, immense losses of ships, and property, and lives, would have been sustained ; and that the Company, at the present time, (as they never insure) must have been minus several millions sterling ! It is said that False Bay and Saldanha Bay afford some degree of security against storms : but admitting this to be fact, still those bays are objectionable, because they are situated in a bois- terous region ; consequently, neither of them could ever be made so perfectly secure against the elements, (and I may add, against an enemy) as the port of St. Helena is at the present moment. To erect fortifications and public buildings, in short, to make new settlements at Saldanha, or False Bay, would necessarily be attended with prodigious expenses ; after all, no public benefit could possibly arise : at least in the refreshment of ships. Indeed from all I have heard, I have great reason to believe, that tew commanders, on their returning voyages, would optionally, for the sake of refreshment, run the risk of their own property by remaining in those latitudes a longer time than is necessary : from which indeed they seem at all times glad to escape as soon INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. Ixxv as possible, and to make Jor St. Helena, a safer port, where they can have every article they stand in need of; although, of late years, at rather a greater expense, I have already noticed that fresh meat, flour, and wine, are the only articles which are procurable at the Cape in greater plenty, and at a cheaper rate, than at St. Helena. The first, T have en- deavoured to shew, is not very essential to the refreshment of seamen, where vegetables are in abundance. The second is never required by the India ships, because they are so well provided for the voyage, that tl ey frequently dispose of the surplus to the inhabitants, and sometimes to the Government of the island. In respect to Cape wine, by the late arrangements, there has always been (since the withdrawing of spirits from the island) a provision for the garrison in the public stores : consequently, some could at any time be spared for the ships if it should be wanted. Hence it must be obvious there can be no want of refresh- ments : and as all those scenes of riot and intemperance, which had for many years disgraced this settlement, are happily at an end, by a prohibition on the import of spirits, and by the intro- duction of breweries and beer-houses, I will venture to say, there is no sea-port, or garrison, in the world, where sailors and soldiers can be permitted to land with so little risk of committing excesses. This, indeed, was clearly ascertained, in August, 1813. Captain Halliday, commanding His Majesty's ship Tigre, per- mitted 300 of his men to go on shore in one day. They went into the town and country, conducting themselves in the most orderly manner, and retired quietly on board in the evening, without a single instance of intoxication. When this fact is contrasted with the following account of the exhibitions in garrison, a few years before, some idea may be Ixxvi INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. formed of the manifold advantages which have resulted from the abolition of spirit houses, and the introduction of breweries.* * The houses for retailing spirits were abolished on the 15th of May, 1809. The- garrison at that time consisted of about 1250; of whom 132 were sick in hospital. Four months after that abolition, the patients were reduced to 18 : but, as it was found impracticable to put down intemperance, whilst cheap spirits were on the island, the Government adopted measures to prevent any being landed : which have completely had tlie desired effect. Soon after the total abolition of spii-its, in 1810, the patients in hospital gradually de- clined to between 30 and 10; which, (considering there were, at that time, about 100 non-effectives, and others far advanced in life) were as few as could well be expected. This surprising redaction is to be ascribed solely to a change of diet, arising from a more abundant supply of vegetables, and from substituting wholesome beer for an abominable deleterious spu-it, such as new Bengal rum or arrack ; of which, for many years before, more than 300 leagers were annually consumed on this sniidl island ! " It «-ill hardly be credited," said the late Doctor Adam Baildon, in his official report, 24th November, 1808, " that soldiers and others are frequently brought to the hospital as far advanced in real scurvy, as if they had just landed after a long voyage : and many who ai-e brought for other complaints, are considerably tainted with this disease. This is to be ascribed to tlie great prevalence of drunkenness, which is a subject, in my opinion, deserving the most serious attention. The health and comfort of the soldiers, and consequently the strength of the garrison, are so very materially affected by it, that to find some method by which it \vould be effectually prevented, becomes a consideration of no small importance. On my arrival I was much siu'prised at the great number of patients attacked with liver complaints. The mildness of the climate led me to suppose that such complaints ought not to be common here, and I very soon discovered, that the cause of those com- plaints, and of four-fifths of the diseases in the hospital, originate wholly in the excessive use of spirituous liquors. In the colder climate of Britain, Uver complaints are rarely met with, and are generallv confined to hai'd drinkers ; and more especially ch-am-drinkers. It is in this way that most of the spirits here are consumed. Indeed, the use of all in- toxicating liquors produces a craving for a repetition ; and the stimulus given to the stomach is so sudden and so powerful, and the degree of exhaustion that follows so great, that this craving in those accustomed to spirits, often becomes more powerful than hunger or thirst ; so that the soldiers in this state, though perfectly certain of punishment, will tojnimit almost any crime rather than forego their drams. It is well known to every officer INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. Ixxvii Upon my arrival, in 1808, I was forcibly struck with the dis- orderly conduct of the soldiers. Scenes of the grossest intem- perance were daily exhibited at the spirit houses. Crowds of soldiers and sailors were in constant attendance, rioting and in garrison, that in drunkenness alone, originate 19 in 20 of the crimes for which tlie sol- diers are brought to punishment." In a subsequent report, Doctor Baildon notices more particularly the appearances of St. Helena scurvy. Upon these appearances, and upon the anti-scorbutic qualities of nopal, he reported as follows, " 2\st August, 1809. " I consider Doctor Anderson's discovery of the anti-scorbutic and nutritious qualities of the nopal, to be of the greatest importance to diis island. Vegetables are here very scai-ce ; wherefore, if the opuntia had no other recommendation than that of being a pleasant vegetable, it must be considered as a great acquisition to the inhabitants in gene- ral. I have formerly stated to you, that the men of this garrison, from their living principally on salted provisions, and being seldom able to procure vegetables (joined to the abuse of spirits,) are generally afflicted widi the scorbutic diadiesis ; which appears by their spongy gums, purple spots, and by scratches, often degenerating into livid, trouble- some sores, &c. Some I have seen admitted into tlie hospital as bad with scurvy as if just landed from a long voyage. As an adtUtion to our liospital diet, the opuntia will, therefore, be a most valuable article. I trust, indeed, that if cultivated in sufficient quantity, it will soon be the means of altogether preventing the soldiers from acquiring the scorbutic taint ; however this may be, it wiU certainly add gi-eatly to their comfort as an article of common diet. It must appear from all I have stated, that the several spe- cies of opuntia will be extremely useful on this island, for the following purposes. 1. As a pleasant vegetable for common use. 2. As a most important addition to the hospital diet in genei-al. 3. As an article of food for the soldiers, adding to their comfort and preserving their health. 4. As an anti-scorbutic, used raw or otherwise, for seamen landed here. 5. For the supply of ships while here, as an article of diet, and as an anti-scorbutic to carry to sea. 6. As fences. 7- As an ornament to the hills of James's Valley.'" Doctor Baildon' s Letter, 2 1st August, 1809. Ixxviii INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. boxing' in the pnblic streets. The roads leading to the country were often strewed with drunken men, laying insensible, both white and black. When the means of purchasing spirits were exhausted, some of those abandoned wretclies had no other re- source than in theft and burglary. Of their nightly depredations I had numerous complaints: but so cunning and dexterous were the band of thieves, at that time in garrison, that I could never obtain sufficient evidence to convict them. At length, in addi- tion to restrictions, and afterwards the abolition of the spirit houses, I determined, as the only expedient of rooting out such licentiousness, to get rid of the most notorious characters. Officers commanding corps were directed to furnish lists of all who had been tried by courts martial for " irregular behaviour ;" connected with suspicions of theft and house-breaking. Tlie number was 42, of whom 23 were selected and sent to Bengal, enlisted for tive years : this had the desired effect, and depreda- tions on the Company's store rooms, and on the dwellings of individuals, ceased. St. Helena, besides being valuable for refreshment to the East India Company's fleets, might become of considerable utility as a place of seasoning for their troops destined for India. Its appropriation to this purpose was suggested by Governor Brooke, about the year 1796, after he had, at different periods, forwarded drafts to Madras to the number of 1210. These disciplined sol- diers, prepared for a warm climate, by a few years residence on St. Helena, were found far less liable to diseases (as might natu- rally be supposed), than those who were sent direct from Eng- land. The havoc that was made amongst some of His Majesty's regiments, about the year 1781-2, when they took the field, immediately (»n their arrival, compared with the healthiness of the St. Helena detachments, aftbrds a striking proof of the good INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. kxix effects of having troops previously seasoned before they are sent to India. It is therefore obvious, if the recruits enlisted for India were to be sent to St. Helena, and exchanged for an equal number of seasoned soldiers, it would be a means of saving many lives that otherwise would fall a sacrifice to the disorders incidental to warm climates. The India recruits might remain from two to live years, in the option of the Governor ; or proceed, at any time within that period, to their destination : or return to Eng- land, after the expiration of their term of service. If this plan were carried into effect, it would moreover check that spirit of insubordination, combination, and discontent, to which some men are liable, when too long kept in one place. Knowing from experience, that many abandoned characters still remained in garrison, in 1812, after the mutiny, and knowing their unceasing thirst for spirituous liquors, and the improbabi- lity of some incorrigible drunkards among them ever being con- tented without spirits, after having been so long habituated to intemperance, I suggested to the Court of Directors, that all those who were in the disposition to serve in India should be immediately relieved. This would enable the Governor to weed the garrison, by selecting for India the worst subjects (who could do no mischief there) ; and by such means there would be an end to all discontents and clamours ; and the St. Helena corps in a short time would be composed of a peaceable and sober class of men, on whose fidelity and zeal a perfect reliance might be placed. With a garrison composed of such men, placed in the exterior posts, and forming three reserves, with field-pieces, in the inte- rior, so distributed as speedily to reinforce the points attacked, I should feel a perfect confidence, that no external attack, however formidable, could possibly sucoeed. Ixxx INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. In order to illustrate this opinion, it will be necessary to ofFet a few general remarks upon the natural strength of the island ; and upon the means it possesses of giving perfect security to ships at the anchorage, as well as of opposing the most vigorous resistance to an enemy's attack. The natural strength of St. Helena consists in its compact form and size, and in its inaccessible coasts, formed by an almost uninterrupted chain of rocks, or mountains, rising in nearly a perpendicular direction, to the height of from 500 or 600, to more than 1200 feet. It is well known that vessels bound to St. Helena, take care to be considerably to windward ; so that by steering after- wards a westerly course, they can hardly fail of falling in with it. After gaining sight of the land, they steer towards the north- east end, in order to fetch the road, by keeping close to the Barn and Sugar-Loaf Point ; for when they attempt to come round by the south-west point, they generally find themselves so much baffled by flurries of wind, issuing in all directions from the vallies, that they cannot pioceed without standing off to a con- siderable distance, in order to get the trade wind. But, even then, they find it extremely difficult to work into the road ; be- cause the wind to leeward of the island seldom blows for five minutes together in the same direction. In addition to those dif- ficulties, an enemy's fleet would have to work in, in the face of a great number of guns ; which would not fail to rake them ; and after coming on the bank, perhaps within less than a mile of the shore, they might attempt to warp in, which would be wholly impracticable, on account of the constant and excessive fire from the batteries on shore. The nearer the ships approached, the greater would be the risk ; particularly from the fire of the ele- vated batteries, which would penetrate the upper decks, and pass through the hull under water, and even into their magazines ; INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. Ixxxi so that there would be imminent danger of losing the ships, both by sinking and blowing up. It must nevertheless be observed, that although such a wind as would enable vessels to come into the road by South-west Point, be very rare in this latitude, yet westerly winds have been known to prevail for a week together. These, however, seldom occur oftenerthan once in five or six months, and as their duration is often momentary and always precarious, it would be too great an uncertainty for an enemy, after a long voyage, to wait here in the expectation of so very precarious an event. From those observations it will appear that there is no certainty of arriving at James's Town without coming round the north- east end of the island. And even then, if ships, after doubling Sugar-loaf Point, where the trade wind generally leaves them, and the eddies commence, do not keep close under the shore "all the way between that and the road, they run great risk of being blown entirely off the bank ; or of being compelled to come to an anchor at no great distance from the batteries. Ships thus obliged to hug the shore between Sugar-loaf Point and the road, gives the island a prodigious advantage over an enemy who might attempt this route ; because he would be ex- posed to such a continued and multiplied fire from the batteries between Butter-milk Point, and James's Town, as scarcely any number of ships would be able to overcome. Rupert's Bay, James's Town, and Lemon Valley, are the prin- cipal landing places on the leeward coast. All these are well fortified by fleur d'eau batteries, provided with furnaces for heat- ing shot, and flanked by cannon placed u[)on the clitKs far above the reach of ships' guns. Mortars and howitzers for showering grape upon ships' decks, or upon boats attempting to land, are also provided. In short, it seems wholly impossible to force a descent m Ixxxii INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. at any of those points. Even admitting that the enemy's troops got on shore and succeeded in carrying the fleur d'eau batteries, they would then be exposed to inevitable destruction, from the tremendous fire from the heights, and above all from the immense quantities of grape (or even stones) that might be thrown (with very small charges of powder) from howitzers and carronades of large calibre placed upon the heights, against which it would be wholly impossible to tind shelter. Besides the principal landing places above mentioned, there are several ravines, or valiies, interspersed throughout the coast, where an enemy might undoubtedly laud, if he were not opposed : but, most Of" these are also protected by batteries ; or are so easily defended by rolling stones from the heights, that no body of troops attempting to gain the interior by these lavines could have the smallest chance of success. Of those ravines, Captain Mitchell, an aide engineer, who was sent to the island in 1765, gave the following description. " The ravines, or valUes (as they are impioperly called) are extremely narrow, and remarkably rugged. They seem formed by nature for carrying otf the torrents which precipitate them- selves from the interior of the island ; and they all terminate towards the coast in beaches, where an enemy, if not opposed, might disembark without much difficulty. But the ascent being extremely steep and rugged, and terminating at a great distance from the coast, it would be impossible for an enemy to get into the country, if ever so inconsiderably opposed. I will venture to say that 500 men would be much more than a match for ten times that number in this situation." I not only concur in this opinion, but I trust I shall make it appear that two or three men stationed on the heights just above the entrance of any of those ravines, would render it utterly INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. Ixxxiii impossible for any number of troops, however great, to ap- proach ten yards within the landing places. This opinion is founded upon repealed trials made at Goat-poiind Ridge, which is situated close to the landing place at Young's Valley, and 729 feet above the sea. A single stone, which weighed about 80 |)ounds, being set oft' from the rop of this ridge very soon acquired a rotatory motion, and, at first, rebounded gently upon the declining surface. As the velocity of the stone was accelerated, the force with which it rebounded and struck the loose and brittle rocks increased ; and at each rebound numerous stones and fragments of rock were detached. The.se, following in continued succession, and spread- ing to right and left operated precisely as the first .stone ; so that by the time it had reached the bottom of the hill, myriads were in its train, which covered a space of at lea.st 100 yard-;, and flew with such prodigious force across the ravine, that many of the largest stones ascended to the height of 60 or 80 feet upon the opposite hill. Such was the astonishing eftect produced by a single stone, that it seemed to me, if a whole battalion had been drawn up in the ravine, that not a man could have escaped alive. This experiment, will serve to shew the mode of defence that is applicable to all the narrow ravines which have not been for- tified. Indeed, it must appear, that nothing can be iiecessary at such places, but a good look-out, a tew iron crows, a collection of stones, together with .some blue lights, or fire-balls, to roll down the hills at night, for the pui-pose of shewing the po.sition of the enemy if he .should actually have entered. In aid of this simple, but most destructive kind of defence, I must further observe, that in conformity to existing orders, and regulations, one of the reserves, with field pieces, would instantly Ixxxiv INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. move towards the point of attack ; botli for the purpose of rein- forcing it, and of occupying the most commanding positions with guns. From those positions, by ricochet tiring of round and grape, any of the ravines attacked, might be entiladed, or raked, almost from one end to the other : so that to gain the interior of the island along the ravines must appear too hazardous, and too hopeless, for an enemy to attempt. The only place remaining to be noticed, on the leeward side of the island, is Thompson's Valley, which is well protected by guns on the heights in the rear of the landing place, and upon the Castle rock. This ravine is also sufliciently narrow to admit of being defended by rolling down stones, and may therefore be considered as perfectly secure against an enemy. From Thompson's Valley to South-west Point, the coast extends about a mile, which is every where inaccessible to troops, as is the rocky shore from South-west Point to Sandy-bay Beach, a farther distance of about six miles. There are, I believe, one or two tishermen's paths in that extent of coast ; but these are, in all places, so steep, rugged, and ditBcult, that no invading troops could ascend them ; particularly if opposed by the reserve at Thompson's Hill, to which are attached field pieces for the purpose of repelling an enemy, at whatever point he might attempt to ascend in that quarter. " The windward side of the island," says Captain Mitchell, *' comprehends all the eastward coast lying between the rocks called the Needles and Sugar-loaf Point : a distance of 16 miles : for, although the south-east wind does not blow directly on every part, yet the whole is very considerably affected by it : and this line of coast, comprehending nearly two-thirds of the whole, is seldom without such a surf as would deter an enemy from any attempt to land. In fact, there are no vallies, or bays, here. INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. Ixxxv (except Sandy Bay which is well fortified) that can properly be called practicable : for, although some of them have beaches, wliere, in smooth weather, troops might land, yet the difficulties to be surmounted before an enemy could get into the country are so very great, that I apprehend nothing less than absolute negligence, and supineness in the garrison, could ever endanger the island from an attempt in this quarter." If this was the opinion of a skilful engineer fifty years ago, how infinitely more secure must be the island of St. Helena at the present moment, improved as it has been by the zealous and indefatigable exertions of Governors Brooke and Patton, who, during a period of twenty years devoted their attention to the grand object of placing this important island in a condition to repel the most formidable attacks. But, nothing has so essentially contributed to the security of St. Helena against external attack, or stratagem, as the introduc- tion of telegraphs.* These are erected on the most commanding heights, some of which are two thousand feet above the level of the sea ; and are so connected one with another, and so spread all over the island, that no vessel can approach, in any direction, without being descried at the distance of sixty miles. The vast utility of such an establishment, in a mountainous countr}', where any other mode of conveying intelligence must necessarily be slow, may readily be conceived. The elegraphs have, in fact, * The telegraphs were first established by Governor Patton in the year 1803. They are his own invention, and of a very simple and cheap construction ; and have been found fully to answer every purpose for which they were intended. The East India Company's and Sir Home Popham's numerary signals are also made use of. By these. His Majesty's and the Company's ships are all known by their numbers long before they reach the island : and as no ships whatever are permitted to pass Banks's Battery, without sending a boat on shore, it must be evident there is no possibility of taking the island by surprise. Ixxxvi - INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER placed the whole island under the eye of the Governor ; for he is instantly apprised of every material occurrence in any part, or even within sight: and, with equal celerity, he can convey his orders wherever they may be necessary, both during the day and night. In short, the troops can be under arms at a moment's warning ; reinforcements can be sent to the points of attack, or posts occupied, or any other military operation directed, simply by a code of signals. With such means of receiving information, and of sending orders, a Governor of St. Helena is as fully prepared to oppose a vigorous resistance, at every point of his extended line of defence, as if he commanded within a small fortress. In order to illustrate all that has been stated, I shall suppose an enemy's fleet in sight. The moment this is ascertained the general alarm is fired ; which is the signal for the troops to get under arms ; to reinforce the batteries, and to send detachments to the three reserves in the interior. Thus, all the troops, and every efl'ective man on the island (for they are all soldiers*) are • Extract of a Letter from the Governor and Compatty of Merchants of London trading to the East Indies. I9th December, 1673. " That all the planters be by the Governor listed under either of the aforesaid com- manders, or such other officers as the Governor and Council shall think fit, that may exercise and train them up in arms, at least once in two months, to qualify tliem for the defence of the island. And that particular places, or posts, be assigned by the Governor, whereunto all and every one of the said planters may repair, and have a rendezvous when thereunto required by the Governor ; for tiiough we do not hereby require the planters to keep constant watch, as soldiers, during the time we shall continue soldiers in pay, yet we do hereby strictly require, in case of the approach of any shipping, and especially upon discovery of any enemy, or any general alarm, that they do repair to their respective posts, and observe such orders in a way of military discipline, according as their respective officers shall be directed by the Governor and Council, for the safety and defence of our aforesaid Island ; it being one of the conditions on which we have granted them their la'id and other accommodations," INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. Ixxxvii placed in the most advantageous positions. Sliould the enemy make demonstrations of landing at one or more points, informa- tion would instantly be communicated by the telegraphs ; upon which the Governor would order such movements, or dispositions of the reserves, as he may judge proper. From this concise view of the mode of defending the island, and from all that has been related concerning its great natural strength, its batteries, and the facility of defending every prac- ticaltle landing place, by rolling stones from the heights, it must be evident that, with such dispositions of the troops, St. Helena is absolutely impregnable by an open and regular attack. I hitve had opportunities of examining Gibraltar and Malta, and I iiiust confess, that the impression left on my mind is, that neither of these places are to be compared in strength witli St. Helena. This superiority arises from its high and com- manding coasts ; from there being no unfortified landing places that do not admit of being defended by stones : and from several other circumstances already explained. Nature, indeed, has been so wonderfully profuse in giving strength to this place, and has left so little for art to perform, that out of twenty-eight miles of coast, the fortified lines of defence, collectively, do not exceed eight hundred and fifty yards. In short, it appears to me, Uiiiler all the circumstances above-mentioned, that St. HeleuiJ IS not only perfectly secure against surprise, and ex- ternal stiatagem, but capable (even with a moderate garrison) of repelling the most formidable attacks that can be made upon it. TRACTS— PART I. SECTION I. St. Helena once a woody Island — cause of its Denudation — Plans proposed for restoring Wood, and extending Cultivation — the Institution of Goat ranges injurious — Extermination of the Goats recommended. In the year 1502, when St. Helena was first discovered, its inte- rior was one entire forest — even some of the precipices, overhang- ing the sea, were covered with gum-wood trees. Goats, unhappily (as it has proved) for the island, were first introduced in the year 1513, and from this period to 1588, so greatly had they multiplied, that Captain Cavendish i-elates " there were thousands, and that they were seen one or two hundred together, and sometimes in a flock almost a mile long. Those early accounts, in respect to wood, are fully corrobo- rated by the records, by the testimony of persons now living, and by the fragments of trees which are occasionally found on those hills that are now the most desolate and barren. Within the last fifty years many gum-wood trees grew on the hills between Rupert's and Dead-wood. — This name, indeed, evidently implies there was a forest there. On the Barn-Hill, asd near Lot's Wife, pieces of ebony are still remaining ; and there is a tradition that a thick wood occupied Half-tree-hollow, B 2 TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. between High Knoll and Ladder Hill ; and that some persons, who had advanced therein, lost their way and perished. But tlie most remarkable and positive testimony of the exist- ence of" huge forests" on the Island of St. Helena, is recorded on the consultation dated the 12th of July, 1709, in the following words : " Our necessity is so great for want of coals, that we thought it would have put a full stop to our work, but do find that ebony wood will burn lime, and being informed that there are huge quantities of that wood which lie dead on the hills near Sandy Bay, the Governor and Captain Mashborne went there to view it, and found the report true, for that there is abundance indeed, and just by that place where the wood lies, are mountains of extraordinary lime stone ; and it will be much cheaper to our honourable masters to bring lime from thence, ready burnt, (being light) than to fetch that sort of wood (which is very heavy), and bring it to the castle in James's Valley." We have thus a series of clear and satisfactory evidence that St. Helena, when first discovered, and for many years afterwards, abounded with trees ; but of those " huge forests" how few ves- tiges are now to be seen ! The cause of this sad reverse, in the aspect of the island, is readily ascertained by what is daily passing before us. Ebony, red-wood, white cedar (or gum- wood tree), are all indigenous. They shed great quantities of seed ; and numerous plants are seen annually to spring up, where the trees are secured from the trespass of goats, and black cattle. Such is the case at Long- wood : in some places there are absolutely impervious thickets. — Does not this prove what would naturally take place if the young trees remain undisturbed ; and that many parts of the island would, in the course of a few years, be again covered with wood ? TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 3 Those young plants are preferred, by the goats, to the finest pas- tures : they are consequently, when exposed to their depredations, greedily devoured.* — Even the leaves of the old trees, when within reach, do not escape their ravages. The young trees having been in this manner cut off, and the parent trees having perished through age, it is no wonder there should be no succession ; and this is the obvious cause that, since the period of the introduction of goats, this formerly woody island has been wholly denuded. Some of the peaks and highest lands, owing to their steep and abrupt acclivities, are the only places which have withstood their unceasing' depredations. To the goats, therefore, is solely to be ascribed the total ruin of the forests, an evil which is now severely felt by every indivi- dual, and which would undoubtedly become much more serious, if the Company should add the freight and charges to the price * The following extract of a letter from the Government of St. Helena to the Court of Directors, dated 9th of July, 1745, affords a positive proof that the disappearance of the forests of St. Helena is entirely to be ascribed to the goats — and not to any physical cause, or change, which is supposed by a late writer to have produced a similar effect upon some hills in Ireland — that, in former times, were covered with trees. " Finding," say the Governor and Council, " that great quantities of ebony trees, which " grew in and about Peak Gut, in their tender growth, were barked and destroyed by the " goats that ranged there, we thought it for your Honors' interest, for the preservation of " the wood, and the welfare of the island, to order the goats there to be killed." — To this representation the Court replied, " The goats are not to be destroyed, being more useful " than ebony-" Such is the aptness of the seeds of the indigenous trees of St. Helena to take root, that I have often observed myriads of seedlings spring up, amongst the grass, immediately after the setting in of the rains : but these were of course nipt off by the cattle. All that is here stated, and many other circumstances which have come to my knowledge^ impress me with a strong conviction that if St. Helena were again uninhabited, and if cattle of every description were removed, for a period of twenty years, the island would again be covered with wood — Mai/ 1S13. B2 4 TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. of coals. The mischief occasioned by the goats, added to the neglect of fencing-, and planting trees, has greatly encreased the demand for iniported fuel ; and the loss to the Company upon the article of coals, in 1808, amounted to no less a sum than £2729.. 7.. 8. To obviate, as much as possible, a further increase of this ex- pense, it is become absolutely necessary that the utmost attention should immediately be given to those ordinances that regard fencing and planting. It is indeed fortunate there are here some trees or shrubs, of a very rapid growth, peculiarly adapted to the purpose of fences, as well as fuel. Of those, the most valuable for both purposes, is that hitherto despised plant the Palma Christi. It intrudes itself every where, and is turned out of every garden and plantation, being considered in no other light than a troublesome weed. — But having remarked how rapidly it becomes a tree, I naturally concluded it might be useful in the formation of fences ; and accordingly I commenced an experi- ment in September, 1809. The seeds were sown and intermixed with some wild brinjal (a species of solanum), upon an elevated bank four feet high, and about six feet in breadth. In the short period of twelve months I have now a beautiful and impenetrable fence about five feet in height. The stems of the Palma Christi are already about two inches in diameter, and the branches are covered with nuts. The success of this trial has determined me to improve the old fences, and to form new ones at Plantation- house-farm, of the above description, about eight or nine feet in thickness. The addition of the blackberry, entwined among the strong stems of the Palma Christi, would undoubtedly make a fence not inferior to the best hedges in England. What an advantage it would be to the land-holders, and what an improvement in the aspect of the island, to substitute this TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 5 cheap sort offence for their stone walls! Besides, if the Palina Christi were extensively cultivated, which might easily be done by making' the hedge-rows 20 feet or more in thickness, the people of this island may not only speedily raise fuel, but may also participate in a lucrative branch of commerce, which they have hitherto left to others. It is well known, that considerable quan- tities of the oil of palma christi are annually sent from India to England, where it fetches a very high price : in no part of the world can it thrive better than at St. Helena. If the above sort of fences were generally introduced, they would both secure and shelter the lands. — Cultivation might then be carried on with facility, and without interruption, and the Planting Law might be easily complied with ; for the lands, at first brought into cultivation, might be converted into planta- tions of trees for useful timber, in the proportions required by the original tenures. Other lands might afterwards be inclosed and cultivated with corn, potatoes, mangel wurzel, lucerne, guinea grass, &:c. These valuable artificial grasses might indeed be raised among the trees as crops are in Italy : but it is much to be apprehended, that unless the goats, as well as sheep, could be confined, they will defeat every plan of improvement, and wilf occasion constant vexation from their incessant depredations. Wherefore, as it is morally impossible to restrain those animals without incurring an enormous expense in fencing the lands, there seems to be no other possible mode of checking the further progress of the vast ruin and waste they have committed, nor any prospect whatever of restoring wood to the island, than by their total extermination, retaining only a very limited number of sheep to each land-holder, on condition, however, that they are tended, or confined, entirely to his own lands. The measure of extermination was resorted to by the planters 6 TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. in the year 1731, and was completely successful. — Indigenous trees sprang up spontaneously, and many parts soon became well wooded, where no trees had been suffered to grow for many years. It is therefore evident that the extermination of goats, and a reduction in the number of sheep, cannot fail of being a most important benefit to the whole island : and that, without this previous step, there can be no hope of ever rendering it a valu- able property to the Company: and with it, there cannot be a doubt, from the success of trials upon a small scale, in various parts of the island, that every species of improvement in agri- culture and planting, might be carried on successfully and exten- sively, and with infinite advantage to all parties concerned. I am perfectly aware of the arguments adduced in favour of the goats — I have weighed them maturely, and I am thoroughly convinced the whole are nugatory ; for it must be admitted that a few sheep, imported by this Government from the Cape, would lessen, or, perhaps, render unnecessary, any demands on the planters for supplying the Hospital ; and that a large stock of hogs, upon every farm, with the limited number of sheep before- mentioned, would be no bad substitutes for the want of goat- flesh. Hogs are also preferable to goats, on account of the great quantities of valuable manure they would produce for meliorating the lands. There is, indeed, no species of husbandry so well adapted to St. Helena as that of hoggeries. — By their means, the most ex- tensive produce in yams, potatoes, mangel wurzel, &c. might be consumed on the farms ; which it would be impossible, in this mountainous country, to carry to market, even if it were in de- mand. For hogs there would also be a ready sale to the Company (at the English price of pork), for the use of the garrison ; and in supplying the other inhabitants : and the planters might feed TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 7 themselves and families at home without purchasing and sending for every sort of meat from James's Valley. Moreover, if the island price were lowered, there would be a very considerable sale to the shipping. What a vast field for improvement in the condition of the planters, and what an incitement to industry does this hold out, compared with their narrow views, in having hitherto no other object or vent for the produce of the lands than what may arise from the shipping that touch here ! — When disappointments in their arrival or detention occur, it is not suprising there should be complaints of" no cash being in circulation." These would un- doubtedly be removed, if industry and agriculture were extended ; which are, in every country, the most efficacious means of pro- moting the prosperity of the people. In respect to the goats, it would be very unreasonable to ex- pect that any considerations of a selfish nature, or the mistaken prejudices of a few, should counteract what is obviously for the good of the whole. That the exercise of the right or privilege of the goat-ranges has ever been, and still continues, a most into- lerable abuse, will not be denied. Those ranges were limited to certain spots : but what has been the result ? The proprietors of goats never trouble their heads about where they browse, and as they are of course never looked after but on pounding days, they are seen daily to range every where ; and thus a limited privilege, to a few persons, has absolutely given them the range of the whole island ! To attempt to confine them, as originally intended when that privilege was granted, would be an endless labour: and, without the most vigorous enforcement of this condition, the evils which have happened were naturally to be expected. Wherefore, the institution of goat-ranges must appear to every unbiassed person 8 TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. to have been injudicious ; and by no means calculated to produce any advantage (hat could compensate, even in the smallest degree, the manifold evils and vexations that have resulted from it. It is indeed surprising that a privilege so extraordinary, so grossly abused, and so ruinous in its consequences, should have been quietly borne by the inhabitants at large for so many years. By the measure of extermination all would benefit. — The owners of goats and sheep would not be losers — if they were to receive from the Company a fair and reasonable price for their goats and sheep. These might speedily be consumed by issuing them to the garrison, without any extra loss being incurred by the Company in thus giving rations of fresh instead of salt meat. The owners might also be repaid the bona fide price they gave for the goat-ranges, which would indeed be the only charge to the Company attending the arrangement I have suggested ; and if it were carried into effect, those ranges, and many other places, might be sown with the seeds of all sorts of indigenous and other trees ; for where trees formerly grew, it may be presumed they would grow again. This was indeed proved, as already noticed, after the destruction of the sheep and goats in 1731. — Should this measure, therefore, be again carried into effect, and the improve- ments of planting and fencing carried on with spirit, there would soon be no want of fuel, nor any impediment to agriculture ; and after a few years, the inhabitants might again have restored to them a privilege of cutting wood on the goat-ranges, similar to that which they enjoyed of cutting fuel from the Great-wood. AVhatever trees are thus planted, should be for the benefit and use of all the inhabitants. If the goats and sheep were removed, many valuable orchards and gardens might easily be established in those well watered ravines or vallies which, on account of their depredations, have TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 9 hitherto been unproductive. Fruit trees of every sort, vines, sugar canes, coffee, and cotton, would all thrive luxuriantly in those warm and well sheltered situations. Fences would almost be unnecessary, since the steep declivities on either side, would sufficiently protect the plantations from the trespass of black cattle. Although there were, according to the returns in December 1809, 1811 sheep and 2887 goats on the island, in all 4698, none have, for many years past, been brought to market ; and the export to shipping has very much diminished, owing to the prices having risen about three-fold during the last twenty years. In 1789, 109 goats, and 201 sheep were sold to the ships : whereas, in 1809, the total numbers were only 6 goats and 22 sheep ; and these last were imported from the Cape. What then is the use of maintaining such large flocks, since they neither contribute to the refreshment of ships, nor to the comforts of the community? A few individuals may indeed prefer them to hogs ; and derive convenience from their mode of keeping them, because it is nei- ther attended with labour nor expense. But whether this tri- fling advantage to a few, attended with an intolerable nuisance to the whole, should supersede the infinite and important benefits which would result to the island, to the Company, and even to the proprietors of goats and sheep, by their extermination, is a question which the preceding inquiry may possibly determine. 20th September, 1810. C 10 TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. SECTION II. Experiments in the Culture of Potatoes — Comparisons of Manures — extra- ordinary Power of Guana, or Sea-foicl Dung , as a Top-dressing — Hints to Proprietors of Islands and Rocks in Scotland, In a place which has, for many years, been almost wholly depen- dent on foreign imports for the common necessaries of life, and where neither commerce nor manufacture finds employment for industry or exertion, there can be no duty more incumbent on persons entrusted with its management, than a due attention to those means that are the most likely to augment its internal resources. From the earliest period of its establishment (in 1673) to the present time, the most positive orders to favour and encourage agriculture have been sent by the Honourable the Court of Direc- tors. It is, therefore, in obedience to those repeated orders, that I have endeavoured to discover the capabilities of the soil, and the modes of cultivation the best suited to the circumstances of this island. I have accordingly, in the Abstract of the Laws and Ordinances, and in the papers relating to the goats, embraced every occasion that offered of stating the results, and of introduc- ing my opinions. I have also, I trust, proved, that immense advantages would arise to the land-holders if they were to allot a certain selected portion of their pasture lands to the culture of corn and artificial grasses, to the planting of trees, and to the introduction of hedge-rows. Those opinions being founded on a variety of experiments, and the results having been most carefully ascertained, under my own TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 11 inspection, I can vouch for their accuracy. I feel a confidence, therefore, that wlioever may hereafter make similar trials will not be disappointed. But I must here apprise experimenters, that a first crop, from land newly brought into cultivation, is generally much inferior to the succeeding ones. — I found an acre of land, which, upon breaking up, produced only 324 bushels of potatoes, yielded a succeeding crop, planted immediately after, of 522. I ascribe this improvement to the repeated stirring of the soil, by which the fertilizing influence of the rains and atmos- phere were admitted. Upon these two crops no manure was used ; and as potatoes are known to exhaust fertility, it might have been expected the second crop might have been less instead of greater. Hence, it seems- probable, the deterioration of the soil does not take place until some time after the land is brought into cultivation. Mr. TuU, an Oxfordshire gentleman, who published a Trea- tise on Husbandry, about forty years ago, speaking of the great advantages of frequently stirring and pulverising the soil, relates that a little farmer, having prepared his field for sowing, could not raise money to purchase the seed vintil he had lost the season ; he therefore kept on ploughing, at proper intervals, until the next season arrived, when he compassed to plant his field. At harvest, his crop was so abundant, that its value was more than sufticient to pay the fee simple cost of his field. The effects, from frequent stirring of the soil might readily be determined, by comparing the produce of a square rod of ground, planted with potatoes after being stirred four or five times in as many months, with that of an adjoining space, of the same extent, planted at the time of breaking up. On my arrival, in 1808, I was desirous of obtaining infor- mation upon the modes used here in the culture of potatoes : C 2 12 TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. but I soon perceived, from the vague method of estimating the produce by the returns from the seed sown, without any account being taken of the quantity of land occupied by the crop, that no useful deductions could be drawn, nor any com- parison made between the potatoe lands here and those in England. I learnt, however, that two crops (or more) annually were ob- tained from the same land ; and that these were had, in a conti- nued succession, during a period of 12 or 14 years, without the application of any sort of manure. This, I confess, surprised me. I heard also of " self-sown crops," that is, of leaving in the ground, at the time of digging, a certain portion of the potatoes for a suc- ceeding crop. This unusual course of husbandry led me to infer that a much better mode might be adopted (which is indeed practised by some of the gentlemen-planters) : and, in order to satisfy myself on this point, I resolved to commence a series of experiments, which should embrace the following essential points in the culture of potatoes ; the proper depth of planting — the best sort of seed — the advantage of the row culture — and the improvement by manuring. The returns of 10 or 15 bushels for one sown, were, in genera], deemed good crops ; but my experiments have proved that these are very inferior to what can be obtained under a different course of management. Supposing 13 bushels to be the usual quantity of seed required to plant an acre, the returns ahove stated would be no more than 180, or 270 bushels per acre. According to the following table it will be seen, that by the new culture, and the aid of manure, the acreable produce of the potatoe lands may be augmented, upon an average, to nearly three times those quantities. What TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 18 an advantage is this, in a place where the scanty means of labour are generally complained of! It will be observed, by the table of experiments, that the great- est produce was at the rate of 648 bushels per acre. This was from No. 5, in the division manured with horse dung : but even a greater rate of produce was had from a portion of the unmanured acre, which yielded the 522 bushels before mentioned. I ascer- tained that 30 feet of the rows of this acre, twice repeated, and taken indiscriminately, produced of lino large potatoes 52 pounds: or, as will be hereafter explained, at the rate of 674 bushels per acre. This was also greatly surpassed by an experiment upon one kidney potatoe. It was cut in eleven pieces, which were planted in a single row, at one foot asunder, on the 5th of April, 1810, upon ground very highly manured with hog's dung. Nine of the sets only came up, and these occupied one row that measured nine feet. On the 8th of August, 1810, when the haulm had fallen, the potatoes were taken up, and weighed 2l-§- pounds averdupois ; which is in the proportion of 929 bushels per acre. These well ascertained facts will, I hope, draw the attention of the planter to the row culture ; and to establishing farm-yards, and hoggeries, for the purpose of manuring their lands. They might then make experiments for themselves, which I am confi- dent would soon induce them to change their present modes of husbandry ; because these are evidently far less profitable, and must, in the course of time, infallibly exhaust, and ruin their plantations. The spot selected for experiments is in the front garden at Plantation-house. It was exactly a square chain, or the tenth part of an acre ; and was, at first, divided into four equal parts 14 TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. for the manures, according to the black lines in the following diagram Class 1. Class 2, Class 3. C/ass 4. Depths No. of the No. of the No. of the No. of the 'Z^i^l^" I-"ge «ed f Walnuts planted whole. 9 6 3 cut in pieces. 12 9 'J 3 E)e<, middle sized Potatoes. 12 9 6 3 Small Potatoes planted whole. 12 9 6 3 Horse Dung Litter, 35 loads per acre. I 2 3 4 I 5 6 7 8 I 9 10 11 12 I 13 14 1.5 1( Hog's Dung Litter, 35 loads per acre. 17 18 19 20 I 21 22 23 24 \ 25 26 27 28 J 29 30 31 32 Guana; or, Sea-fowl Dung, 35 bushels per acre. 33 34 35 36 | 37 38 39 40 | 41 42 43 44 | 45 46 47 48 N'o Manure. 49 50 51 52 I 53 54 55 56 | 57 58 59 60 | 61 62 63 64 of planting experiments experiments experiments experiments 66 feet. The figures 12. 9. 6. 3. represent the depths of planting in inches, and the positions of each two rows which traversed the manured and unmanured parts. The numbers 1 to 64 shew the situations of the experiments. The three narrow paths which separated the manured divisions reduced the cultivated space from 16- to 15 feet : each experiment upon the two rows con- sisted therefore of 15 feet in length, or of 30 feet of rows ; which, as will be hereafter explained, is the 726th part of an acre. The manures were evenly spread over the beds in the orders and quantities specified in the diagram ; they were then trenched one spit deep into the soil. The transverse lines mark the spaces for each class of seed, and by crossing the manure divisions they formed 16 squares, containing each four distinct experi- ments ; .so that the total number was 64. The soil was rather TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 15 stiff, being composed of blackish mould intermixed with friable fat clay. The whole being thus prepared, the seeds were dibbled in at their respective depths, on the 9th of August, 1809, and the produce was taken up on the 30th of November, that is, 113 days after planting. The following table of the results, exhibits the produce of each experiment, or 30 feet of rows, in pounds ; the weight of the six largest potatoes ; and the computed acreable produce in pounds, and in bushels. u TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. TABLE of the Results of the Experiments, exhibiting the mimber of pounds that each 30 Jeet of rows yielded, the iveight of the six largest Potatoes from each experiment, the computed acreable produce, in 'pounds and bushels, and the total quantities ^produced from each sort of seed, at the several depths, throughout the manured and unmanured parts, in the extent of 120 feet of rotes. Note. — SO feet of rows are the '726th, and \20 feet the 181.5 of an acre. Class 1. — Seed the size of Walnuts planted whole. Twelve Inches deep. 1 ^** 04 1 a C t^ o'r. ° (U- U — n a 9 MANUEES. Produce SO feet < TOWS. Weight the six largest Produc per acre lbs. Produc per acre bush. 561 REMARKS. lbs. lbs. oz. 1 Horse dung 38 2 8 275S8 492 17 Hog's ditto 311 1 14 22869 408 33 Sea-fowl ditto 3Si 2 4 27951 499 49 None 26 1 8 18876 337 lbs. 134 X 181.5 equal to 24321 lbs. Total 134 Nine Inches deep. per acre. 2 Horse dung 351 1 8 25773 460 18 Hog's ditto 33 1 12 23958 427 34 Sea-fowl ditto 36 2 2 26136 466 50 None 29 1 6 21054 375 very stiff black clay soil. lbs. 133| X 181.5 equal to 24239lbs. Total 1331 Six Inches deep. per acre. 3 Horse dung 45 2 8 32670 583 19 Hog's ditto 34i 1 2 25347 447 35 Sea-fowl ditto 42 2 2 30492 544 51 None 30i 2 2 22143 395 very stiff black clay, lbs. Total 152 152 X 181.5 equal to 275881bs. Three Inches deep • per acre. 4 Horse dung 37 2 26862 479 20 Hog's ditto 32 2 4 23232 414 36 Sea-fowl ditto 41 1 14 29766 531 52 None 24 2 2 17424 311 lbs. 134 X 181.5 equal to 24321 lbs. Total 134 per acre. TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, «S:c. 17 Class 2. — Large Seed cut in pieces. Twelve' hvches deep. s s MANURES. Produce of 30 feet of rows. Weight of the six largest. Produce per acre in lbs. Produce per acre in bush. 56lbs. REMARKS. 5 21 37 53 6 22 38 54 7 23 39 55 8 24 40 56 Horse dung Hog's ditto Sea-fowl ditto None Total Horse dung Hog's ditto Sea-fowl ditto None Total Horse dung Hog's ditto Sea-fowl ditto None Total Horse dung Hog's ditto Sea-fowl ditto None Total lbs. 50 28i 39 22 lb. oz. 3 2 2 8 2 2 2 2 Witie In 3 2 6 3 1 6 Six In 4 2 2 2 2 10 1 14 3 1 12 3 12 2 14 t 36300 20691 28314 15972 ches deep. 33033 24321 31218 21417 ches deep. ti9766 26136 33033 22869 iches deep 28677 21054 31218 23232 1 648 369 505 285 589 434 557 382 531 466 589 408 511 375 557 414 very fine. lbs. 139 ix l81.5equalto 25319lbs. per acre. lbs. 151| X 181.5 equalto274971bs. per acre. lbs. 154 X 181.5 equal to 27951 lbs. per acre. lbs. 1431 X 181.5 equal to 26045lbs. per acrei J 139i 451 331 43 29r 15U 41| 36i 45i 31i 154 r J 39| 29 43 32 143i D 18 TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. Class 3. — Eyes of middle-sized Potatoes scooped out. Twelve Inches deep. u s 3 MANURES. Produce of 30 feet of rows. Weight of the six largest Produce per acre in lbs. Produce per acre in bush.56lbs. REMARKS. lbs. lbs. oz. y Hiirse dung 37 3 4 26862 479 25 Hog's ditto 23 1 10 16698 298 41 S^a-fowl ditto 29i 3 10 21417 382 57 None 121 2 2 9256 165 lbs. Total 102| 102i X 181.5 equal to l855Slbs. Nine Inches deep. per acre. 10 Horse dung 37 3 4 26862 479 26 Hog's ditto 23 3 2 16698 298 '12 Sea-fowl ditto 29 2 12 21054 375 58 None 16i 2 6 11797 210 lbs. 1051 X 181.5 equal to 19102lbs. Total 105i Six Inches deep. per acre. 11 Horse dung 4Sk 3 10 31581 563 best sort 27 43 1 log's ditto Sea-fowl ditto 37i 4^1i o 14 3 8 27225 32307 485 576 59 None Total 26 151| 2 18876 337 lbs. 15U X 191.5 equal to 274971bs. Three Inches deej) per acre. 12 Horse dung 291 4 10 2:417 382 28 Hog's ditto owl i>l Z 2 14 27225 485 numerous small excrescences on 44 Sea-fowl ditto 35 2 14 25410 453 the haulm. 60 None 26i 2 10 19239 343 lbs. 1 28i X 1 8 1 .5 equal to 23S23lbs. Total 128i per acre. TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 19 Class 4. — Small Potatoes planted whole. Twelve Inches deep. .a B 3 MANURES. Produce of 30 feet of rows. Weight of the six largest Produce per acre in ibs. Produce per acre in bu8h.56lbs. REMARKS. lbs. lbs. oz 13 Horse dung 31 1 12 22506 401 29 Hog's ditto 33i 1 6 27951 499 45 Sea-fowl ditto 38 1 27588 492 61 None 28 1 1 12 20691 369 lbs. Total 136 136 X 181.5 equal to 24684lbs. Nine Inches deep per acre. 14 Horse dung 39i 1 8 28677 512 30 Hog's ditto 40 i 1 12 29403 525 46 Sea-fowl ditto 43 2 31218 557 62 None 34 1 12 24G84 440 lbs. 157 X 181.6 equal to 28495lbs. Total 157 Six Inches deep. per acre. 15 Horse dung 45 1 12 32670 583 31 Hog's ditto 42 1 10 a0492 544 47 Sea-fowl ditto 48i 2 35211 628 nearly a heaped bushel remark- 63 None 44 2 6 31944 570 alily fine potatoes, lbs. 179i X 181.5 equal to 32579lbs. Total 179^ Three Inches deep . per acre. 16 Horse dung 32 1 12 23232 414 32 Hog's ditto 34 2 2 24684 410 48 Sea-fowl ditto 43 2 31218 557 61 None 34 2 24684 440 lbs. 143 X 181.5 equal to 25964lbs. Total 143 per acre. 20 TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. The following is an abstract from the preceding table, and is a comparative view of the effects of the several classes of seed, shewing the total produce in pounds. Potoids. Class 1. Seed the size of walnuts planted whole, yielded 553j 2. Large seed cut in pieces - - - 588^ 3. Eyes of middle sized potatoes - - 487^ 4. Small potatoes planted whole - - 615^ I total pounds - 2245 These results will be pleasing to the planters, since they have clearly ascertained that small potatoes planted whole, which would not fetch so good a price in the market as the largest sort, are the best for seed. The following is a comparative view of the effects of different depths of planting, shewing the total produce in pounds. Pounds. 1st. Six inches deep, yielded - - 637 2d. Three ditto, ditto _ _ _ 549 3d. Nine ditto, ditto - _ _ _ 547^ 4th. Twelve ditto, ditto _ _ _ 5111 Total pounds - 2245 By these results, it is proved, that planting at the depth of six inches on stiffish land is the most productive: but if the soil be of a lighter and freer sort, it is probable nine inches, or more, would yield best, because the moisture necessary for vegetation lays deeper in that sort than \n a mo^e retentive soil. The following is a comparative view of the effects of the ma- nures : shewing the total produce in pounds. TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 21 Founds. 1st. The guana :* or, sea-fowl dung- at 35 bushels per acre, yielded - - 639 2d. Horse dung litter at 35 cart loads or 420 bushels per acre, yielded _ _ _ q26 3d. Hog's dung litter, at 35 cart loads, or 420 bushels per acre, yielded _ _ _ 534 4th. No manure - - - - 446 Total pounds - 2245 * The guana or sea-fowl dung, which is found in considerable quantities upon Egg Island, was first recommended to my notice by the Right Honourable Sir Joseph Banks, President of the Royal Society. " It furnishes," says he, " the loading of an immense " number of vessels that are constantly employed in bringing it from small islands, to the " main land on the western coast of South America, where it is sold and distributed for " the purpose of manure ; which it answers, in a degree, infinitely superior to any other " article we have the knowledge of. — A handful is considered as sufficient for several " square yards of land, the produce of which is exuberant, in consequence of the force of " this amplication." The accuracy of this valuable communication has been most amply confirmed by my experiments in the culture of potatoes, as well as upon grass lands. Thirty-five bushels of the guana, or tliree eart loads per acre, appear to n]e, equivalent in efifect, to seventy loads of good rot-dung. I should imagine that abundance of this most valuable manure might be liad from many of the rocks and islands on the coasts of Scotland. The efifect of the guana upon grass land is comparatively greater than in the potatoe experiments. — From what cause this proceeds it may be difficult to explain : but as Dr. Priestley found, by exp feet and 7 inches ; others are fmui 5 to 3 feet, and even less, differing in size according to the soil in which they are planted. These girts were taken at 4 feet above the ground. One of those trees was blown down in February last. It has since been used for various purposes. The first 7 feet above ground squared to 13 inches ; the whole ol the stem measured 146 superficial feet, and the large hranches contained 47 ; making the total from one single tree, 193 ieet superficial. The smaller branches yielded a considerable q- antity ot fuel. The timber is of a very superior quality : it differs materially from either the Memel, or the American fir, being of a closer TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, «&c. 33 grain, beautifully veined, and resembling in some degree, a pale mahogany. It appears, by the printed laws and ordinances, that the im- portance of planting trees has been often, during the last century, strongly pressed upon the landholders by the Court of Directors: but leaving what is past, and looking forward to the next five and twenty years, it may be useful to take a view of the invalu- able benefits which might be conferred on this denuded island, l)y a due attention to the orders of the Company ; and above all by forming plantations of pineasters, particularly on the leeward sides of the mountains, and other parts in the interior of the island, where, on account of a greater moisture, and a cooler atmosphere, it may be expected they would produce even larger timber than in the vicinity of Plantation-house. As Governor Roberts's directions on the 31st May, 1709, (which require the distance from one tree to another not to exceed seven feet, or at the rate of 888 trees to an acre) are difl^erent from the practice of the present time: it may be proper in this place, to say a few words upon the number of trees that should be planted on an acre. In the Transactions of the Society of Arts, Vol. XXVI. there is an account of Dr. A. Bain's plantations in Dorsetshire, of 338,199 forest trees, upon 250 acres of poor land. He allotted 2000 to each acre. His plantations are of a mixed sort, consisting of 289,555 Scotch firs ; 4362 oaks ; 12,290 larch ; Spanish chestnut 5647; spruce 3450; ash 11,050; pineasterl900; sycamore 4050; birch 1700; and hazel 4195. The Scotch firs and pineasters succeed far better than any of the other trees. The same number of trees to an acre has been also allotted in the Duke of Portland's plantations in England ; where trees of various sizes are placed in an irregular manner. And Mr. F 34 TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. Nicol remarks, in his Treatise on Planting, that " h* who plants " too thin, with the idea of saving trouble in thinning, deviates " as widely from the right path, as he who thins none at all." Relying, therefore, upon established practice, and such good authority it seems advisable to plant trees at the rate of 2000 to an acre ; which is something less than five feet asunder. The thinning of the plantations would, in a few years, well repay the trouble, by the ample supplies of fuel they would produce ; and by leaving the choicest trees to attain their full growth, they would, m the course of 20 or 25 years, be of very great value in affording excellent timber upon the farms, either for sale, or for the purpose of erecting buildings. Let us now suppose the possibility of forming plantations of pineasters, upon 600 acres of the St. Helena mountains ; and that 2000 trees are planted upon each acre, and of which 500 timber trees shall be produced, (four or five and twenty years hence) from each acre, or in all 300,000 timber trees. Suppose also that the average superficial feet in each of those timber trees, to be no more than 150 feet, which, from 300,000 trees, would be 45,000,000 superficial feet ; and rated at 4d. (the recent price of imported American timber) wouW be, in value, seven hundred and fifty thousand pounds. This is at the rate of no more than 50 shillings for each timber tree, exclusive of vast quantities of fuel from the thinning of the plantations, and from the lopping of the timber trees at the time they are cut down. In regard to the Mimosa Myrtifolia, or Botany-bay willow, there are at Plantation-house several young trees that were raised from seed sown on the 20th January, 1810, and afterwards trans- planted. The largest is 9 or 10 feet high, a beautiful shrub now in blossom, and covering a space of about 8 feet in diameter. This sort of Mimosa attains the height of 20 to 25 feet. TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 3.5 It produces annually an immense number of long pods full of seed ; so that it might nt»t only be propagated to any extent, but as the seed is greedily devoured by rats, it may be presumed that its general culture would be highly beneficial, both in speedily raising fuel, as in contributing to the support of poultry, hogs, and other live stock. I have tried it with poultry who seem to relish it equally as other grain. I hope that these hints will be duly considered, and that they may tend to excite a spirit of emulation in planting trees, which no doubt might be greatly promoted if premiums were offered by the Court of Directors, to every landholder, who shall have growing, in a thriving state, 20 or 25,000 trees. 22dJuly, 1811. 36 TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. SECTION VII. On Potatoes — two Crops in the Year — extensive Culture recommended — solid Nourishment of, compared with Flour — Culture of Corn recom- mended as a green or dry Fodder for Cattle— former heavy Losses in Cattle ascribed to improvident management — Notices of dry Seasons, and Losses in Cattle, from the year 1724 to 1792. — Seasons of Drought produced by the Operation of some general Cause — severe Drought at St. Helena in 1791-2 pervaded the Peninsula of India ; and felt at Mont^ serrat in the West Indies, " Leek to tlie Welsh, to Dutchmen Butter's dear, Of Irish swains Potatob is the cheer." Gay. iJocTOR Adam Smith, in his Wealth of Nations, observes, that, " the chairmen, porters, and coal-heavers in London, and those " unfortunate women who live by prostitution, the strongest " men, and the most beautiful women perhaps in the British " dominions, are said to be, the greater part of them, from the " lowest rank of people in Ireland, who are generally fed with *' Potatoes. No food can afford a more decisive proof of its nou- " rishing quality, or of its being peculiarly suitable, to the health " of the human constitution." If this able writer had visited St. Helena, or had been aware of the practice of raising two crops a year from the same land, or of producing 36,000 pounds o( Potatoes annually from an acre, without manure, which Colonel Broughton has found to be the average of his crops at Long Wood, which is by no means ihe richest land here, it would have afforded him even a much greater contrast, and a more forcible comparison than he has drawn TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 37 between the produce of an acre of Po^a^oe* and an acre of Wheat in England. The former he rates at only twelve thousand pounds weight; the latter at two thousand, and allowing " half the " weight of Potatoes, to go to water, (a very large allowance)," he infers that " one acre of Potatoes producing 6000 weight of " solid nourishment, is equal to three times the quantity pro- " duced from an acre of Wheat." It is evident therefore, that the same train of argument applied to this island, would make the annual produce of one acre of Potatoes, in solid nourishment, equal to nine acres of Wheat in England. From the peculiar advantages which St. Helena enjoys in the extraordinary produce, as well as in the excellent quality of this invaluable root, it is evident that the extensive culture of Potatoes, is deserving the utmost attention, not merely as a food for man but for cattle and live stock of all kinds. The imports of flour, rice and paddy, and of salted meat, might thus be diminished, the island might easily be made to abound with every necessary of life, which is assuredly the best mode of depressing the present exorbitant prices ; and the diminution of those wants which are obtained from other countries, would no doubt, have the effect of retaining, amongst the cultivators of the soil, a very great pro- portion of the sums that are annually paid for foreign supplies. The annual consumption of flour is about 1600 barrels, which would cost in England, including the barrels, according to the invoice per Walmer Castle in 1807, ^8674. If freight and charges be added at £5. per ton, and rating six barrels to a ton, this would be 266 tons, or i:i330, making the total cost of 1600 barrels of flour, when landed here, ,£10,004. Now from what has been said, and following Doctor Adam Smith's deductions, I will proceed to shew that an equal (quantity 38 TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. of the " solid noiirisliment" contained in 1600 barrels of flour might be obtained in Potatoes, from thirty-three acres of this island, and admitting the rent, and the labour in cultivating the two crops annually, at even 30 pounds per acre, which is a very large sum, and particularly when the plough management is introduced, that for nine hundred and ninety pounds sterling, there might be raised of wholesome nourishing food, a substitute or equivalent, for what costs when brought to this island, more than ten thousand pounds sterling ! Sixteen hundred casks of flour, at 370 pounds each, contain 692,000 pounds, and thirty- three acres oi Potatoes at 36,000 pounds per annum, would be 1,188,000, the half of which being 594,000 pounds, is " the solid nourishment," according to Doctor Adam Smith : which is even more than that contained in the above number of casks of flour. Mr. Parmentier found, from a number of experiments, that good bread might be made from equal quantities of flour and potatoes. No doubt, two thirds of flour to one third of potatoes would be better : and some of this sort made here by a neighbour who well understands the comforts and good things of this life, was superior to any bread I ever tasted on this island. I would recommend a trial to the St. Helena bakers ; they would find by this mixture that the bread has a fresher taste, and that it has the property of keeping better than that which is made of the flour imported from England : besides, by making flour go farther, they could aftbrd to dispose of bread at a cheaper rate than that made wholly from flour. I trust that these remarks will stimulate our landholders to their own interests, and that we shall soon have at least an hundred acres of potatoes added to the present cultivation. By this I do not mean to exclude the use of flour, but I am fully persuaded, that the advantage and convenience arising even from this addition in TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. .39 feeding man and livestock, would soon lead to a more extensive culture. In a year or two the inhabitants would thus become far less dependent on foreign imports ; and the potatoe culture upon an enlarged scale, would also enable the landholders to give a portion to their cattle, at those times when they are much reduced by the impoverished state of the pastures ; by this the lives of many might be saved during an unfavourable season. But the more effectually to guard against the fatal consequences that may justly be apprehended from a dry season, under the present management of cattle, I cannot too strongly recommend the expediency of alternate crops of potatoes and corn : the latter might be raised as at the Cape of Good Hope, either as a dry or green fodder ; and of which there might always be a certain supply particularly when the rains have only partially failed : this was most clearly proved in February and November, 1810, as will appear from what is stated in page 28* of the printed Laws and Ordinances, and in pages 51 f and 76% of the Goat papers. Further advantages would result from the alternate crops of potatoes and corn, since they would preserve the lands in good heart ; and if some attention were paid to manuring, it would prevent them being exhausted, and becoming unprofitable, which they often have been by continually repeating the potatoe crops. It is, moreover, the opinion of eminent agriculturists * February 28th, 1810. " The Wheat sown on the 9th of November is now in full " ear; the grass at present is much burnt up. Fodder of Wheat, Barley, or Oats, " would be very serviceable. ' t " The Guinea Grass is likely to do wonders here : some looked green and beau- " tiful during some very dry weatlier, which burnt up all the grass around it." J " On the 29th of November 1810, it was ascertained, that one acre of Green Oats, " yielded at this season of the year more nourishment for Cattle, than any one " HUNDRED acres of the Long Wood pastures." 40 TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c, that such a rotation would, in a great measure, secure potatoes against the ravages of the caterpillar. Wha|; eminent advantages does the whole of this easy system of management hold out ! I am firmly resolved to pursue it ; for I have often seriously reflected on the great losses that have been sustained here by the planters. I have endeavoured to discover the causes, which I cannot but ascribe, almost entirely, to impro- vident management. No care whatever is taken to guard against evils similar to what have frequently visited this remote spot on the globe. In 1738 the planters lost 555 head of cattle, and the Company 132. The total number that perished at that time, from the extreme dryness of the weather, was 687. This is a dreadful warning. What a blow would such a season give to the landholders of the present day ! For there is absolutely not the smallest precaution taken to avert it. I cannot behold this pic- ture without apprehension ; for the value of the number of cattle that died in 1738, (and a far greater number in 1791 and 1792) at the present market price, may be fairly rated at 6 to 8000 pounds, sterling. To excite a serious attention in the minds of the landholders, who have almost the whole of their property in cattle, and more strongly to impress them with the dreadful consequences of trust- ing wholly to pasture lands, and in the hope also they will pay some attention to the facts and hints I now set before them, I shall conclude these remarks with a brief statement of every notice I can find on record, that relates to the visitations of unfavourable seasons, and to the calamities which have been experienced by preceding generations. TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 41 Notices re Estimated June 21 62 117 58 3d Ditto . J Aug. 22 3G 8 107 4 106 6 4th Ditto Oct. 22 45 123 72 5th Ditto Dec. 22 62 117 8 58 8 6th Ditto 1810. March 23 38 62 37 3 7th Ditto May 23 SI 126 114 8th Ditto July 24 29 72 37 9th Ditto Sept. 22 36 79 65 loth Ditto Nov. 22 36 59 32 11th Ditto 507 8 1092 12 758 1 Totals —167th — 269th —454th Proportions of an Acre 84752 293949 344 160 Acrealile Prodi ice in lbs. 38 131 153 Ditto in Tons. The plants were placed in rows, two feet asunder, in a blackish stiff soil ; and at the distance of one foot in the rows. An acre planted in this manner would contain 21780 plants ; 48 plants are tlierefore very nearly (as entered in the Table) the 454th part of an acre ; because 48 x 454 = 21792. In the same manner the other proportions are deduced. Oi>>;erving the protiuce in leaves had diminished at the last three cuttings, and that they had also been much infested with caterpillars since ihey began to decline, I had the roots taken up on the 17th Jauuary 1811. From the 22d November to that time the growth of the leaves was inconsiderable ; they were. lbs. lbs. ll)S 2358 : 1196 : : 507 2358 : 1196 :: 1093 2358 : 1196 :: 753 TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 63 however, cut off <;Iose to the crowns, and the whole, after being- pruned of the small fibres, weiiijhed 1196 pounds. As the roots of the experiment lots were not separately weighed, I deduce their respective produce in the following manner. As the total weight of the leaves. Is to the total weight of the roots ; So is the weight of the leaves from each experiment, To its proportion of the roots. Then, lbs. 257 no manure. 554 J Hog's dung and ashes 384^ Guana, or sea-fowl dung. These results being reduced to acreable produce, in the same manner as the leaves in the preceding Table, will be as follows ; No manure, 257lbs. x 167th = 42919lbs. or 19^ tons of roots per acre. Hog's dung and ashes, 554ilbs. x 269th = 1491601bs. or 66^ tons of roots per acre. Guana, or sea-fowl dung, 384|^lbs. x 454th = 1 745631 bs. or 77| tons of roots per acre. Now, the acreable produce in leaves and roots from each ex- periment will stand thus ; Leaves Roots ^b^a/ acreable ] ~ 7~ Produce of the Acreable Acreable ;„„ „ ' , ,„ T> 1 n 1 „» leaves Is roots. Produce. Produce. ' No manure - - 38 tons -|- 19^ tons=^ 57^ tons Hog's dung and ashes 131 ^m^ =197i Guana, or sea-fowl dung ]53| +77| =231 These results are manifest proofs of the great benefit of ma- nuring the lands They likewise shew the surprising efiiect of the Guana, from which it may be inferred, that 35 bushels of this manure are equivalent to 35 loads of hog's dung and ashes ; or, 54 TRACTS ON VAR[OUS SUBJECTS, ^c. or in other words, that one bushel of the former is, in eifect, equal to twelve bushels of the latter. The fluctuations that were found, at the periods of cutting the leaves, in the effects of these two manures, are rather remarkable, and not easily to be accounted for. The general effect of the Guana, during the whole period from the 21st June 1809, was superior to the hog's dung. Yet this last, on six occasions, ex- ceeded the others : but as this and other comparisons, may be made, and a variety of deductions may occur, upon inspecting the following Table, it would be superfluous to add any particu- lar observations. TABLE 11. — Shewing the Produce of Forty-eight Plants of each Experi- ment, and the Fluctuatiom in the Produce of Leaves, at the Periods of Cutting. Leaves of Leaves of Leaves of 48 plants. 48 plants. 8 plants. Dates of Cutting. \o manure Hog's-dung and ashes. Sea-fowl dung. 1809. lbs. lbs. lbs. February 24 April S 13 16 C3 73 106 72 1st Cutting 1 2d Ditto i- Estimated June - 21 23 70 5S 3d Ditto J August 22 13i 63| 1061 4th Ditto Octoher 22 m 7si 72 5th Ditto December 22 23 70 58i 6th Ditto 1810. March 23 May - 23 14i 29i 361 7-H 37 114 7th Dittos months growth. 8th Ditto July - 24 io| 42 37 9th Ditto Sept. - 22 13 46i 65 10th Ditto Nov. - 22 m 35 32 11th Ditto Produce lS6i 648 i 758 1 in 22 months and 19 days Multiply by the 1 proportion of i 154th. 454th 454th 48 plants to an acre. Pounds. 84671 29430'. .344160 acreuble produce of leaves. As these products correspoud as nearly as could be expected, with those computed from three different proportions of an acre, TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 55 in Table I. — it is a proof there can be no material errors in the calculations. When the roots were taken iip, on the 17th of January last, very few of them were in a decayed state; some had rotted in the centre: but, in general, they were sound and good; not- withstanding they had remained above two years in the soil ; that is, from the period of sowing the seed. The four largest roots weighed as follows : No. ] __---- 28 pounds. 2 ------11 ditto. 3 ------19 ditto. 4 ------ 20 ditto. Having thus detailed these experiments, I shall now pi-oceed to offer a few remarks, which will shew the important benefits that might soon be derived from a general, and extensive culture of this excellent vegetable. It certainly possesses advantages over every other plant hitherto introduced in field culture. — Its produce is immense, and I have found it to grow, with considerable luxuriance, upon land where no other vegetation was ever seen.* It has also the singular * This was determined by an experiment I made soon after my arrival here. I selected a barren ridge, between two deep ravines, on the north-west side of High Knoll. From its situation and declining surface, no moisture could be retained. On tlie 27th August 1808 it was trenched, and on the following day sown with sixteen different sorts of seed, so that it had not the advantage of the meliorating effects that might have been derived from exposure to tiie air and atmosphere. For a long time there was no appearance of vege- tation ; at lengtJj, in the beginning of April, 1809, seven months after sowing, and when it had been soaked by tlie rains, I observed the drill of mangel wurzel one connected line of fine thriving plants : the fifteen rows of other seeds, excepting a few of the rape, iiad not vegetated. This is a positive proof that mangel wurzel would grow in almost any soil or situation. The seeds which were sown at the same time as the mangel wurzel, were coffee, cotton, wheat, barley, oats, peas, buck wheat, spring tares, lucerne, burnet, sanfoin, silla, chicory, rape, and sunflower — Not a plant of any of these, except the rape, which soon after died, ever appeared. 56 TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. property of being- unmolested by an insect (I believe the dolphin fly) which is here extremely destructive to cabbages, turnips, and radishes. I have very often observed, where alternate plants of cabbage and mangel wurzel were growing in the same rows, and touching each other, that whilst the former were absolutely anni- hilated by that destructive insect ; not one was to be seen on the mangel wurzel leaves. This extraordinary circumstance seems to favour Lord Bacon's notions (however much they have been exploded) that some insects " breedeth of dew and leaves in " spring ; and commonly when the East winds have much " blown — the cause whereof is, the dryness of that wind ; for, to " all vivi/ication upon putrefaction, it is requisite the matter be " not too moist." But, whatever may be the origin of those insects, it is of little consequence to the present subject. I have merely stated a fact, which may possibly attract notice, and may be of some use to those who are engaged in the contemplation of matters of this nature. The mangel wurzel, when fairly established in the soil (which, like every other crop upon an extensive scale, ought to be just before the expected rains in January and February, or in July and August), will soon acquire such vigour as to become almost independent of rain : for having a tap root, penetrating 12 to 18 inches, or more, into the soil, it will always find sufficient mois- ture, at that depth, for carrying on the process of vegetation. In the course of five or six months, from the seed, if sown or planted in good soil, three cuttings of the leaves may be obtained, which may average about three pounds from each plant ; and the roots will then have attained the weight of five to ten pounds each. AVherefore it seems to me, after every attention I have given this subject, that the most profitable culture would be to take three cuttings of the leaves, and at the third cutting, to dig up the roots: — the,se, as well as the leaves, afford a nutritious food for TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 5T cattle, sheep. Logs, &c. — The leaves are also an excellent substi- tute for spinage. It is very probable that a more abundant produce from mangel wurzel than appears in my experiments, might at all times be secured, if the lands were manured, and carefully prepared for its reception, and the proper seasons of sowing and planting at- tended to. In a piece of strong land, at Plantation-house, newly broken up, without being manured, some of the plants from seeds sown on tlie 3d of January, were set out on the 6th of February, 1809.— On the 11th of October following, I sent on board His Majesty's ship Li)n, fifty of those plants, which were the finest I had ever seen. The following were the weights and circumfe- rences of the five largest : Weight of the whole plant. lb. oz. No. 1 41 3 1 6 14 At Long Wood, Colonel Broughton has lately taken up some very fine specimens from land that was not manured : they were of six months growth from the seed — the leaves had been cut twice. Many of the roots weighed from six to ten pounds each : but admitting even the lowest of these rates, and allowing one pound of leaves at each cutting, the produce would be eight pounds from each plant ; which, at 20,000 plants to an acre, would be 160,000 pounds, or about 70 tons per acre, of nutritious food for cattle, in the short period of five or six months from the time of sowing the seed. Can any thing place the importance of the culture of mangel wurzel in a more obvious point of view than this deduction ? I 1 41 2 39 3 39 4 38 5 37 Ch rcumferetice of the roots ft. in. 2 1 1 9 1 10 2 1 11 58 TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. But the largest plant that has yet been produced here, is one I sent to England, with several others, in July, 1810. — It was raised from seed, put in the ground on the 3d of March, and transplanted to land newly broken up, on the first of May, 1809 ; when it was taken up in July (that is, at sixteen months from the period of sowing) the circumference of the crown of the root measured 37 inches. It had about twenty strong horizontal branches, two or three inches in diameter. — The leaves and small ends of those branches were cut off, and weighed 52 pounds. The root afid remaining parts of the branches on it, in the state it was sent to England, weighed 63 pounds. — In all, the vieight of this one plant, from unmanured land, was 115 pounds. I have been since informed it was by far the largest of the kind ever seen in England. \bth October, 1811. TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 59 SECTION XI. On naked Barley, or Barley Wheat — Report and Opinions of Warren Hastings Esq. , and of Sir Hugh Inglis, on the Utility and Importance of this valuable Corn — Singular Account of its Introduction at St. Helena. In this island, where the intemperate use of spirits had raged for more tlian a century, and where now the breweries are successfully established, and a change introduced, from which the most salu- tary effects have already resulted, upon the character and conduct of the garrison, the blacks, and others, by the substitution of wholesome beer for an abominable and deleterious Indian spirit, that had cost the Company more in the lives of their soldiers than all the revenue supposed to have been derived from it — it is undoubtedly of much importance, in the present pursuits in agriculture, to be informed of the very best sort of barley for malting. In the sixth volume, part 2, of the Communications to the Board of Agriculture, that distinguished character, Warren Hast- ings Esq. ; writes to the President of the Board, " that he has cultivated naked barley, about twelve years ; having received the first seeds of it from Mr. Pacey, an eminent farmer in Glou- cestershire, under the name of black barley ; though, from its resemblance to wheat, he would rather have called it barley wheat; but he adopted the name of the head of the communica- tion, out of deference to the Board of Agriculture. The onginal stock was 53 grains, which were sown in the fruit garden, and the first record of its produce was 10^^ busliels in 1799, which had increased to 36 bushels in the following year, since which 12 60 TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. time it has been sown instead of common barley. The quality of the grain is asserted not to have degenerated, but the assertion is made in 1809, with a confidence something abated from that of the preceding year ; and the only change of soil has been from the higher to the lower lands, and vice versa, on the domain at Dayelsford. It was sown at the same seasons with other barley, but no trial to ascertain the relative quantity of produce has been made with any satisfactory result ; but in 1805 it was believed to be rather superior. The straw is said to be as good, if not better, for cattle, than that of common barley, and the weight of an equal measure to exceed in the proportion of 5 to 4 ; and as an exhausting plant it is not deemed worse than coinmon barley r and all the grasses are found to thrive well under it. Naked barley has not found a purchaser when offered in market, but Mr. Hastings cultivates it for the sole purpose of converting it into malt, for which he considers it particularly adapted, as he has seldom known one grain to be defective in vegetation at the malt-house. The writer concludes by expressing his decided conviction of the great utility and importance of the grain, and declares his intention of extending his culture of it beyond the quantity' re- quired for his own use, that the surplus may be for sale at the disposal of the Board. He considers it to be the corn, which, next to rice, gives the greatest weight of flour per acre, and it may be eaten with no other preparation than that of boiling, and requires little or no dressing at the mill, having no husk, and consequently producing no bran." The superiority of this kind of barley has been further extolled in some observations that follow the prece6 grains in an ear, 29th.— Approaching to ripeness — Canary birds so greedily de- vour it, that we are obliged to cover the bed with nets. Dec. 28th. — The ears were collected, some were bearded, and others were without beards — I concluded at this time they were of different species — and accordingly separated the plain from the bearded grains. Two ears of the bearded sort yielded 138 barley ] Grains. , . , • , 1 ^8|^Aps. weight, corns, which weighed - - j 2 r o Two ears plain, containing 109 barley corns, 1 . , J f5H ditto, weighed - - - J Total weight of the produce of 4 ears 100 Average weight of 100 barley corns - 40^ grains. The total quantity saved of both kinds, was 2850 barley corns, which I have since ascertained would fill three common sized wine glasses. TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 63 From this fresh seed I hoped to establish a sufficient quantity for extensive cultivation : and I have not been disappointed. I accordingly prepared a spot in the garden, measuring 108 links by 37, or about the 25th part of an acre. It was marked out in rows 12 inches asunder, and the seed dibbled three inches deep at 9 inches apart in the row. The number of dibble holes was 2280; but as 570 holes had two seeds in each, the number of grains dibbled was 2850 : the following is the result. 1811. March 16th. — Dibbled 2850 grains of barley Avheat in 2280 holes, of which 570 had two seeds. 21st. — Plants appeared. 31st. — -Promising crop. May 15th. — Remarkably exuberant. 26th. — Some in ear. June 4th. — Many in ear. 9th. — Almost all in ear, a very fine crop. July 25th. — Nearly ripe. 28th. — No difference between the produce of the plain and bearded seed. In each there are some with beards and some plain. The beards fall off as the crop ripens. 29th. — Cut the crop. Produce 135 pounds from the 25th part of an acre, is at the rate of 56^ bushels, at 60 pounds per acre. On the 3d of August this small quantity was spread over about four acres and ploughed in. It is now a strong and exuberant crop, full in ear, and promises a very abundant produce, even more than sufficient to sow all the cultivated lands at present on this island. Justice indeed has not been done to any of these experiments ; they have all been too late in sowing. If the first had been sown about the end of June, 1810, the second about the end of December, and the last, now in the ground, in the end of June, 64 TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. they would all liave had the full benefit of the rainy seasons, and a better produce might have been expected. To these seed times I shall, in future, pay the strictest attention ; having seen numerous instances of the bad effects of being too late in putting plants, or seeds, in the ground. Barley wheat is of a darker hue than wheat in general : the grains are smaller; and its relative weight with other corn appears by the following comparison : Weight of 100 Grains of Englisli Seed. Weight of 100 Grains of St. Helena produce. Wheat Hexagonal Barley Barley Wheat Hexaa:on;il Barley ()5 grains Apoth. weight 62 aitto 47? ditto 7li at Plantation-house *50i- second crop 7Si at Long Wood 1 have already stated, that the produce from 2280 dibble holes weighed 135 pounds (or 2160 ounces) ; this being the -^^^ part of an ounce, is very nearly one ounce from one seed. Very different from this was the result of Mr. Arthur Young's experiment in the year 1791, with common barley ; he found that 9|- seed grains produced no more than an ounce, whereas in my second experiment 9^ seed grains of barley wheat must have given 7to ounces, or about seven times the weight yielded from common barley. An acre dibbled in rows, in the same manner as my second experiment, would contain 58,080 holes ; wherefore, if 2280 holes yielded 2160 ounces, an acre would have produced 55,900 ounces ; or 3494 pounds avoirdnpoise. Let us now compare this produce with Mr. Young's experiment above alluded to. On the 25th of April, 1791, he dibbled 198 grains of four rowed * 100 grains of tlie first crop weighed only 40f . TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 65 barley, one seed in each hole. On the 29th of September •' he reaped them ; and, clipping off the ears," weighed them ; the produce was 20^ ounces. He does not state whether this be the weight of the ears, or of the clean grain : but, afterwards, he infers that 9j grains of seed produced one ounce of corn. Hence, it follows, if 198 seed grains gave 20^ ounces, 58,080 would produce 6013 ounces, or 376 pounds. — Thus we find that the weight of my produce, from an acre of barley wheat at St. Helena (being at the rate of 3494 pounds) ; is about nine times the weight of that of common barley, according to Mr. Young. But, quitting these minutiae, I will take a more enlarged view of these comparisons, and proceed by a different mode of inves- tigation. The average acreable produce of common barley in England, according to Mr. Donaldson, is about 30 bushels: but rating it 40, and the medium weight of a bushel, at 48 pounds ; this average produce will be no more than 1920 pounds; or 1574 pounds less, in iveight, than from the second barley wheat experiment. In short, whether we consider the comparatively small quantity of barley wheat seed required to sow an acre, its more weighty produce than common barley, its naked, instead of husky grains, and its equality with other barley, in the produce of straw ; and, if these circumstances are combined with Mr. Hastings's opinions on the various uses to which barley wheat may be applied ; it seems to be, in every respect, infinitely superior to the common sorts of barley. It is probable too, from its near resemblance to wheat, that it may yield a flour superior to that from common barley ; and although this is a point which has hitherto not been ascertained ; yet from what is already known of the barley wheat, it certainly bids fair to become an invaluable corn on this island. K 66 TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. By the comparisons of the weights of English seed, with that produced from the first and second St. Helena crops, it has been seen that the second crop yielded heavier and larger corn than the English, in the proportion of 47^ to 50^, and that the first crop, gave only 40j grains weight to the 100 barley-corns. Further trials may determine in wliat respects the barley wheat may be affected here by the climate and soil ; for having beheld so extraordinary a change, as has taken place in the quality of fir timber, (to a resemblance of pale mahogany) from pineaster trees raised from English seed, who can tell bnt other vegetable productions may likewise undergo (though less perceptibly) a similar change ? In the weight of common barley, I have stated that the St. Helena produce has been found more weighty than the seed from which it was raised ; and the following notes will prove that it maintains this superiority. 1809. March 14th. — 100 English barley-corns weighed 62 grs. 100 St. Helena ditto - 71^ Difference - 9y The above were kept in a dry place, and again weighed nine- teen months afterwards. 1810. Nov. 1st. — 100 English barley corns weighed 61 grs. 100 St. Helena, ditto - . 69 Difference - 8 Barley wheat is therefore in every point of view, a grain that merits the attention of all our cultivators ; for by common industry it might be raised in sufficient quantity to supply the island breweries, by which, those sums tliat are now remitted to England (from i:6000. to c£8000. annually for malt,) might be retained here and participated among the landholders. Surely persons who duly reflect on these important facts, and who com- TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 67 pare the magnitude of the prospects that the extension of agri- culture holds out, with the small supplies annually furnished to the shipping, must be convinced, that the present system of limited cultivation is a bad one ; and that the profits that are received from the lands of St. Helena, are trivial indeed in com- parison with those that are attainable. November, 1811. 68 TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. SECTION XII. On clearing Lands of Grubs — Detail of a Set of Experiments, by which is -ascertained an effectual Mode of clearing Lands of those destructive Insects. 1 HE suggestions of an anonymous writer for clearing land of grubs, which appeared in the Register for February last, have induced me to try the effect of what is recommended, by a set of experiments ; and as the result has been completely successful, the following account will, I conceive, be gratifying to every agriculturist. The oljjects of my experiments were to imitate a clean summer fallow ; and to contrast it with land newly broken up, and having upon it young crops, for the sustenance and nourishment of that destructive insect. With this view, I prepared four large boxes, with ledges of wood overlapping the insides of the upper edges, in such a manner that the grubs could not escape. These boxes, placed in the open air, were nearly filled with soil, taken from a field lately broken up, where those insects abounded, and had totidly destroyed a fine crop of oats after it had grown to the height of 6 to 8 inches. The soil was carefully sifted, and every grub taken out, before it was put in the boxes. Two dozen grubs, of different sizes ("from about an inch and a half in length, to half an inch) were then allotted to each box. Those in No. 1, were fed daily with fresh leaves of mangel wurzel ; No. 2, with potatoes and potatoe haulm ; No. 3 and 4, represented a clean fallow, without a TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 6U particle of vesetable substance remaining ; the only difference was, that No. 4 was occasionally watered. It was on the 10th of September last, that twenty-four grubs were put into each of the boxes; on the 14th, I examined them as follows : No. 1. — Grubs fat and lively. No. 2.— Ditto ditto No. 3. — Some grubs dead, others of a blackish colour ; thin and sickly. No. 4. — The same as No. 3. On the 17th, I again examined them. No. 1 . — Some as healthy and vigorous as at the time they were put in the box. No. 2. — Some healthy ; but in general fallen off. No. 3. — Some dead ; the rest miserably thin and shrivelled ; and of a darker colour. No. 4. — Some dead ; but in general better than No. 3. On the 23d of September, observing in No. 1 a ball of clay, about the size and shape of a small walnut, and not knowing what it was, I broke it, and accidentally destroyed a chrysalis, the inside of which was filled with a liquid resembling cream. I afterwards found that it is in this manner the grubs surround themselves with soil when they begin to perceive the approaches of transformation. On the 1st of October, the grubs fed in boxes. No. 1, and 2, were still rat and thriving; but in the starvation boxes very few remained alive. On the 13th of October, a chrysalis had been formed in box No 2 : there might have been more ; fori did not, until the 23d, empty the boxes, in order to ascertain the state of the grubs. On that day it was as follows: TO TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. No 1, contained 18 lively clnysalids, and 12 healthy grubs : these are six more than were put in the box. This increase I con- ceive to have been occasioned, either from some extremely small grubs in the soil having escaped notice, or from eggs having been hatched after the experiments were begun. No. 2, contained 16 chrysalids and 6 strong fat grubs : two must have died. No. 3, contained a single chrysalis. — This possibly proceeded from one of the grubs, at the time it was put in, being in readi- ness for transformation ; and consequently it escaped the fate of every other that was put in that box. No. 4. In this box not a grub or chrysalis was to be found, all had perished ; not even their remains were to be discerned. I think it therefore probable that the wood-lice (oniscus armadilla), which were found in great numbers, particularly in No. 3 and 4, had devoured the bodies of the dead grubs. After the examination on the 23d of October, the grubs and chrysalids belonging to No. 1 and 2 were replaced in their respective boxes, and four young mangel wurzel plants were set in each, and watered. On the morning of the following day the plants in No. 1 and 2 were all destroyed : whilst those in No. 3 and 4 are still in a thriving condition. On the 30th of October, one of the chrysalids taken from box No. 1, and put into a glass, covered with thin gauze, produced a grey moth. I have been induced to give this minute detail of the experi- ments, as I think it may convey some useful information upon a subject that is interesting to agriculturists ; for I remark, in a late publication, wherein several modes for the extirpation of the grub are pointed out, that the author concludes with this observation. " But notwithstanding these judicious remarks, much still TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 71 " remains to be done, in order to perfect onr knowledije of the " nature and modes of destroyinsj;- these very destructive insects." — Farmer's Dictionary , see Grub. The preceding- detail undoubtedly affords a striking proof of a clean fallow being one of the uiost etiectual modes of clearing lands of the grub. It was, indeed, reasonable to suppose it would be so ; because, if no vegetable substance remain in the soil, for the sustenance of so voracious a creature— whether he be newly hatched by the summer heats, or arrived at full growth, it seemed, at least probable, tliat he must infallibly perish. Every one can judge whether or not this fact has not now been clearly established. In the first stage of these experiments I was, for a short time, apprehensive that the plan recommended by the anonymous wri- ter might not succeed ; because I observed that some of the grubs, that were put up in paper, had discharged a considerable quantity of earthy substance. It seems therefore probable, that (like worms) the grubs, in some degree, subsist upon earth ; but the results have shewn that they cannot possibly exist, even for a few weeks, without vegetable food. A prolonged, or a repeated fallow would, no doubt, be more efficacious than the short period of my experiments. This should be given in warm and dry weather ; for it is then the eggs, depo- sited by moths, bring forth the young grubs. — Upon these too, in tlieir tender state, the effect would be more speedy than upon grubs tliat are arrived at full growth. In this stage they are ex- tremely tenacious of life. I have seen them survive, for half a minute, upon ashes so hot that my fingers were burnt in a few seconds. I have kept some i n a strong solution of tobacco — others in a solution of alkali, and found them alive, after being twelve hours in these steeps. The common roller has no effect upon 72 TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. them ; yet I think the spiky roller would be a means of destroy- ing them. The grubs, on which my experiments were made, are, when full grown, about an inch and half long, and a quarter of an inch in diameter. — They are of a bluish colour, and of the moth tribe. This was ascertained by laying their chrysalids upon soil, in a glass covered with thin gause. I have already stated, that on the 30th of October, the second and final transformation took place: the grey moth that was produced measured seven-eighths of an inch in length. — It had two large dim eyes, very near to its mouth, and a feathered like top on its head, lesembling , each . 5 to 8 1 12 to 2 2 Geese, each - 6 1 1 to 1 5 Ducks and Fowls, each 1 6 to 2 7 6 to 12 86 TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. the planters, that there can be any balance at the end of the year in favour of the farms. That this must be the fact, appears from a view of the annual purchase of provisions from the stores. In 1809, i;'3540. was paid for beef and pork ; about i^oOOO. for flour ; and .£3000. for rice and paddy ; in all, ^111,540. (exclusive of spirits and other articles.) I have before stated that the ek- ported produce of the lands was only o£6346. Now, if the above sum of i;il,540. could be diverted into the hands of the planters, (and that it is possible, by means of com- mon industry, cannot be questioned) what an improvement would it make in their condition, as well as that of other individuals on this island ? But even much more than this might be done, by favouring- and encouraging agriculture. Every one admits that the soil in many places, is excellent ; and the climate is such, that the powers of vegetation seem never at rest. What then is wanting to make the lands productive but industry and a skilful direction of the labour of the island ? One hundred and twenty acres would furnish the island breweries with about 700 quarters of malt, which, according to an estimate in my posses- sion from one of the brewers, would cost, if imported from England, about 6 or ^7000. One hundred and thirty acres of wheat, rating the produce at 35 bushels per acre, would yield 4550 bushels, equivalent to 204,750 pounds of flower, and 68,250 pounds of pollards. The value of these at the English prices of what are sent here, may be fairly rated at o£4000. ; and, supposing that no more than 120,000 pounds of fresh pork were to be annually supplied to the garrison from the farms, this, at one shilling a pound for the dead weight, would be <£6000. and the whole of these sums would create an addition of .£28,040. to the present exported produce ; making a total of about .£34,000. a year, for products that might be in constant demand from the farms of St. TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 8T Helena whenever tliey shall be able to supply the articles above enumerated. Moreover, the quantity of straw produced from 250 acres of corn may be rated at 500 tons, which would not only be a valuable acquisition of fodder, but would also afford large quantities of manure for the improvement of the lands. For both these pur- poses it would be extremely valuable, where the price of hay has been from ,£10. to <£12. a ton. Here, I have supposed no more than 250 acres annually in the cultivation of corn. This is only one acre in twenty-four of the 6000 acres of free and lease lands, and could be no very arduous task to cultivate, if a proper spirit of industry were once excited amongst the Planters, and if the labour of their slaves and servants were properly directed. If lucerne, Guinea grass, silla, mangel wurzel, were added to the above supplies of corn, together with a more extensive culture of yams and potatoes, it must be evident that the greatest improve- ment might be expected, and that the whole together would soon render St. Helena abundantly productive of those neces- saries of life for which the inhabitants have been, during the last 60 or 70 years, almost wholly dependant on other countries, a dependence which has cost the Honourable Company many hundred thousand pounds ; whilst the planters, so far from having derived the smallest benefit, have lost sight of their real interests ; and by relying upon the certainty of provision, they naturally became less industrious, because the necessity of labour no longer existed. 20^/i September, 1810. 88 TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. SECTION XIV. Observatiotis upon the Rainy Seasons, from the year 1711 to 1811 — Notices on the Fall of heavy Rains, Jine Showers, and drizzling Rain, from the 1st of January, 1806, to the 31«^ December, 1811 — erroneous Notions upon the Effects of heavy Rains at St. Helena ; sometimes damage the lo%o Grounds, but ahvays favourable to cidtivated and pasture Lands. Abstract of the Fall of Rain from February 1811 to February 1812. It is generally believed by the oldest inhabitants of St. Helena, that rain of late years, has fallen in less quantity than in former times : and the cause is imputed to the diminution in the number of trees. This is no doubt a plausible conjecture; since it is admitted that trees have a power of attracting clouds, as well as moisture from the atmosphere : but whether any change has actually taken place is a point that cannot now be ascertained ; because there is no record whatever of the fall of rain. There are, however, upon the consultations, and in letters from the Governments of St. Helena to the Court of Directors, several passages that tend to throw some light on the periods at which the rainy seasons formerly set in, as well as some notices of unusual falls of heavy rain ; both during the seasons of rain, as well as in the dryest months of the year. The following are the passages and notices I have selected. 1711. January 23d. — " This is deemed the proper season for planting." 1714. November 12th.—" On the 3d February, 1713, the floods carried away part of the west curtain, and damaged other places," TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 89 1719. May 5th. — "Great floods descended from the hills; supposed to have been occasioned by a water spout." 1734. April 3d. — " At this time the rains have ceased." 1735. March 29th.—" We have had a good season : the rains set in on the 1st February." 1736. January 29th.—" The weather still continues very dry." 1737. January 27th. — " Our summer rains began on Christ- mas day." 1743. February 1st.—" The late rains have damaged the store house." 1747. April 11th. — " Unusual drought for several months past." 1753. August 27th. — " Great damage has been done by the late heavy rains." 1754. February 11th.—" Rupert's and Banks's fortifications have received damage by the late heavy rains." 1756. June 20th. — " A heavy fall of rain on the 19th instant did great damage." 1763. June 6th, — " Great damage to the fortifications, by the late violent rains. 1774. June 25th. — " The rains have done great damage to the fortifications at Sandy Bay." 1781. March 5th. — " The fortifications at Sandy Bay sustained great damage by the late rains. 1787. March 28th. — " The leeward defences suffered greatly by the floods." 1789. March 24th.— «' The late flood has damaged th^ forti- fications at Sandy Bay." 1797. April 27th. — " Great damage was done to the fortifi- cations by the floods." N 90 TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 1809, March 4tli. — Heavy rains that fell in the short space of one hour, damaged the road upon Ladder hill, overflowed the water course in James's Town, and damaged several houses. 1811. February 22d. — '• Heavy rains overflowed the water course in James's Town, and damaged some houses ; as well as some plantations in Sandy Bay." These passages will shew that the rainy seasons were expected, and usually set in much about the same periods as in later times ; that is in January, or February ; which are called " the summer rains," and in June and July " the winter rains." So far, therefore, as relates to the times of the rains setting in, there seems to have been no difi'erence : but the floods that happened on the 5th of May, 1719, and on the 6th of June, 1763, are rather remarkable ; for the first was entirely out of season, and the latter was mxich earlier than the rains usually set in. In the preceding extracts I have given every record I can find of damages sustained by the heavy rains ; and by those it appears, that the fortifications of James's Town, Rupert's Valley, Banks's, and Sandy Bay, and some plantations in the low grounds, have all occasionally been subject to great damage. It seemed to me, before I left England, that some vague accounts of these floods, and of tlie great damage done by them, had gone abroad, and had led to very inaccurate conclusions; for it was a generally received opinion that there would be much risk in loosening the soil of St. Helena, for the purposes of agriculture : as it would be liable to be washed away by such violent torrents of rain as had frequently happened. But those who entertained such erroneous notions could never have been informed of the real causes of the damages they had heard of: nor could they have known that these damages had been partial, confined merely to the bottoms of valleys or ravines, TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 91 and particularly to the mouths of the vallies, where the torrents descending from naked and steep sides of the mountains, had accumulated, and were forcing a passage into the sea. This was evidently the case at all the four places above-mentioned. At each of those places during those severe floods, the rains that fell upon the upper surface of the ravines, which extend half a mile and upward across, and penetrate from two to four miles inland (and to which many small branches communicate) must have been immense ; and the force of the accumulated waters when confined in narrow channels in the low grounds, must have been irresistible. It is to these circumstances that may be justly ascribed the devastations that have taken place : but such evils can never occur upon lands laying upon a gentle declivity, and so situated, as to receive only those rains that fall perpendicularly upon them. Even three or four inches of rain, falling in one day upon fields of this description, (and particularly if they are ploughed) so far from doing injury, would undoubtedly be of the greatest advantage — because the loose soil by readily absorbing every drop of rain, would long retain the moisture — and conse- quently promote vegetation. There are betwixt two and three thousand acres of the above description on this island ; which I have no hesitation in declar- ing might be broken up with the greatest safety — and made to yield excellent crops of potatoes, mangel wurzel and corn — from which the supplies of vegetable and animal food, would become abundant — and the inhabitants might very soon be relieved from their present dependence on foreign imports. 92 TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. rjs H PS o O S 00 o o >£^ I— I OG O 00 S3 a S2- o o 3 O »3 o o o s orq o o < O £ 2 o a 1— cr H c o a July August September October November December -3 o £ o a January February - March April May June H K 00 in ►- to ►- Iw C-. w to *. 00 oc --» tn to o w HeaTj Rains. a o c: 03 1-0 m cs OS >— ^» to to to tTl t,T ^ Oi .^ Cf o Fine Showers. U> to Oi CO to OS 01 to OS o tn ui to c: t;i Ci a Drizzling Rain. QD CI — 02 C5 C5 W<» 8? *. OS O to »:. OS Total. 10 CO CO O ^ — to OS ►- § ^ to OS CI *> 4^ o Heavy Rains. 00 o U1 to ^4 M OS m 00 oi OS to O 05 c: ^ Ci to Fine Showers, .& o to Ot JX Oi O Oi o to O M OS 00 m 1^ to 13 Drizzling Rain. to 00 ST: t. to >— TO OD 1— O OS .^ 4^ ^^ 00 to 00 .;>. GO a Total. to o m O O O O ^ 1- 1— ' on O t;' to .^ *. o D CO Heavy Rains. CO O QC 03 w — to ►- to OS *>■ to 01 OS yi 0* J^ OS ^ p Fine Showers. c-. OS 4i. 05 CO O W to tn OS tji •<» J:. to .^ o p *-< Drizzling Rain. lOi •O Ci ^4 O "-^l o on Oi t/i Oi to to oc in Total. to 00 -J O 1^ W to tn 05 »->—►- OS to OS Heavy Rains. oc o to M to Ci .^. Oi *> C: A ^ >— OS C. H- to ^ a p Fine Showers. O oo c; OS to 03 ^ •- o on tn 1— 05 OS to Drizzling Rain. to ^ ^ to — ^* *. Ol OC 4^ 4^ -J to oo-^ to to OD t^ Oi OS cr> to c (n Drizzling Rain. - O to O -J O) OS c -J o ^» o •« Cs 1— C3 p Total. CO *--j to O 1— ^ 10 >- - to to O tJi to o a •> Heavy Rains OS 1-- to --1 to O ^ Oi to 4^ to ^ it^ to OD OS ^ a p Fine Showers. to o. *^ ^j to «i yi CO 4^ CJ 1— > *— ' ^ to 1— O CI o a p Drizzling Rain. c « co-v»- *. en Total. o C5 U> ^ -^ CO !£ O 00 ui OS a> to o . to li^ ^J 05 to C; Oi 00 -<» 00 to 4^ O Total days rain in C J ears. O to to to *k Ui oc 00 ►- tn o o D p Average of days rain per mouth. > od m e« H ar- W S > a' O yj H <*fc re '^ s a » ^ ^ o- !^ <^ •-^ ~s re -?. r ■<5 ^ o" s« & a « c^ a ^ ^*^ ta a a .^ ^ s 123 a 8 C6 2 s * re re s > a s ?*t» O re ^? '4 s. s> .o ^ ^ ^ ^ ti 8 o-. a s a c5 ^ ^ b a re ■« S re re 00 1807, ditto 1808, ditto 1809, ditto 1810, ditto 1811, ditto TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 93 Upon an average, the number of days, throua^liout the year, on vvhicli rain falls, is 135. The wettest months are usually January, February, and March ; and July and August. As wet or dry seasons depend on heavy rains and fine showers, the following is a comparison of the six years : 1806, heavy rains and fine showers, - 92 days. ditto - - 79 days, ditto - - 58 days, ditto - - 71 days, ditto - - 78 days, ditto - - 60 days. Now, as my measurement of the fall of rain, from the 22d February 1811, to the 21st of February 1812, inclusive, gave 22,4 inches, and this in one of the driest seasons in the above com- parison, it may be presumed that in wetter years the fall of rain at St. Helena exceeds that in London, and in several other places in England. " Rain falls — At London, being the average of the following years, 1774, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 80 ; 1789, 90, 91, 92 Inches 21.25 " Upminster _ _ _ _ 19.125 " Lincolnshire, in medium season - - 18 " Ditto, extreme wet - - - 24 " Liverpool - _ _ _ 34.5 " Townley, in Lancashire - - - 42.5 " Kendal, in Westmoreland - - 61.25 " Dumfries, in Scotland . _ _ 36.25 " Glasgow, ditto - _ - _ 3i"» In India, there is a remarkably striking difference between the seasons of rain, and at St. Helena, According to an exact mea- surement, taken at Madras, by the late Benjamin Roebuck, Esq. * Vide Philosophical Magazine, p. 79, Vol. XV. 94 TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. from the year 1791 to 1803, it appears that the fall of rain from the beginning of January to the end of May, is so trifling, as scarcely to affect the rain-gage. Indeed, during thej month of March, not a drop of rain fell in the period of thirteen years. There were moderate showers during June, July, August, and September ; and heavy rains fell in October, November, and December. But at St. Helena, excepting in very dry seasons, there are usually some heavy rain, fine showers, or drizzling rain in every month of the year. The natives of India provide for their dry months, by retaining the monsoon rains in tanks or reservoirs, several miles in length: which serve for their crops until the rainy season returns. Abstract of Mr. Roebuck's account of Rain which fell at Madras, from 1791 to 1803, inclusive. Average fall of Rain in each Month during Thirteen years. January February March April May June The average fall of rain was 49.3 inches per annum. It sometimess happened in the month of November, after unceas- ing rains, that the quantity which fell during 24 hours, measured 7 inches. ches. Inches. 0.7 July 2.6 0.5 August 2.5 0.0 Septemlier 4.4 0.4 October 9.0 0.3 November 18.3 2.0 December - 8.1 TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 95 Abstract of the fall of Rain at Plantation-house, from 22d Feb. 1811, to 2lst Feb. 1812. 1811. In. lOths In. lOths February 1 5 August - 1:6 March 4:6 September - 1:8 April 0:5 October - 1:5 May 2:4 November - 0:1 June 2:2 December - 1:2 July 1:6 1812. January - 0:8 12:8 Feb. to 21 . 2:6 9:6 9:6 Inches 22 : 4 Total fall of rain during 12 months. This is less than it actually was — because evaporation is very considerable here — and no allowance is made for what unavoid- ably took place upon an open surface, 9 inches in diameter. Being now provided with proper apparatus, which receives the rain through a small tube into a bottle, the present year's measure- ment will be far more accurate. I consider, that if evaporation had been prevented, the last year's measurement (even in what was reckoned a dry year) would have been about 24 inches — instead of 22 : 4. 24;/t Feb. 1812. m TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. SECTION XV. On the Culture of Barley Wheat — Produce, per Acre — The tenth Part of an Acre, dibbled, yielded 405 fur 1 — Deductions which prove that from 5y Ounces of Seed, 900 Bushels of Corn might be produced in nine Months at St. Helena — successful Experiment in Malting and Brewing from Island Barley Wheat. In the St. Helena Register for November, 1811,* I have given the progress, and result at that time, of two experiments in the cul- ture of naked barley, or barley wheat ; and in that for December (page 32), are added some further observations upon this ex- cellent corn. On the 17th of December, I superintended the rutting of two square rods of the second crop ; the produce of which being 12 sheaves, is at the rate of 960 sheaves per acre. The remainder of this crop was reaped some days after, and the total number of sheaves was 1100 To simplify calculations, eleven only (being the 100th of the produce) were thrashed on the 4th January, 1812. They yielded of clean corn 46 pounds, and of straw 45 pounds : but as the operation of thrashing, for want of a barn, was performed in the open air, upon a temporary wooden floor : as a good deal was lost by getting over the thrashing-boards, among the grass ; and as the grain was not entirely separated from the straw, it may be fairly reckoned that not less than two pounds of grain were lost: wherefore the produce of clean corn and straw from eleven sheaves should stand thus : Of clean corn, _ - - 48 pounds Of straw, - - - 45 ditto * Vide Section XI, TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 97 The total produce, at this rate, from 1100 sheaves, would there- fore be, Of clean corn, - - 4800 pounds Of straw, - - 4500 ditto It will be found upon calculation, that this produce per acre is 4189 pounds of corn,* and 3927 pounds of straw. This is no more than a return of 35 for oue ; but it must be observed that this crop was sown broad cast ; a gjood deal was destroyed by the grub, and by canary birds; and many grains, laying on the surface, had not vegetated. The value of the ai>ove crop, rating the barley wheat at two- pence per pound, anil the straw at <£5. per ton, is ^43. .4, 2. per acre, which is inferior to a potatoe crop at 8s. per bushel ; because 200 bushels at one crop would be <£80. : yet if potatoes be rated at 4 shillings, and if the advantage of obtaining manure be con- sidered, the barley wheat crop will be found equivalent to that of potatoes. The small experiment which preceded this crop was dibbled on the 16th of March, 1811 ; and gave a much greater return : five and one-third ounces was the quantity of seed. After the produce was reaped, I inspected the stubble, and it appeared that not a single grain of the seed had failed. The produce from those five and one-third ounces was 135 pounds, or 2160 ounces, which is 405 for one. If therefore these 2160 ounces had also been dibbled, and with the same success as in the first experi- ment, the result would have been 2160 x 405=874800 ounces, which divided by five one-third ounces (the first seed,) gives a return from the two crops of 164127 for one. Hence it is not impossible, under the circumstances of the first crop, from the five one-third ounces of seed dibbled on the 16th March 1811 : * Because if 11 sheaves yield 48 pounds of grain, 960 sheaves should yield 4189 pounds. o 98 TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. supposing its produce had also been dibbled, instead of broad- cast, on the 3d August, that from the second crop about the middle of December, there might have been a return of 54675 pounds, equivalent to about 900 bushels, from not more than three common sized wine glass full of seed grain : and this within the short period of nine months, that is, from sowing the first to the reaping of the second crop. Nothing can tend more to develope the capabilities of this soil and climate, than investigations of this nature. Let these deductions be carefully examined ; and every one may satisfy himself whether or not they are consonant to fair reasoning, and let it be considered that the first experiment, on which these deductions are founded, was on land unmanured, and the natural inference must be, that it is practicable at Sf. Helena (although not in any country in Europe), by due care and attention, to effect even a larger produce from barley wheat, than what has been deduced from the line of argument I have pursued. I have peculiar satisfaction in adding, that the barley wheat of the December crop has yielded an uncommonly sweet and high flavoured malt, from which Mr. John Onions (who well understands Shropshire brewing) has made some ale, equal in quality to the best I ever tasted in that country. His success is indeed the more surprising, as he laboured under the disadvan- tages of malting upon a very small scale, and with a temporary apparatus for drying. Wherefore from all that has been stated, I trust it has been distinctly proved, that by means of the com- mon practice of husbandry in England, the island breweries here might be supplied (I will venture to say) with island malt, of a fresher and superior qualit}', and at a much less expense, than that which is imported from England. 23d March, 1812. TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 99 SECTION XVI. General Observations on Green-fodder Crops — loould prevent Losses of Cattle in Seasons of Drought — One Acre equivalent to Fourteen Acres of the best Pastures — Indian Corn, or Maize, cultivated in France, and at the Cape of Good Hope, as Cattle Fodder — Its produce at St. Helena, in less than Four Months from the Period of Sowing, was Thirty Tons per Acre. Remarks on the Culture of Kidney Beans— Green-fodder Crops of these recommended. 1 HE introduction on this island of green crops of fodder, for the sustenance of cattle of all kinds, is a subject I have frequently adverted to in several papers that have been issued from the St. Helena press. I have there shewn the great advantages that would be derived from imitating a practice — which has been long and successfully established in almost all countries in the world — but which, until lately, had never found its way to this island. I shall not recapitulate what may be found in those papers — it is indeed unnecessary : for the facts I am now to relate, with- out any reference whatever to my former statements, ought to be sufficient to impress on every unbiassed mind, the importance of green-fodder crops, which I trust every cattle breeder here will duly consider: their introduction upon an enlarged scale would undoubtedly be the very best means of securing his own interest and of promoting the general welfare of the island. By the introduction of cattle crops, I have formerly shewn how easily those evils which had frequently occurred, might have been 100 TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. alleviated — if not wholly prevented. It is well known what heavy losses in cattle have been sometimes sustained in seasons of drought : but, as it has been ascertained, that corn, when once fairly established (even during unseasonable or scanty rains) soon covers and shades the soil from the sun's heat, and from the drying winds— and that it advances to maturity, even in the driest weather ; it would be absurd to say that the common precautions used in other countries to provide food for cattle, and to avert calamities among them when the pastures fail, would not succeed equally here as elsewhere. Nay, I have no hesita- tion in declaring my opinion that this species of husbandry, as well as every other would succeed ; and prove even more profit- able to St. Helena cultivators than it is to English farmers— who can have only one crop in the year : because, as vegetation here is never obstructed by frost and severe winters, two certain crops may be secured annually, if due attention be paid to the proper seasons of putting them in the ground. Confident as I feel in those opinions, which are founded upon the basis of the most accurate experiments, I have been not a little astonished at the pains which I find have been lately taken to impress on the minds of several gentlemen in the direction for the afTairs of the East India Company, the total impossibility of introducing agriculture at St. Helena. Those who have declared such sentiments could have known but little of the ample returns, and unexampled profits, which have been derived here, from lands brought into cultivation. There are now in England two gentlemen (Lieutenant Colonel Greentree and Mr. Dunn), who can readily correct such erroneous assertions. They have both had considerable experience in improving their lands — and they assured me, as I stated, in a letter to the Court of Directors, dated the 10th of October 1809—" that in bringing land into TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 101 cultivation they have been always reimbuised the whole expense by the first year's produce." Is it possible to imagine, in any country, a greater incitement to industry, and to extensive agriculture ? — Or can there possibly be a stronger proof of the fertility of the soil, and of the certain advantages that are within the reach of every industrious land- holder? It has long been my belief that nothing but common exertion, and a proper system of farming, are wanting to make St Helena productive of almost every necessary of life for its inha- bitants. There are at least two or three thousand acres of excel- lent land capable of the highest degree of improvement, which might be appropriated to this laudable purpose ; and as I have already observed, that two crops a year are attainable from those lands, they would be in fact equivalent to almost double that extent in the northern climates. The following detail of experi- ments will tend to illustrate these observations. Green Fodder from Oats. On the 5th of February last, some oats of a long thin sort, received from the Cape of Good Hope, which weighed no more than 31 pounds per bushel, were ploughed in upon about two acres of some good land at Plantation-house, at the rate of two bushels per acre. They were later in coming up than usual, on account of there having been very little rain — for it was not until the 20th that a good many of the young plants appeared. Some fine showers however, early in March, succeeded by heavy rains during the remainder of that month, speedily gave the crop a very exuberant appearance : — By the 6th of April a few ears were seen ; and on that day, after a lapse of two months from putting the seed in the ground, we began to cut the crop for the purpose of green fodder. Mr. Brearne, an experienced Norfolk farmer. 102 TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. who manages the Company's farms liere, declares he never beheld in so short a time after sowing, so weighty a crop. It was my intention to have ascertained the weiglit at two months; but on account of drizzling rains, which would have added to the weight, I postponed it until the 9th of April ; when the crop was dry: and in presence of Doctor Baildon, Mr. Breame, and some others, a square rod was accurately marked out — the produce of which weighed exactly 200 pounds avoirdupoise ; this is at the rate of 32,000 pounds, or 14^ tons of tine green fodder per acre. This, in the short period of 64 days from sowing the seed, is a large produce ; although probably not so much as it may weigh when farther advanced. It is my intention to ascertain the weight of the produce of this crop of green fodder, at three and at four months growth, conceiving that such trials might lead to useful deductions. In order to form a comparison with the produce of grass land at the present time (and immediately after the most favourable rains since my arrival in 1808) I marked out a square rod on the lawn in front of the Plantation-house, which is as good as most of the best pastures, and had the grass mowed — the produce weighed only 12j pounds — or at the rate of 2000 pounds, or less than one ton per acre. Consequently one acre of green fodder corn in Q^ days from the seed, is equal to the produce of 14 acres of the best pastures.* But this is not all — a crop of green fodder may be secured almost at any season ; whereas, it sometimes happens, in the months of November and December, our driest and hottest season, that one hundred acres of pasture lands would not yield a» single ton of grass. Compare also the short time required, for a beast to take his full feed of green corn, with the * Colonel Broughton's Experiment at Long Wood, in November 1810, yielded 16jtons per acre. See Section XIII. TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 103 many hours necessary in vainly atlempting to fill himself on parched and I)are pasture lands. In the first case the animal would soon be satisfied, and might go to sleep : but in the second he must necessarily waste the whole day in wandering- over many acres, until he is wearied — and after all he must lay down almost famished : this is the fate of many poor neglected animals on St. Helena ; who are left to provide for their own wants ; and of which but too many indeed often perish for want of assistance, and .sufficient sustenance. Indian Corn, or Maize. It appears by the Statistique gtnerale et particuliere de la France, that this grain is cultivated in several of the departments with a view to fodder the cattle — and, when ripened, it is used for feeding^ poultry, &:c. Lord Caledon informed me, when he visited this island in July 1811, that he always used it at the Cape of Good Hope for his carriage horses, and had found it to be extremely nourishing'. At that time I had a small patch, measuring 44 by 33 feet, which was then grown to the height of about eight feet — and in seed. It had been dibbled three inches deep, and three seeds in each hole (as many of the seeds were bad) on the 6th of April 1811. On the 17th it had come up well, and afterwards grew luxuriantly. On the 30th of July I ascertained the pro- duce of one square rod to be 425 pounds, which is 68,000 pounds, or 30 tons per acre. The seed had been 115 days in the soil ; and although the lower parts of the stems were at this age rather hard, the whole was greedily devoured in the hog- gery. But, as a green fodder for horses, or cattle, or for hogs, it would be better to cut it after two or three months from the time of sowing — uhen the steins will be soft, and more tender and juicy. In this state it would prove a very nutricious fodder — and I 104 TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. should suppose the produce might then be betwixt 20 and 25 tons per acre. Black speckled Kidney Beans. St. Helena formerly abounded with " bean grounds," of which traces are still to be seen : but of Ia(e years they have occupied only a place in the gardens. Their culture appears to me worthy of attention. Their growth is rapid — they are not liable to be infested with vermin of any kind — they thrive in almost all soils. In their young state they yield a very ihick foliage, but not exceeding 18 or 20 inches in height from tiie ground — and they have abundance of long pods, tit for table use, or for cattle, hogs, &c. When ripe the bean produce is very great — exceeding ninety bushels per acre. On the 31st of October last, observing that some black speckled beans, in the Plantation-house garden, (which the gardener had left for .seed) had an extraordinary number of pods, I was in- duced to ascertain what might be the actual produce of an acre from such a crop, if sown in rows at one foot asunder. Accord- ingly on that day, 33 feet of rows were measured, and the beans carefully gathered, and taken out of the pods. I kept them in a dry place until the 20th December ; when they were weighed ; the 33 feet of rows yielded sixty six and one half ounces. Novv^ as an acre planted in the above manner, would contain 43560 feet of rows, the extent of 38 feet is the 1320th part— con- sequently this sum multiplied by 66^ ounces gives the produce 87780 ounces, or 5486 pounds, per acre. Having found a jug, that held 30| ounces of wheat, to contain exactly 30 ounces of beans, the weight of a bushel of those beans may be rated at 59 pounds ; by which dividing the 5486 pounds, the produce thus deduced is 93 bushels per acre. TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 105 This crop was sown on the 27th June 1811, and therefore had been 126 days in the soil. The drills in which the seeds were planted were three feet asunder ; and the seeds were so close as to touch each other. This appeared to me injudicious — because the intervals between the rows exposed too much naked surface to the sun's rays, and the young plants coming up too thick must rob each other of nourishment, and consequently retard their growth. I therefore directed the gardener to prepare a bed for a different mode of culture. I have found by experience that on this island, it is of much importance to make a crop cover the ground as speedily as pos- sible. When this is effected, as the soil is shaded, the moisture cannot be easily exhaled — and every passing shower, as well as dews, are of great service ; because they descend to the roots, and promote vegetation. On the contrary, the dews or light rains falling upon a naked interval, produce no effect upon the crop ; for they are immediately taken up in the day by the sun's heat, and by the drying winds. This is the case even on those days when occasionally several drizzling rains, or light showers have fallen : and that these are of no real benefit may be observed by the pastures, where no improvement is seen until they have been well soaked by heavy rains. In the bed, which was prepared, drills at 15 inches asunder were opened about three inches deep ; and the beans put in at three inches from each other ; they were then covered with the soil. This experiment was begun on the 9th of January 1812. On the 19th the young plants were finely come up ; and on the 20th of February there were some in blossom. They were uncommonly exuberant and strong — and had much larger leaves, and were in every respect greatly superior to an adjoining crop, sown nine P 106 TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. days earlier — and treated according to the old practice here of crowding the seeds in the rows, and having wider intervals. This new mode succeeded beyond my expectation. The crop in 42 days after sowing completely covered the soil, and was in excellent condition as a fodder for cattle. That cattle and horses and hogs will eat it has been ascertained — and it may be inferred they are even fond of it: for some cattle having lately broken into an inclosure, at Long Wood, devonred the uhole of a small crop of this sort of bean. On the 13th of 3Iarch it is noted in my Journal " that many of the kidney beans sown on the 9th of January are now fit for gathering." At this age (about two months) they resemble French beans in the state they are used at tables in England, but are much larger. On the 9th of April (that is three months after sowing) the leaves of a great part of the crop had fallen off, the pods had withered, and the beans were full grown. This experi- ment proves that from black speckled kidney beans a weighty crop of green fodder might be obtained in six weeks from the period of sowing; and that in two months the pods and leaves had become an excellent and nutritious fodder; whilst the pods in their green state might supply abundantly the fleets that tuuch here with a vegetable at a moderate price, which would l^eep some time, and be highly conducive to the health of seamen after their long voyages. The following is a concise view of these two crops of beans, and of three others that are now in progress. EXPERIMENT, No. 1. 1811, June 27. — Sowed black speckled kidney beans — rows 3 feet asunder, and seeds very close in the drills. October 23 — Cut 33 feet of rows — and collected the pods — their TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 107 contents weighed 66^ ounces — this, if the rows be one foot asun- der, is at the rate of 5486 pounds, or 93 bushels per acre. The beans in this state appear to be proper food for horses, or for feeding hogs ; but being hard should be soaked in water or bruised. EXPERIMENT, No. 2. 1811, Dec. 31. — Sowed several rows of beans very thick in the drills. 1812, Feb. 19. — The crop about 15 inches high, and in blos- som, in 50 days. April 12. —Not so well advanced at this time as No. 3, which was sown 9 days later: this proves the superiority of placing the seeds at some distance in the drills. EXPERIMENT, No. 3. 1812, January 9. — Opened drills 15 inches asunder — beans sown 3 inches apart in the drills ; and 3 inches deep. January 19. — Finely come up. February 20. — Blossoms appearing : this is 42 days after sowing. March 13. — Many pods in a green state— fit for gathering in 64 days. April 9. — Leaves withered and falling of}'— many pods fully ripe and fit for gathering in three months after planting. EXPERIMENT, No. 4. 1812, February 22. — Sowed six rows 4 feet asunder: 3 inches from bean to bean in the drills. April 4. — In blossom — luxuriant crop — 18 inches high in 42 days. April 10. — Observed a good many young i)ods in 48 days. 108 TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c, April 12. — Cut 33 feet of rows— Produce 26 pounds. This being the 1320th part of an aore (if rows be one foot asunder) is at the rate of 34320 pounds, or 15i- tons of excellent green-fodder per acre, in 50 days after sowing the seed. During the growth of this crop, the season was unusually favouralile — 7-r^ inches of rain fell during the month of March. EXPERIMENT, No. 5. 1812, March 3. — Sowed several rows of black speckled kidney, and several rows adjoining with the negro or black bean. April 12. — Some of the black speckled are in blossom ; in 40 days — the negro beans are not so strong nor so forward — season favourable — copious rains. Since I closed the preceding statement of thejive Experiments in the culture of kidney beans, I have this day (the 16th of April) ascertained the final result of No. 3, which was begun on the 9th of January last. The leaves having entirely fallen, the pods being dry, and in a state of ripeness, 33 feet of rows were measured. The produce in clean beans weighed 54 ounces ; which being from the 1320th of an acre, give the produce (rows one foot asunder) 71,280 ounces, or 4455 pounds, or very nearly two tons per acre. It will be per- ceived that the same length of rows in No. 1. produced, on the 23d of October, 1811, QQ\ ounces : — but it must be observed that in No. 1. the quantity of seed sown was six or eight times greater than in No. 3. A jug that contained 30 ounces of No. 1. crop, contained very nearly 32 ounces of No. 3. crop, weighed at the time it was gathered: but No. 1. was not weighed until two months after being gathered. It is therefore probable, when No. 3. is also dried, that the same measure of beans will be of the same weight as the other. TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 109 I found that 49 beans of No. 3. weiglied one ounce — this is 784 beans to a pound : and, the produce of the 33 feet of rows being 54 ounces, must of course be 2736 beans. Now, as an acre planted in rows one foot asunder, will contain 43,560 feet of rows, and as four beans are reciuired to a foot (if placed in the rows three inches asunder), the number of beans required to plant an acre, in that manner, is 174,240, wliich divided by 784 beans in a pound is 222 pounds two-tentlis, or very nearly four bushels. If a reference be made to the deduced produce, 4455 pounds, from No. 3, the return has been no more than 20 from 1 of seed beans. This indeed is greatly inferior to barley wheat, which, by dibbling, yielded a return of 405 for one ! From the preceding results it is clearly demonstrated that the most protitable culture of kidney beans is in green fodder crops. On the 12th instant, experiment No. 4, gave 34,320 pounds per acre of nutricious fodder, from seed sown in the proportion of 222 pounds two-tenths per acre ; which is a return, in weight, of 150 fold ; and this in the short period of 50 days, after putting the seed in the ground. Mr. Jennings, the Company's gardener at Plantation-house, who has, for several years, cultivated beans of various sorts, as- sures me that the black speckled are superior to any other ; they bear sooner, and yield a more weighty crop. At Lemon Vjxlley, a warm and well sheltered place, not much above the level of the sea, he has obtained six crops in the course of one year, y*roMi the same spot of land. A reference to the preceding experiments will shew that this is very possible : but, supposing only four crops a year from the same land, and to be used as green fodder in the state of experiment No. 4, when it was cut on the 12th of April, and yielded 15^ tons per acre in 50 days, the total annual produce would be 60 tons, or 134,400 pounds from one no TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. acre of land. Now, if 50 pounds a day were allotted to each beast, there would be 2688 rations, or sufficient to feed seven beasts during the year, from one acre of beans. Deductions of this kind are so far useful that they point out capabilities; and, in the present case, clearly shew wh^t might be accomplished at St. Helena, whenever a proper spirit of in- dustry shall have been excited, and the practice of husbandry generally introduced. Many people here may possibly assert that such things are \m\iOss\h\e, ^' because they have never seen them:" but unbiassed minds, when they see facts opposed to bare assertion and opinion, can never be at a loss in deciding upon points of this nature. When to the preceding details, respecting green-fodder crops, areadded all that may be seen in the Laws and Ordiupuces, Goat Papers, and St. Helena Registers, upon my experiments in the culture of corn, and particularly of barley wheat, a judgment can easily be formed, whether or not it be practicable to succeed in agriculture on this island. Wth April, 1812. # TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. HI SECTION XVII. On Adherence to Old Customs* " There is an unaccountable prejudice to projectors of all kinds ; for which reason, " when I talk of practising to fly, silly people think me an owl for my pains." Addison. OooN after I took up my country residence in England, I scraped acquaintance with some of the neighbouring farmers, who now and tiien called in, to take a pot of ale ; and I received them with civility. Our discourse naturally turned to agricultural subjects ; and, whilst I reasoned on new plans, my practical guests very soon betrayed they had not the smallest faith in " book-farming," as they called it. " Their own practice," said they, " must undoubtedly be the best, because it was that which had been handed down by their forefathers." At one of our meetings, I very strongly deprecated this conclusion, and plainly told them they were all wrong. I had no doubt their practice was good : but nevertheless, said T, from books many useful hints, and much valuable information, might be derived upon the better practice of other countries ; and which, in my opinion, would succeed equally in Sussex, as in other parts of England. * I hesitated some tim.e before t determined to give a place to this and the succeeding paper : but as this paper was calculated to overturn old prejudices ; and " Calculator's confessions" convey a variety of accurate information upon points connected with the old and new husbandry of St. Helena, and as the sentiments of the supposed Norfolk farmer are precisely those which I entertain, in regard to the best modes of cultivating, and improving, the island, it is hoped that these .considerations may appear sufficient reasons, for having mixed papers of a ludicrous nature with those of a graver description. 112 TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. Nettled at my arrogance, Homespun, who was the most talk- ative at our meetings, the cock of the village club, and whseo face, at this time, glowed with my October, exclaimed, " Pugh ! I care not a single barle3'-corn for your books ; give me practice ; give me example : (thumping his empty jug on the table) these are the best rules for farmers." " True, friend," said I, gently rebuking him for his indecorum, " example has nodonbt, a pre- vailing force on the actions of mankind ; I admit it is more conclusive than the soundest reasoning ; and since I see it will be impossible to persuade you by argument, I will take another mode of bringing you to my way of thinking." Homespun by no means relished my admonition, aud grinning a sarcastic smile, he, and my other rustic guests rose, and left the room. It was not until >some months afterwards that he paid me another visit, and this was during an unusually dry summer, when all the pastures were burnt up. He looked dejected, com- plained bitterly of the times, said he was almost ruined, that his cattle were starved, and his cows were dry, and he had been obliged to send them to Romney Marsh. ' " Mr. Homespun," said I, " you shall now be convinced that this is entirely the con- sequence of your pertinacious adherence to old customs; if you had listened to my advice, and to book-farming, all this mischief would have been prevented. Come with me, and behold the lucerne you despised. The crop was put in a few days after our last debate ; and I have already had three cuttings. My pastures, you see, are equally bare as your own : but my cattle are still in good condition, and my cows yield twice the quantity of milk they had ever done before: and all this is the effect of the crop you treated with so much contempt." Homespun looked grave, and as he approached a field of six TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 113 acres, he was struck with amazement ; he had never before wit- nessed such a crop. His foret'atliers had none of the kind. It was indeed uncommonly tine ; he viewed it, and handled it, and exclaimed, " Well, surely this is a lamentable fine thing : I will immediately set about tive acres : Oh ! fool that I was ! but I really could never believe it was possible to have so weighty a shew in so dry a season." He added, scratching his head, *' I now perceive that you gentlemen farmers are not so much to be despised as we thought of." I thanked him for his compliment. Thus, by perseverance and example, I succeeded in removing from Homespun, and the rest of my mulish guests, who were all attracted by my lucerne, the strong prejudice under wliich they laboured to.vards old custom, and against book-farming. Their visits daily became more frequent ; my opinions were listened to, and received, with more respect and decorum than was usual at the commencement of our acquaintance. There was an end of their sly jeering and jokes, which did not escape my penetration ; and I soon became a sort of oracle amoiig them, whom they eagerly consulted at those times when they came to see my " new- fangled husbandry," as they called it, many parts of which they did not, however, fail to imitate ; but not till they saw it was their interest to do so. In turning the minds of men from ancient custom, or deep- rooted prejudice, we must naturally expect to encounter difficulties. The most forcible arguments are of no avail : but once shew them a successful example ; prove to them, practically, the advantages they will derive, and self-interest will do the rest. By such means no one need despair of converting the most obstinate. Enlightened and liberal minds are, indeed, far more easy to persuade. Indubitable testimony of what has already been done, and even the opinions of men who have been dislii;- Q 114 TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. guished by their skill and knowledge in the matters of which they treat, are received by those with scarcely less persuasi-ve force than the evidence of facts. It is to this class of men I submit the following extracts ; and whilst I recommend them to their serious attention, I must remark that they will find the opinions of Sir John Sinclair, and the experience of Sir Henry Vavasour have most fully corroborated those opinions I have ofFered in the St. Helena Registers, on the subject of increasing the food of cattle, by means of arable land. 27th Juli/, 1812. K. TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 115 SECTION XVIII. Calculator's Confessions; — and his Opinions on the new Husbandry at St. Helena. To the Editor of the St. Helena Register. Sir, 1 HAVE been amused, and I hope you will find edified, by your correspondent K's conversion of Mr. Homespun, as related in your last month's Register. I confess to you that I had long been a downright branch of the Homespun family : I have had my strong prejudices to old custom, and I verily believed it was totally impossible to surpass our home practice : but I have lately witnessed some things that have actually made nty hair stand on end ; 1 see the ploughs, with two or three horses, managed by two men, doing more work in one day, than any ten of my best slaves could perform in ten days ; besides these fellows, Mr. Editor, cost me a deal of money, for after the first purchase (dear enough, to be sure) I must feed and clothe them ; and after all, they are sometimes very saucy and idle. Now, thinks I, if I could only teach Ciesar and Pompey, my two best men, to manage this new machine, and if I were to clap-to a couple of my best oxen, or horses, I should get more work from these two men, in one day, than I could otherwise get from the whole of my gang : and my cattle would not be a hair the worse for it. I am a man of figures, Mr. Editor, and I can make calculations ; lean uuiltiply pounds, shillings, and pence into each other, which, i/ou will allow, is no snmll proof of my abilities ; and, therefore, you will readily admit I am not ignorant of the connnon rules of 116 TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. arithmetic. I have, indeed, reflected, very seriously upon Home- spun's story, and as I think, it is clearly proved he was a bit of a gooseacre, a .self-conceited obstinate fellow, until he got new lights, I hope this confession, although at Homespun's ex- pense, will prove to a man of your knowledge and penetration, that I am not undeserving to be ranked amongst those of" en- lightened and liberal minds," to whom K. has submitted the practicability of keeping a cow and pigs upon a sjnall piece of arable land. I will now tell you my plain notions upon " the new-fangled husbandry," as Mr. Homespun called it ; which we have lately witnessed in this our island, where I have been born and bred, and from which I have never been farther than the fishing banks. You will, I hope, excuse me, if I should be a little long-winded ; but, when we folks are beginning to write for the public view, you cannot expect we can express ourselves in the same short way as other folks would. Well then, Mr. Editor, I must also confess to you, that I am naturally what they call a sly fellow, and I own, when I first heard of all these new things, I thought they were down-right foolishness. I thought my grandsires knew all that was neces- sary to know. They planted yams, and potatoes, and beans, with the spade and pick-axe ; which had been the practice from time immemorial ; and, as I had never seen a plough, I did not like to shew either my ignorance or curiosity ; nor did I wish to appear publicly an advocate for new things ; because I dreaded the jokes at the Almond-tree.* I therefore thouglit it best to take a peep, unsuspected, at what was going on. I sneaked along the roads early of a morning, iind had a good view of all that was doing, over the fences. I saw • The " Almoud-trcc," in James Towrij Is the resort of idlers. TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 117 Mr. Fisli,* with the said plonc^h, getting on at a great rate ; tearing np the ground neatly on the Church fields : I saw Tom Stream, t and Johnny Spring J no less busy, and I was wonder- fully surprised to see how much they did in a short time. A couple of horses, or three or four oxen, and a couple of men, were all they needed ; indeed, I am told, in Scotland two horses and one man do the business ; and when once we get our half- starved beasts and horses in good order, and in strength, by the green crops of corn I have also seen, there is no reason why we mayn't do the same likewise. Now, thinks I to myself, if I can get Csesar and Pompey, with a few of my cattle, at present doing nothing, to do all these things, what a great saving it would be. These two able men, and one of the new machines, (that rolls on wheels like a wheel-barrow) with some of my beasts, would, I am positive, do me more ser- vice than 50 Ceesars and 50 Pompeys. Away then, says I to myself, with your spades and your pickaxes ; and let me try the same things. The first cost will be nothing compared with what I shall gain. After attentively observing the method of ploughing, I thought other things might be seen — I watched ; and saw drills opened with the jjlough, and potatoes dropped in, and then covered up. I then saw the said Fish, Stream, and Spring, (and favourably ominous I think it is, that these allied names come together) still using a plough to take the potatoes out of the ground ; nay, I saw more ; for the harrow was used ; and I wondered at the scraping it made ; for at one scrape, it scratched out, in a couple of hours, more potatoes than twenty of my slaves could gather * Mr. Breame, of Norfolk, the superintendant of the Company's farms. t Thomas Brooke, Esq. Secretary to the Government, and author of the History of St. Helena, | John Defountahi, Esq. Storekeeper. 118 TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. in the course of the day. Such things are truly surprising : but when I considered the power of a claw haunner in drawing a nail, I concluded there must be something not less wonderful, although unfathomable to me, in the power of the new machine we have had introduced here, because I well know, that if I and my whole family, who are pretty numerous, were to try, with our fingers to draw a well-hit nail, we should not succeed. I have no knowledge of what they call mechanics ; I know nothing of the principles ; but this I know, that a claw-hammer will do the business with a small twist of the hand ; and so I take it to be with the plough. Now, Mr. Editor, after seeing, (which you know is believing) I set to work : I bought a plough and a couple of harrows ; and I succeeded far beyond my expectation. I then began with my calculations ; and I clearly convinced myself, and I hope I shall convince others, that by saving expense in labour I should be a great gainer. I ascertained I could bring into cultivation a wondrous deal more land ; that I could sell much more of my produce to the shipping ; that by having plenty of potatoes I might not only feed my family and slaves without the expense of buying, and tlie trouble of bringing from the valley ; and raise pigs, and assist my cattle when our seasons fail ; but tliat I should likewise keep more money in my pockets ; which have been rather empty of late ; and if I and my fellow planters could once contrive to furnish the breweries with barley for mailing, we might get a deal of the money that is now sent to England, and this I understand amounts to eight or ten thousand pounds a year : and as Mr. Brabazon's brewery is now getting up, there will, no doubt, be a greater demand. What a great gain would all this be to us planters. Being a man of calculation (as I told you before) without pretension to TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 119 much knowledge, I can easily satisfy myself, that a penny saved is a penny got ; and I perceive also that if all our pennies go into the Company's stores, or into the hands of the shipping gentlemen, or are sent to England, our purses must be very lank; and this is, I verily believe (nay I am perfectly convinced), the reason we are not so rich as we might be. I never thought of this until I read Homespun's story ; which made me think it was at least probable there was something wrong or rotten at bottom. Now I see it plainly ; and I will no longer be slack in trying to mend my ways, and my fortune ; by such means as are in ray power. And, now, to conclude. — From all I have said, I think I have shewn you clearly, that I am no longer of " the mulish tribe." I heartily wish my conversion maj' open the eyes of my dear countrymen, whose welfare I have sincerely at heart, in order that they may follow my good example. There is one thing I forgot to mention, and I hope it is not too late, that if we can raise barley for the breweries, we can at the same time have plenty of straw for our cattle, if a dry season should happen, and also we might have plenty of manure, which I see by two or three papers in your Register is reckoned a good way of making our lands yield better crops. Perhaps you may have heard that we have not much come into this practice yet, and that we do tolerably well without manure, that is, we can have twenty or thirty successive crops of potatoes, without ever once thinking of manure, and yet I find it is considered absolutely necessary, and is very much the practice in the country you came from. But to tell you the truth, Mr. Editor, I have not found that my lands pay so well after so many croppings. Something there- fore is wanting, and this something, I take to be manure. So very bad indeed are some of the lands near me, that after 10 or 120 TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 15 years of our Homespun management, we find, although the crops seem to grow well, they do not come to perfection ; they get what we call the rot. No doubt manure would act like a medicine, and might soon restore the lands to health and vigour. The diseased farm I allude to, is that near the High Peak, and as I have long had an eye to that farm, but that its case seemed to me a desperate one, I thought it advisable to consult Mr. Fish ; who, no doubt, we may reckon our best land doctor here ; for as to Stream and Spring, they are as yet only young beginners, and cannot be expected to know much of these things. When I asked Fish, " what he would do with that land ?" he replied," Do with it ! why, I would make a mine ofit." I did not immediately comprehend him, and he explained, he would make his fortune by it — " How so?" said I — " Easy enough," said he, " for the land is good, and a great part ofit, tit for the plough. In front of the new house, both in the vale or ravine, as well as on the west side, there are many fine acres, at present covered with coarse and useless grass. " There is also a good large space inclosed around the premises, which I see it is needless to plant, unless it goes through a proper course. Land, you must know, is in a manner like your stomach, which I fancy you would not like to have constantly crammed with the same food ; and witiiout any sort of seasoning : in time, you would not relish it; and disorders might follow. Now I understand this land, or stomach, has tasted nothing for the last fifteen years but potatoes; consequently, it loaths that food, or, as we English farmers say, " it is tired of' the crop." This ex- pression is very common with us, for we say such a field is " tired of clover," and the like ; although this is a mode of expres- sion, on which some of our best agriculturists have differed. One thing, however, is certain, that if land, in its nature tolerably TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 121 good, has been drained by repeated, or improperly managed crops, the best remedy for recovering such exliausted land, is by a few months fallowing ; and by frequently stirring it, and clearing it of every sort of vegetable substance. By this plain and easy mode (a sort of abstinence, if I may so express myself,) not only will its tone be recovered by the influence of air and moisture from the atmosphere, but weeds will be extirpated, and insects of every sort (and particularly the grub) will be effectually destroyed by being dejjrived of that food which is absolutely necessary for their subsistence, at the time the solar heats occasion a change from the oviparous state." I did not clearly understand the whole of those odd expres- sions ; but I however perceived, that Mr. Fish is, as I imagined, a very learned land doctor. I therefore candidly told him that I understood, only in a general way, all he had said, in which there seemed to be no small portion of good sense. I therefore re- quested him to go on, and tell me particularly the mode he would pursue with that farm, if it were in his own occupation. He continued — " If that farm were mine, and I should be glad it was, if I had not so many other fish to fry," (here he con- descendingly suited his expression to my comprehension,) " I would, in the first place, clear the garden, comprising several acres, of all its rubbish, and lay the whole under a clean fallow, for at least six months. I would frequently stir the soil, and would not in all this time allow a weed to rear its head. Whilst this operation is carrying on, I would enclose 10 or 15 acres of the most level and best land, and pare off the sward and coarse grass, forming small heaps all over the field, and then set fire to them. The ashes should, if possible, be ploughed in immediately.* • We observe by the Agricultural Report for 181 2, a full confirmation of this practice. it is there stated, " that the newly enclosed lands in England, have in general proved R ^ ' 122 TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. I would endeavour to give it two or three ploughings and as many harrowings, so as to pulverise the soil perfectly before I put a crop in it. I would then, just before the setting in of the rains (in January or June) open furrows, nearly level, and at the dis- tance of two feet asunder ; and drop potatoes in them, at one foot apart in the rows. These, T would cover with the plough ; and by such means I should secure myself a good crop from this fresh land ; a crop which I am convinced would nearly repay all my expenses ; if I could sell it at the island price, which is eight times what I got for potatoes in England. But as I might not be able to do this, I would take care to have a good breed of pigs to consume the surplus produce at the farm ; I would give them and my sheep and cows a part ; and by keeping all those and my cattle, in what we call a farm yard, (and of which I have seen nothing of the kind in this island) I would soon have plenty of manurcj or muck ; from which I should derive great profit by its meliorat- ing effects on the lands when I am to prepare them for wheat ; or as they begin to fall off in the powers of vegetation. My pigs would soon increase in number and size ; and for which I should never be at a loss for a ready sale ; which is a vast advantage to a farmer : and whilst taking two successive crops of potatoes from the garden, and the new land, I would prepare another new field of the same size as the first, and treat it in the manner I have described ; and so on, till I had all the best land in cultivation. fertile ; and the mode of breaking them up, in all improved districts, is by paring and burning. All the old objections to which having been proved futile and groundless, where subsequent good culture is persevered in ; namely — working the eradication of weeds, pulverising the soil, and giving these lands a fair portion of manure." The good effects of paring and burning have been frequently manifested here, by a comparison of crops, that have had the benefit of turf ashes, with those where no ashes were spread. The superiority of the former is so great, that few would believe it, if they had not seen it. TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 123 The first field and garden should next have a smothering crop of barley or oats, sown rather thick, and which, in two months from the seed, would yield me 12 to 16 tons per acre of green fodder. This would be a valuable acquisition to my stock; and by haying and stacking some, it would secure me against losses that I might otherwise sustain in my cattle, if a bad season should arrive. " After these three crops, from each of these portions of land, I would again sow them with a crop of barley for malting ; and for which I should also have a ready sale to the breweries ; and gradually I would bring these lands by manuring, into a state, fit for bearing wheat : for furnishing a portion at least of that flour, which is at present imported here from other countries. It is by such means only, Mr. Calculator," said he, " that you farmers can ever expect to be wealthy, like some that I know in England. You have the same, nay better means ; you have a charming climate, and a fine soil, and your lands give you two crops a year. The sale prices are high ; and you have always a ready market. What more can a farmer desire ? All you want, my friend, is a little industry; and I am happy to see that many of you begin to be sensible of these truths." I was exceedingly pleased with Doctor Fish's lecture. My mind had been prepared to receive every word he uttered ; I was however at times rather puzzled : but I hope I shall hereafter convince you, by my next communication, that his care to instruct me, has not been thrown away. I am, Sir, Your obedient Servant, and constant reader, August 6th, 1812. CALCULATOR. 124 TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. SECTION XTX. On the Importance of introducing Agriculture on the Island — Erroneous Notions regarding Rats; not more numerous at the Farms than in England— successful Method of destroying them. An earnest wish to promote the interest of this island, has induced me to devote my leisure to various agricultural experi- ments, which have from time to time appeared in the St, Helena Register. The results of those experiments very soon satisfied my mind of the practicability of a change of system, from which the greatest improvements might be expected. I was aware, however, of the difficulties I should have to encounter in overcoming strong pre- iudices in favour of customs that had existed from the earliest period of the establishment. Thesamesort of prejudice is, indeed, peculiar to farmers of all countries, and is, perhaps, equally strong in England as in any other part of the world. I could not, therefore, blame those who differed in opinion : but I was by no means discouraged, I was fully persuaded that perseverance and successful examples, would ultimately succeed in turning the minds of even the most obstinate, to a change, which, I can easily demonstrate, is obviously for their advantage. This change, indeed, appears to me the only possible means of ameliorating the condition of the landholders: and of extricating them from the difficulties they experience from the limited and narrow views they have long pursued ; by which they could hardly expect much more than a bare subsistence. There is, at length, a prospect of the objects I have long had in TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 125 view being fully accomplished. My experiments have attracted notice. Much more land is in cultivation ; and several instances of the new husbandry have already been manifested. The laudable examples of Messrs. Brooke and Defonntain, in substituting the plough and harrow for the spade and pickaxe, and the exertions of Mr. John Kay and Captain Sampson, deserve particularly to be noticed. Their success may prove even far more convincing to the landholders in general, than the soundest reasoning or the clearest deductions ; although they have been drawn from experiments, conducted with the greatest care and attention ; a mode, unquestionably the very best, and most cer- tain of increasing our knowledge in the agricultural, as well as in other arts. Those gentlemen, 'therefore, have well established claims to commendation and to encouragement ; bfing the first who have led the way, and given their attention to the wise and judicious order of the Court of Directors, dated the 7th of March, 1794 ; ' " to render every acre of ground, capable of cultivation, as pro- ductive as the nature of the soil will admit." Not doubting that some others will soon imitate these begin- nings, (since they will find it their interest to do so) and that they w ill adopt the plough and harrows, by which they may, without mil/ addition to the manual labour they now possesfi, greatly ex- tend cultivation, it would be superfluous to offer any further arguments with a view of enforcing what has been already stated in my several communications upon this most important subject: I shall, therefore, only recommend to all the landholders, that they •^direct their attention to the many acres of excellent land, at present in a state of nature, lying, in a manner, waste and un- profitable ; that they duly reflect on the deteriorated state of the pastures in seasons of drought, and their former losses in cattle ; 126 TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. and compare the immense diiference in produce between even the best pastures and a crop of green fodder of oats or barley, (Goat Papers, page 76. St. Helena Register for April, page 6) and then ask themselves this question — " Have not our lands, in many places where they have been tried upon a small scale, yielded abundant crops of corn and esculents #if ice a year?" The answer is too obvious not to confound the most sceptical, or I should rather say, the most obstinate, who may yet persist in declaring, that " agriculture here can never succeed." Such assertions must appear most futile and unfounded, when contrasted with numerous facts that have been already so clearly and incon- trovertibly established. It is now four years that I have given my attention to this sub- ject ; and after distinctly proving the capabilities of the soil and climate, I have not the smallest hesitation in declaring my opinion, that if 6 or 700 acres, of the two or three thousand, that are capable of being brought under the plough management, were allotted to corn crops, the present population might be supplied with bread corn in abundance, the stock of cattle and sheep augmented by means of straw and green fodder crops; avast number of hog's reared ; the lands meliorated by manure ; and the breweries furnished with a sufficiency of barley for all their demands. I will now proceed to examine the effects that would be produced from so laudable an appropriation of even that small portion of the pasture lands. According to an investigation detailed in my minute of the 31st August 1810, (published in page 6 of the " Laws and Ordi- nances)" it will be found that the consumption of flour at St. Helena in the year 1808, was 878994 pounds. Doctor Adam Smith reckons 2000 pounds of wheat to be the produce of an acre : but I will take it at 1800 pounds of flour ; at which rate TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 127 about 500 acres of wheat annually, would suffice for the island consumption. The import of malt this year was 790 quarters (say 800) or 6400 bushels. This quantity might be produced from the barley wheat, which is undoubtedly the very best for malting-. (Register for March, 1812, page 4.) Supposing 50 bushels to be the ave- rage produce from an acre, 130 acres would annually supply the breweries. It may therefore be inferred that 6 or 700 acres in the cultivation of corn, would render the import of wheat and malt almost unnecessary, and the landholders might not only by this means retain among them the sums that are annually sent to England for flour and malt — but they might also derive ample sustenance for their cattle. The fodder of straw from the 700 acres, may be rated at twelve hundred tons. This added to occa- sional green crops of fodder, which, (after two months from sow- ing the seed), would yield from 12 to 14^ tons an acre, (Register* for April 1812, page 4) would place the proprietors of cattle be- yond all risk, when the grass lands are bare and parched by the sun's heat. Now supposing the wheat to be, at first, sold at 3d. per pound, or 15 shillings a bushel, f and that 900,000 pounds is the annual quantity required, the value would amount to ^£1 1,250 6400 bushels of barley wheat when malted, if) o d^a n n K^ sold at 12«. a bushel, would be And, 1200 tons of straw, at ^2. - - 2,400 i:i7490 As the St. Helena beer is in high estimation at the Cape of * The experiment referred to was with Cape oats. t After the first three years of cultivation, the island price should keep pace with the London market. 128 TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. Good Hope, it may be presusned tlie demands for it will yet in- crease. The farmers of St. Helena might therefore, by means of industrious habits, and a proper course of husbandry, obtain from these new sources, a return equivalent to 17,000 pounds sterling annually from one crop, exclusive of what they derive from their cattle, and potatoes, and other articles of farm produce. From this concise view of our home consumption, and the prospect of export, it must be obvious, that no farmers in the world can pos- sibly have a stronger incitement to exertion, than those of St. Helena : for they are at all times, assured of a ready sale, and even more than a reasonable price, for all their products. If then they would only strive to be purveyors to the population, instead of allowing the whole to be buyers, of flour, malt, pork, &c., imported here, it requires no uncommon degree of penetration to discover that a vast improvement would soon take place in their condition.* To these objects I would therefore recommend the capital and industry of the island being employed. Some persons here may possibly consider that the plans recommended are upon too grand a scale ; but I will ask them. What are 700 acres of cultivation in the hands of a few English farmers ? — Lord Karnes, in his " Gentleman Farmer," has stated, (in page 292) " I will venture to say that in most soils, fifty acres of corn may be commanded by a single plough ; provided the crops be distributed through the year, to afford time for managing all of them with the same men and cattle." According to this estimate, which I believe is generally admitted to be correct, in England and Scotland, the * It is true that flour and malt cnn be conveniently imported from other countries : but surely it is an object of the first importance to promote the prosperity of the land- holders. This can never be effected whilst all their scanty earnings are expended on foreign produce. Such has been, and is, the practice at St. Helena. TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 129 whole proposed extent of cultivation on the island of St. Helena, and from which so many advantages might be obtained, could easily be managed by fourteen ploughs or fourteen petty far- mers;. that is, if they confine themselves to one crop only in the year. I would not however propose that any one should, at first, attempt the cultivation of 50 acres. I would have all to do a little — to feel their way — and to proceed gradually, according to the extent of their means. In this, there can be no hazardous speculation ; and as there are between 60 and 70 landholders, and above 200 blacks attached to the farms* — surely among these collectively, the 700 acres proposed would require no very extra- ordinary degree of exertion. For carrying into effect the plans I have here recommended, there is a sufficient number of horses, and many cattle, that usu- ally remain idle on the pastures. These might soon be trained, as well as the slaves, to the several purposes of husbandry. Those who have only small patches of land might use the spade, or hire a plough, as suggested by Sir John Sinclair in his paper on Cottages. Others who have a greater extent of land might begin with only 8 or 10 acres of their choicest land. In both cases the new lands should be inclosed with good fences, the process of paring and burning adopted, and after the soil has been well cleaned and pul- verized, there should be two or three successive crops of potatoes taken ; and, at the time the new lands are under this manage- ment, I would recommend, that the present old potatoe grounds should be ploughed, and sown with barley wheat, or Cape barley or oats, in the proportion of two bushels per acre for the first crop — this would yield a weighty produce of green fodder, which * In addition to these, the farmers can hire Chinese labourers from the Company's establisliment, at two shillings per day. s 130 TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. would keep the working cattle in good condition, and furnish some portion of manure for those lands, that have been exhausted by a long succession of incessant cropping. The second barley wheat crop should be raised with a view to malt for the breweries: and finally, these old potatoe grounds might be brought into a condition fit for crops of wheat, provided attention be paid to making manure, by collecting all the cattle of the farms at night into an inclosure, and feeding them with the green-fodder crops. By such means the landholders might put into their own pockets those large sums that are now expended for the purchase of flour and grain ; and, in the course of a few years, they would undoubtedly become more affluent than they can ever expect to beif they confine themselves to the comparatively limited demands of the shipping. They would also derive an inward satisfaction in thus being obedient to the Honourable Company, and in con- tributing to the general good of the island, and to the comfort of all other classes of the community : they would, moreover, prove themselves deserving of the favours and indulgence of the lords proprietors ; which they and their families have invariably received at their hands. Although a due consideration of all those advantages (which I have no doubt are attainable from the extension of agriculture) will, I trust, excite a considerable degree of emulation and exer- tion, yet it is my intention to recommend that certain premiums, or prizes, should, be given to those who shall first distinguish themselves as able cultivators. And with a view of animating their exertions, I mean to propose that there be six classes of merit. The first prize to be given to him who shall have broken up the largest portion of uncultivated land, or delivered into the Company's granary, in James's Town, the greatest quantity of TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 131 barley wheat : because this is a corn that can be most easily raised. The other prizes to be allotted in gradation according to the respective proportions of newly cultivated land and of corn deli- vered : but no person should be entitled to any prize who shall not have broken up five acres of uncultivated land, and delivered not less than two hundred bushels of corn, the produce of his farm. I shall further recommend that the first six candidates for prizes within the first twelve months from this date, in addition to honorary prizes, should receive a remuneration equivalent to the original cost of one plough and a pair of harrows. No expensive buildings would be required for the proposed improvements, because the corn could be received into the Com- pany's granaries in James's Town, or deposited in a small building appropriated, or erected for the purpose at each farm, imme- diately after it has been thrashed and cleaned. These operations might be performed in the open fields, a practice which is usual in India and in Egypt, and even in the colder regions in the North of Europe.* But the advantages which the landholders would derive from the appropriation of 700 acres to the culture of corn, would very far exceed what has been stated. It must be recollected that the St. Helena lands produce two crops a year, consequently, the wheat and barley grounds might yield, annually, a second crop, either of potatoes, mangel wurzel, cabbages, beans, or turnips, and the like ; or of green fodder from corn, or from maize ; or even, in some instances, a second crop of barley and oats, for grain ; so that it seeuis possible to supply the proposed quantities of flour and barley wheat by means of less than 700 acres — and, therefore, it may be reasonably suppuS' ' that between 4 and 500 acres of corn land, would be oisnd sufficient, and the other two * Vide, Section III. 132 TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. hundred acres would yield a sufficiency of potatoes and other esculents. After a spirit for cultivation has been once excited, I have no doubt it would rapidly increase, and be carried far beyond the scale I have here suggested. I must however remark that if two crops a year are taken from the proposed 700 acres of cultivation at St. Helena, they will require nearly double the number of ploughs and labour, that they would in England — that is 28 ploughs, instead of 14. Hence it seems, that if 700 acres were constantly cultivated with corn, they might produce, annually, more wheat and barley than would be immediately wanted for the island consumption. Part of the second crops, or green crops, if given to cattle and sheep, would soon augment the island flocks;* and the number of hogs that might be reared by means of those crops, for sup- plying the garrison occasionally with fresh pork, would be im- Several persons, in England, appear to have entertained doubts as to the propriety of breaking up much land on this island, from an apprehension it would interfere with the grand object of raising stock for the supply and refreshment of the shipping : but so far from lessening the supplies, either of cattle or vegetables, I trust, I have distinctly proved that it would be the best possible means of increasing them. There is another erroneous notion regarding St. Helena : " rats," it is said, " are so numerous and destructive that it would be wholly impossible to raise corn." This mis- take has evidently originated in the fate of a few square rods of corn ; which had been the utmost extent of former trials. So small a quantity, growing near the abodes of these animals, would soon be devoured in any country : but where several acres of corn have been cultivated on this island, even the first crop did not suffer more than it would have done near the homestall of an English farmer. Tiie succeeding crop sustained no injury what- ever : for, at the time of reaping the first crop, care was taken to destroy every rat that had burrowed — the number was one hundred and twenty — and the consequence was, that when the second crop was cut down, only three rats were found in a field of six acres. In the same manner the Plantation-house garden, of seven acres, has been effectually cleared of rats. Four years ago they were extremely troublesome ; but during the last two years they have been wholly extirpated. TRACTS ON VARfOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 183 mense, compared with what it now is. The Company have agreed to purchase it at the rate of one shilling per pound : so that for pork, there would be no want of a ready sale. Besides, by the rearing of these useful animals, together with stall-feeding of cattle, large quantities of excellent manure would soon be ob- tained, by which, even the poorer lands might be brought into a state of improvement, fit for the purpose of raising wheat. I have, indeed, already had some exceeding fine specimens of this corn, cultivated in good land, without manure. In short, proofs are not wanting to establish, in the clearest manner, the certainty of success : but, a total change of husbandry, and a proper appli- cation of our manual labour, and of the muscular strength of ani- mals, are absolutely necessary. By such means, I am confident, that in the course of a few years, there would be effected a change in the value of this island, which would be highly beneficial to the interests of the Company as well as individuals. It might lead to the most important consequences ; particularly if it should be deemed expedient to convert St. Helena into a depot, or mart, for Indian and China produce, a plan that has been more than once suggested. 20th August, 1812. 134 TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. SECTION XX. On Transplanting WJicat— further Remarks on Grubs — and on Barley Wheat. vJn the 7th of July 1812, two acres at Plantation-house were sown broad cast with nine pecks of barley wheat, which were ploughed in, bnt not harrowed. Although this is the sixth crop from this land, since it was broken up, without using any ma- nure, the barley wheat became so extremely thick, in seven weeks after sowing, that it was apprehended, the crop might be lost unless it were thinned. Mr. Breame, an experienced farmer from Norfolk, and indeed every other person who has viewed it, declares he never beheld so exuberant a specimen of corn. All agree it ought to be thinned — and various modes have been proposed. That which I have preferred is one T can pursue with confi- dence, as it is the same I adopted in the year 1809, with some wheat that became too thick and exuberant in the spot where it was sown. As the process which was then used, differs, I believe, in some respects from the practice in Europe, and particularly in the age and size of the transplanted corn, I shall here transcribe the notices I have retained of the crop alluded to. 1809, Nov. 9. — Sowed a small parcel of wheat received from Van Dieman's land. 1809, Dec. 20. — At this time it was grown 12 to 18 inches high, and so extremely thick and exuberant, that it becomes necessary to thin it. Two beds were this day prepared, each measuring two rods in length, and half a rod in breadth. In No. 1, whole tufts, the produce of one grain, as drawn from the seed bed, were TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJFCTS, &c. 136 dibbled : the rows one foot asunder ; the plants 9 inches distant in the rows. In the same manner half tufts were dibbled in No. 2. The leaves of the plants of both were cut off 3 or 4 inches above the roots, previously to their being dibbled in the beds. 1810, January 12th. — The half tufts in No. 2 have withered and died. The whole tufts in No. 1, as well as those in the seed bed, are in a most flourishing condition. January 25th. — In the seed bed a good many ears appear — the transplanted wheat a little backward, but very strong, not- withstanding a long absence of rain. February 5th.— Some of the transplanted wheat is now in ear — i. e. 89 days from the seed. February 11th. — In the seed bed all in ear — There are two sorts, one is short-headed, without beard, 33 inches high — ^the other sort with long ears, measures 44 inches high. In No. 1, only half a dozen ears have as yet appeared. February 28th. — The wheat in the transplanted bed and seed bed, is all in ear — this is 112 days from sowing the seed. March 6th. — The ears of both beds are now well filled. Trans- planted com rather more backward than the seed bed. March 21st. — The transplanted bed still greenish. The corn in the seed bed was cut down two days ago, fully ripe : ears well filled : it has been 4 months and 10 days in the soil. April 1st. — ^Examined the transplanted bed. The short headed wheat without beard is the most exuberant. Taking 4 plants of this sort indiscriminately, the number of ears produced from each seed were these : No.l - - 24 ears. 2 - - 29 ditto. 3 - - 32 ditto. 4 .» _ 58 ditto. 136 TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. April lltb. — Gathered some fine specimens from the trans- planted wheat, and sent them to England. Their growth was 5 months and 2 days from the seed. I regret having omitted to notice the average number of grains produced from a single grain. I intended the transplanted bed should have determined the produce per acre— but having suf- fered a good deal from Canary birds, this was prevented. I shall therefore only add, that the transplanted specimen, before it was attacked by birds, had as fine an appearance as any crop of wheat T ever beheld. This success, although upon a small scale, most unequivocally proves that St. Helena is capable of producing wheat of excellent quality. In several other printed papers I have also shewn, that the culture of wheat, as well as of other corn, may be extended even to more than the present population can possibly consume. A paper I have seen on the subject of transplanting wheat, by Mr. John Ainsworth, of Glen, recommends the practice as one of the best means of providing against a scarcity of this necessary of life. The saving of seed is undoubtedly a considerable advan- tage, since it is stated that half a peck sown in a seed bed, would furnish plants for an acre. Besides this saving of seed, there are in England some other advantages pointed out : but as they do not apply to the more temperate climate of St. Helena, it is unne- cessary to notice them. Upon the whole, however, it seems that this excellent mode of culture is deserving more attention in England, than has hitherto been paid to it. In India and China, transplanting is the common practice. Seed beds of rice are thickly sown for the purpose of furnishing plants for the lands. The young plants are deemed sufficiently strong for transplanting in 30 days : even until 60 days they con- tinue fit to be removed. It will be seen by the foregoing wheat TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 137 experiment, that tlie plants removed from the seed bed, liavith fewer and shorter thorns, and the full grown leaves, not too old, are of a dark green, while the other, or China Nopal leaves are of a lighter green, and with a less lucid surface : these distinctions will prevent any TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 171 mistake. There being no Tuna plants on the island ; and the plant for the fortifications and for the enclosures against the depredations of goats, being what is denominated the Mauritius Cactus, I will request some baskets of the Tuna leaves, and of Tuna seed to be sent here by the first opportunity, in the ex- pectation that it may meet with attention, so as in a few years to form fences and enclosures in James's Valley — thereby affording an equally formidable fence, while its leaves will be a more agreeable vegetable for its more acid nature. Having now stated. Honourable Sir, all that can be necessary for me to say on the subject of this address, which I trust will meet with your approbation ; I will take the liberty of trespassing a little longer on your time, by mentioning what appears to me of import, next in consequence to the increase of agriculture, which has so successfully engaged your attention ; the benefits resulting from it, I have heard acknowledged in the most honour- able and gratifying manner, by such of the old soldiery as I have met in my excursions, who have uniformly stated, that in the reductions of the prices of articles of food, and particularly in the abundant supply and reduced prices of potatoes, they have sub- sisted better since your government commenced, than they ever did before. The government, by taking agriculture on an extensive scale into their own hands have done this general good : but from the wide field that is yet open^ the whole of the interior of the island for six or eight miles in every direction, being capable of cul- tivation, a long perseverance must still be given to make this island what it should be, favoured as it is by situation in the tropic. I almost despair of its being effected, unless there are some small divisions of land, and some villages established in situations where there is water, there being in the interior only 172 TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. proprietors of land and slaves, from which there is little stimulus to industry. It must be evident that the apathy and difficulty of increasing agriculture — of there being no adequate supply of milk, and much less of butter, where there are so many cattle and sheep — and the scanty supply of eggs, where there should be an abundant stock of poultry, can alone be under such circumstances, from there being no lower class of inhabitants dependant on their own industry, and no establishment or settlement for the slaves when grown up. There are no villages for them, or small spots of ground to cultivate, as is the case in the West Indies. The Chinese also who are here, are not so much employed in agriculture as in labour. I think an experiment may be made with prospect of future benefit, by establishing men in small com- munities in a few places on the island, and to insure their industry, by the ready sale of what they may rear, in a public market, giving them premiums at first, and land on perpetual lease, and such annual quit rent after a certain lapse of years, as may be agreed upon ; in this manner the government land may be sold with public and private benefit. But to ensure the moisture and rain, on which extensive agri- culture must depend, it will be necessary to clothe the summit of the mountainous ridges in the interior with trees, all the elevated ridges being naked, there being no trees higher than the ridges, by which, clouds are not attracted, nor vapours condensed : the rocky summits of mountains of the exterior, tending still further by their naked surface to keep vapour clouds elevated, by which they are blown past, to fall in rain at sea. The few gum-wood trees which are said to be indigenous, seem to have so little hold of the ground on the sides of the ridges of Diana and High Peak, TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 173 as to be of little value either as a wood of utility, or for firewood. It should therefore be cleared away at Long Wood, where it inter- feres with agriculture, leaving only intermediate rows for shelter, for it occupies at present, ground capable of agriculture without being of the smallest use, and is not sufficiently elevated to answer the purpose I am recommending : the peaks that should be covered with Avood, being elevated far above the level of Long- Wood. As it would be an undertaking of labour and expense, more perhaps than would be given to cover the sides of the ridges towards the summits with wood, I have suggested to some gentlemen, and particularly to Major Hodson, as Arabian dates are sent here for sale (the seeds of which will grow), that if he would put some of these seeds in his pocket on going to these peaks, and make his servants stick them into the rich soil on these elevated ridges, he might clothe them with trees in this easy, slow, but general manner, that would not be eaten by the goats, would take strong- root, and from its luxuriant growth in Mysore, which in climate and elevation approaches that of these peaks, there can be little doubt of their thriving, and when any more useful trees can be reared these trees may be cut down or thinned. I have also sug- gested that the seed of the Guinea grass scattered on these summits would grow and distribute itself, and be the means of afl^brding the best of fodder to the tine English cattle reared on the island. The fir tree which you have reared with the same view, and mean to distribute at low rates, will be planted where they can be enclosed, and taken care of, but even some of these may be planted on these peaks, and if surrounded with a circular wall for a few feet, may be then left without further care, a ftw prickly pear leaves covering the top of the enclosure. In India, where 174 TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. there is more heat, you must have seen considerable plantations made this way, and as on these peaks there cannot be any other attention required or for watering, a good deal may be done, by employing some of ihe Chinese in this way. Lower down there are springs, in which many of the forest trees of the Malabar mountains will grow. In furtherance of this object, I will transmit a copy of this letter for introduction in the public prints in India, with the view of soliciting seeds being sent here, and will make particular requests myself to be more certain. I shall request them being directed to the Town Major of St. Helena, to be re- ported by him, and disposed of as government, or individuals may wish. It gives me pleasure to learn from you that the fermenting balls which I described in the Madras Gazette of the 22d February, 1812, had been so useful as to afford excellent fermented bread to the fleet that sailed at that period for Ehgland. I have not been able to do any thing in the way you wish, of endeavouring to make a similar ferment to improve the bread at St. Helena — not having received the plants I requested, nor a bottle of the juice of the gum-wood tree : but from what 1 tasted of this juice, I think it will afford all that can be required in this way, it being a saccharine juice, which when allowed to approach the acetous fermentation, will so nearly approach the Cocoa nut or Palmira Toddy, as to be equally useful as a ferment. On speaking to the baker in James's Town respecting the weakness of his ferment, and of his bread not being sufficiently raised, he attributed the failure to the impurity and badness of the wheat flour: this may certainly be obviated by having grain sent instead of flour, to be ground at St. Helena, by which there would be little danger of its being spoiled or impure. I men- tion this to show that I have not been inattentive to your wish, TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 175 but as you have taken the subject into consideration, I shall ad have enjoyed their health since they have been fed with fish remarkably better than they ever did, when, at a very great expense, they were allowed salt provisions : and we have had, and still have, such good fortune in our fishery, that we weekly catch more than they can well consume, and doubt not but our faithful endeavours to secure your Honours from any charge upon this account, will be attended with the like good success for the time to come : so that those who formerly told your Honours that fish were not to be had the year round, did it on purpose to deceive you : or knew not what they said — which latter seems most likely. March 30th. Paragraph 24. " We have still such good luck in our fishery, that we often catch more than your blacks can eat ; and we will be particularly careful to save your Honours the heavy cliarge of salt beef and pork." 1729, Decemher lOth. Paragraph 6. " Your slaves continue to thrive upon their diet of fish and potatoes. We hear very Ihtle now of fluxes, aching bones, or pains in the belly, though when they were fed with salt provisions, it was common to have 20 or 30 of them laid up at a time. Their food is now wholesome and not expensive ; the gi-eat plenty of fish which we still continue to catch, having effectually secured you from the former heavy charge of salt meat, and we faithfully assure your Honours we have exerted ourselves in such manner, that there is no likelihood you should again be at that expense ; it was what gave us great disturbance and uneasiness, and we could not rest till we ha found means to remedy it." 1730, ^pril I9th. Paragraph 18. " We continue to catch fish in great plenty, with which your blacks are very well pleased." May 26th. Paragraph 2. " In our several letters this season we have been so full and particular in our account of matters of most consequence, that we have little material to lay before you now ; that of greatest moment is, to acquaint your Honours that having, with great pains and industry, supplied your blacks for these last three years with great plenty of fish, the greatest part of that superfluous chargeable cargo of salt provisions, sent for by Mr. Smith, at a great expense to your Honours, lies upon our hands unsold." TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 187 in driving carts, in planting and gathering potatoes, and many other offices ; and some are already become expert ploughmen. But the establishment here is necessarily different from that in any other place. At Java, at Prince of Wales' Island, and other settlements, I am told, they are the leading persons in farming: and at Ceylon this was unsuccessfully attempted ; for they culti- vated nothing more than for their own immediate wants, and were, in consequence of little service to that colony. If provisions were cheap, the experiment might be worth a trial here : but, in the present state of St. Helena, it would certainly fail ; because, if Chinese had lands, they would do as their neighbours ; for it could not be expected they would sell at lower prices. It was these considerations that induced me to form them into a reeular establishment. The Company pay the labourers a shilling a day, and find them in rations ; and by this mode, their military services may be at command, and very useful in aiding the corps of artillery, in dragging of cannon, and carriage of ammunition ; in short, in employments similar to those of the artillery Lascars in India. As they are all placed under the direction of European overseers, it cannot be doubted that much more labour is obtained from them than if they were left to themselves. This mode of management, the Rt. Honourable Lieutenant-General Maitland admitted was far better than that he had introduced on the island of Ceylon, by giving them lots of land. It is the mode I recom- mend, as the most advisable at first, in all places where Chinese may be introduced ; and where the prices of the products of the. 1731, April 2d. Paragraph 1 7 . " We will dispose of the salt beef as well as we can ; the blacks will little want it, for we still continue to catch fish in great plenty, and that yearly saves your Honours a great sum. December 28th. Paragraph 6. " We have still good luck in our liihery the year round j upon which, and beef and pork, your blacks are plentifully fed." 188 TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. lands are high ; and particularly if the object should be, throui^h their means to reduce those prices. Your observations on the attraction of moisture and rain, appear to be judicious. Trees have usually been recommended for that purpose. 1 am of opinion, however, that cultivation has also a tendency to produce the same etlect ; and in proportion to the extension of arable fields, so will be the increase of moisture. This will readily be conceived by attention to the following facts. On the 5th of May last, I cut down a square rod of barley wheat, that had been two months in the ground, from the time of sowing. The produce in a green state, was 146 pounds, or about 10^ tons per acre. Jt was carefully collected and dried in the air, nntil the 26th of May, when it weighed no more than 46 pounds ; consequently, 100 pounds of moisture had been evapo- rated ; and if only half this weight be supposed to have been, at the time of cutting, absorbed in the soil and roots, under the thick shade of an exuberant crop, the total quantity of moisture would be 150 pounds on a square rod, or above ten tons upon an acre. These circumstances lead me to believe there is a more accurate mode of determining the comparative moisture, on ploughed and unploughed lands, than by the vapour glasses lately introduced in Engfland. As the planting of trees, for useful timber and fuel, is an im- portant object here, I have always intended it should keep pace with cultivation. During the last four years several thousand pineasters and oaks have been set out, and there are still a good many in the nurseries. This year the nurseries are to be estab- lished on a larger scale. Every cone from the pineaster and cypress trees at Plantation-house has been collected, as well as the seeds of the Botany Bay willow. These trees, and the indi- genous red wood, together with the largest species of Morgossa TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 189 [Melia Azederach*) are, without exception, the finest trees for this island. Their growth is rapid ; they are all evergreens ; stand the trade wind in the most exposed situations, are extremely ornamental, and most of them are equally uselul for timber as for fuel. Under all these advantages, I should prefer them to the Arabian date for clothing the summits and sides of the highest ridges ; and as upon these there is a cooler temperature, and a greater degree of moisture, it may be expected they would grow with more luxuriance than those in the vicinity of Plantation- house. I do not, however, object to the Arabian date, since it would tend to the objects in view, and would be a valuable ac- quisition to the fruit trees of St. Helena. The fermenting balls which you described in the Madras Gazette, of the 22d of February, 1812, were found to surpass even your most sanguine expectations. Some of the passengers in a ship where they were daily used, assured me, that, during the voyage to St. Helena, they had the lightest and finest bread they ever tasted on board ship : they compared their breakfast rolls to * I have, at present, some beautiful specimens of the Melia, from seed received from Dr. Roxburgh, which was sown on the 26th of February, 1812. The young trees were transplanted on the 3d of October, 1812, and some are now three feet high, spreading out horizontal branches, and forming a tliick foliage about four feet in diameter. The young trees when transplanted at seven months growth, had tap-roots, like a small parsnip. These roots were as long as the stems above ground, and both together, of the largest plants, measured from 18 to 24 inches. They are, therefore, peculiarly suited to this climate j and are, by far, the best of all the Indian trees I have received. Neither the Teak nor Sissoo seed, nor any other of the many timber trees, for which I am indebted to Dr. Roxburgh's kindness and attention have succeeded at Plantation-house ; notwithstanding they were sown and treated according to his directions. However, the trees I have enumerated would be sufficient for every purpose ; and if the planting system he followed up, St. Helena, in the course of even twenty years, would yield a considerable supply of useful timber, and abound with fuel. 190 TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c, the French rolls in London. I should hope that a similar ferment may be produced here, by following your directions, and using the juice of the gum-wood tree, as you recommend, as a substitute for the Palmira, or cocoa-nut toddy. Permit me to conclude, by expressing my best acknowledgments and thanks for your suggestions, and for the interest you take in the welfare of this island. I have endeavoured to make some I'eturn, by conveying to you such information as I conceived might be acceptable. I am. Sir, your most obedient, humble Servant, ALEXANDER BEATSON. St, Helena, 17 th April, 1813. TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. m SECTION XXVIII. Mr. Miller's Directions for rearing Scotch Pine are applicable to the Finer aster — St. Helena Pineaster Wood described — weightier than common. Fir — thrives upon poor Soil — average Growth about two Feet in the Year — sometimes grows more than three Feet. Plantations of Firs at St. Helena more profitable than in Europe — Computation of their Value in twenty Years. Negligence and Inattention to the planting Law much to be regretted — The fittest Trees for St. Helena Plantations enumerated — Furthet Notices upon the Growth of Trees — and upon the necessity of extirpating Goats, and tending Sheep. JVlR. Miller's directions for planting the Scotch pine are in general applicable to the Pineaster, which is the species of pine growing at Plantation-house, and at other places on this island. This is described in Miller's Gardener's Dictionary. " Pine " tree with two thick smooth leaves in each sheath, and pyramidal " acute cones; the Wild Pine, or Pineaster." The wood of St. Helena pineaster of twenty-four years growth, which has the appearance of pale mahogany, is weightier than common fir, in the proportion of 6 to 5, and apparently surpasses in quality all the sorts that are usually imported here. It grows even upon poor, hard, clay soil, and consequently may be culti- vated with better success in many places : but particularly about the middle of the island, where there is better soil, more moisture, and a cooler temperature. According to personal observation and particular attention to pineasters of different ages, I have observed that, in general, their average growth is about two feet in the year. This is upon dry 192 TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c, land : npon better soil, the growth would no doubt be quicker ; for, in some cases, I have seen them shoot three feet in twelve months. A good many of these trees may be seen at the east side of the lawn at Plantation-house, which are already well grown. The seed-bed was sown in May, 1809, and the young trees trans- planted in May, 1810: one of which, in four years, already measures ten feet eleven inches high. Even this small specimen of a pineaster plantation is sufficient to shew the advantages that would, in a few years, be derived from the establishment of large plantations. Judging from the size of some pineasters, planted by Colonel Patton, about eight or nine years ago, I am of opinion that the^r*^ thinning of St. Helena plantations might take place in nine years from the seed ; at which time, the stems would yield many pieces of small timber, fit for a variety of purposes ; and the branches would furnish abundance of excellent fuel ; an article at present so very scarce on this island. According to Mr. Miller, the first thinning, in the northern climates, takes place at sixteen or eighteen years growth ; because, he says, they are four years old when transplanted : but here they are set out after being about ten months, or one year, in the seed- bed. I conceive their quick growth in this climate, may be ascribed to the powers of vegetation not being at any time sus- pended : which is not the case in cold and frosty regions. The advantages therefore of forming plantations of tirs at St. Helena are much greater than in Europe ; the expenses will be much sooner reimbursed ; and the best trees, being left for growing timber, will be of great value ; and at this island would establish fortunes for the younger branches of even the present generation. It may not be unprofitable to take a view of the advantage that would accrue from the proposed plantations. The result will, I trust, operate as a powerful stimulus to exertion, and will, I hope. I TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 193 keep up that spirit for planting- which has happily this year shewn itself, by many applications for trees from the Plantation-house garden. Seven thousand one hundred and eighty-four tine young plants have, within these few days, been distributed in various parts of the island. These will very soon determine the best sites for the plantations. That number, and about four thousand transplanted during the years 1811 and 1812, make, collectively, an addition of above 11,000 pineasters to this island: the value of these, in twenty years, according to the following computation, may be estimated at about c£12,500. sterling. I will suppose a landholder to establish a plantation of only two acres upon land at present useless : and according to Mr. Miller's directions, that he places the trees at the distance of four feet. In this case, each acre will contain 2722 trees, say 2500, or 5000 in the two acres. After nine years growth the thinning of the plantation would yield 2500 trees, about 18 feet high ; and worth as timber and fuel 10«. each, or - - - <£1,250 2500 trees of standing timber, at twenty years growth, estimated at 40«. each _ _ _ _ 5,000 Total value of two acres at 20 years growth ^6,250 But if we take a more enlarged view of the proposed plantations, the advantages will appear immense. Supposing then that the old planting law, requiring one acre in ten to be planted with trees, so often repeated, )iut never attended to, had been enforced; and that those trees had been pineasters, and planted twenty years ago. The quantity of land thus planted would have been 600 acres, having 1250 trees of standing timber upon each acre, or 750,000 trees upon the GOO. These, at twenty years growth, are certainly undervalued at St. Helena, when reckoned at only 40*. 194 TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. each ; consequently their value at the present time would have been at least £1,500,000. : this is exclusive of immense quantities of fuel that would also have been furnished by thinning the plan- tations during that period. How much then have the present generation cause to lament the negligence and inattention of their fathers ! If those planta- tions had been established, fuel would have been, during the last twenty years, in abundance ; and there would have been enough to supply the numerous ships that annually touch here ; whilst the aspect of the island would have been beautified : and in all probability an improvement in the climate effected, by the attraction of a greater degree of moisture from such extensive plantations. Surely these reflections are enough to rouse the attention of the present landholders ; and as every facility will, in future, be given to forward so laudable an object, by establishing proper nurseries in the Company's gardens at Plantation-house, from which all the fittest sort of trees for this climate will be supplied, at moderate rates, I therefore entertain a sanguine hope that the present beginnings will be pursued with ardour. If, after what has been said, and I hope clearly demonstrated, there should be any occupier of land, who is not impressed with a conviction of the infinite importance of plantations of pineaster and other useful trees, and who does not exert himself in rearing them, I should consider such a man as totally blind to his own interests ; regardless of himself and family ; and of little or no use to the community of which he is a member. I cannot quit this subject without again adverting to what has been stated in my letter to Dr. Berry, in pages 15 and 16 of the last month's Register.* Experience, during five years past, has clearly shewn that the pineaster, stone,pine, cypress, Botany Bay * Section XXVII. TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. ^ ]95 willow, the indigenous red wood, and the large species of Mor- gossa [Melia azederach), are without exception, the very best trees for this island. They are of quick growth, and all evergreens ; they stand the trade wind in the most exposed situations ; and most of them are equally useful for timber as for fuel. To this list I may venture to add the Bois noir, or black wood. Of this tree I lately received some seed from Governor Farquhar at the Isle of France, who is of opinion that the black wood might be a valuable acquisition to the St. Helena plantations. So far as I can at present judge, I have reason to believe it will succeed admirably. The young plants are already finely Come up, and are much more forward than any other of the seeds that were sown at the same time. " The JBois noir-, at the Isle of France, " is beautiful during nine months of the year, grows surprisingly " quick, and yields a timber that is excellent for ship-building, " and other valuable purposes." Of the trees I have here enumerated, there is, I believe, only one (the JHorgossa) which is fit for underwoods ; and as these would be extremely serviceable for fuel, because they re-produce after being cut down, I would recommend extensive plantations of Morgossa, China peach, island peach, fig, guava, orange, and lemon trees, all of which bear cutting, and, after being once es- tablished, would yield a succession of fuel for many years. Plantains, too, are deserving attention. If the low grounds, where there is a good supply of water, were filled with groves of this excellent fruit, they would not only be a great acquisition as food for man, but their stems would yield, after the fruit is ripe, abundance of nutritious fodder for cattle ; which would secure the landholders from such ruinous losses in cattle as have, at times, occurred in seasons of drought ; and which I am fully convinced, from all I have read on this subject, and from the successful trials 196 TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. I have made of green -fodder crops from corn, are entirely to be ascribed to improvident management, and to depending solely on pasture lands. I shall conclude these observations with the following notices, reirardina the urowth of trees on the island of St. Helena, which are recorded in my journal. Fehruary 9th, 1813. — At Long Wood there are some China peach trees, on the east side of the offices l)ehind the house (a Very exposed situation), raised from peach stones put in the soil by Colonel Broughton about four years ago. These trees blos- somed last year, but had no fruit. At present they are ten to twelve feet high, and have a good many peaches on them. This proves that very valuable orchards of peaches might speedily be raised at St. Helena^ A few acres, planted in sheltered and warm situations with peach stones at four feet asunder, would be much sooner productive of fruit ; and when thinned, at four or five years growth from the seed, would yield plenty of fuel : and the best trees being left, would continue for many years to pro- duce great abundance of fruit, which would be serviceable to the inhabitants and shipping, and what might be to spare would afford an admirable food for hogs ; as these animals are extremely fond of the fruit, and more so of the kernels, they might be suf- fered to range in the peach orchards as they do amongst oak trees in England. Thus they might be fed, during January, February, and March, without any expense to the proprietors. These observations apply equally to orchards of figs and guavas ; which come in season immediately after the peaches, and would give a further supply of food to those animals during the three following months. Some young pineasters which Colonel Broughton received from the seed-bed at Plantation-house, sown in May, 1809, are now. TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 197 at three years and a half growth, 9^^ feet high. Some red wood trees of the same age are from 6 to 8 feet high, with fine straight stems now in red blossom. 3Iay 20fh, 1813. — At Plantation-house there is amongst the pineasters sown in May, 180.9, and transplanted in May, 1810, a remarkable fine tree which this day, in four years, measures ten feet eleven inches. Some Morgossa trees (the seed of which was sown on the 26th of February, 1812), transplanted the 3d of October, measure S^ feet high ; with horizontal branches which cover a space of 4j feet in diameter. This is a surprising growth in fifteen months from the seed. I also this day measured a beau- tiful young cypress which was a seed on the 8th of April, 1811, and transplanted on the 2d of July, 1812, and has now attained the height of four feet and five inches. These few notices may be of use hereafter to refer to; and are, undoubtedly, suflicient to convince all unbiassed persons here, and elsewhere, of the facility with which plantations of useful timber, and of fruit trees, might be raised at St. Helena. It is, indeed, much to be lamented, that any obstruction whatever should stand in the way of these extensive and valuable improvements. If the goats are not ex- terminated, and the sheep tamed and tended, there is but 'too much reason to apprehend that those animals will be a 'constant source of vexation and loss, to those who have really a desire to contribute their efforts to the general good of the island, 3Iat/ 20th, 1813. 198 TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. SECTION XXIX. Means of collecting Water on the driest Parts of the Island, and Observations on the Advantages resulting from this Practice. In the year 1809, I made an attempt to introduce the Indian mode of forming tanks, or reservoirs, by means of a mound or embankment. It seemed very practicable ; but the soil not being sufficiently tenacious for retaining water, the first trial did not succeed ; a second, however, was completely successful, and affords a positive demonstration of the practicability of retaining water, collected during the rains, in even the most barren and driest parts of the island. This had long been a desideratum at St. Helena ; and as nothing tends more to general improvement of a country than the introduction of water in those places, capable of cultivation, which are destitute of natural supplies of this element, I shall here give an account of the successful method which has been carried into effect ; and which already has rendered a considera- ble portion of land fit for habitation and other useful purposes ; which, before the formation of the reservoir, had always been considered as barren and unprofitable. This reservoir was origi- nally intended for the supply of the soldiers composing the garrison of Ladder Hill ; who, ever since a military post was established there, had been stinted in the supply of water, on ac- count of the laborious task allotted them of bringing it in kegs from James' Town. To relieve them from this fatigue, and to furnish an adequate supply, a tank has been formed on the south side of High Knoll, which, by means of small channels cut on J TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 199 this hill, as well as on the adjoining hill, called " Merriraans," will receive the whole of the rains that fall on a space of several acres. As those hills are mostly covered with grass, the rain water which rnns from their declivities, is much cleaner than that from the more level surface of Ladder Hill ; where, for want of vegetation, the soil is readily loosened, and carried off" by the streams ; which are, at all times, extremely muddy. The tank, or reservoir, has been excavated in stiff clay, at the distance of 2800 yards from the new fortifications on Ladder Hill. The prevailing south-east wind, coming down a valley immedi- ately beyond it, keeps the water in constant agitation, and pre- vents it becoming stagnant or muddy. As the descent from the tank to the fortifications is one foot in ten, the stream moves quickly. A cut stone water course has been laid the whole of the distance. At those places where the ground is tolerably even, it is raised about six inches above the surface. The small ravines, or gullies, are crossed by walls, having openings or gutters for the free passage of the rain, under the water course, so as to pre- vent the nmddy water from Ladder Hill, mixing with the purer stream from the tank. The reservoir contains about 4000 tons ; and as it may be expected to be filled twice a year, (during the two rainy seasons) the total annual supply will be about 8000 tons. Allowing 10 tons a day for Ladder Hill, there would re- main 4 or 5000 tons for any intermediate gardens ; or for cottages that may hereafter be erected between High Knoll and Ladder Hill. The whole of Ladder Hill, comprising about 300 acres, has ever been devoid of water, and of no value whatever ; but as a few small cisterns at proper distances can be established near the choicest spots of land, they may possibly invite persons to build and to cultivate. It seems to me that the culture of the melon, pumpkin, grape, and all sorts of esculents, might be carried on 200 TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. extensively ; not by the costly mode of breaking up a great part of the land, and clearing it of rocks and stones, but merely by digging holes two or three feet in diameter, and filling them with good mould and manure. This method, with occasional water- ing, and particularly in situations sheltered from the south-east wind, would promote the growth of many sorts of vegetables ; and by thus having water, passing through this, at present desert tract, there might be many places selected, suitable to the pur- poses of cultivation, and of rearing hogs, poultry, &c. To form some idea of the immense quantities of pumpkins that might be raised in the manner I have suggested, and which would not only be a valuable acquisition to shipping, but a cheap food for hogs, it will be sufficient to state, that from a dry bank at Plantation-house, of light soil, measuring 360 feet by 12,* in which holes were dug, and a few seeds sown in October, 1810, there was, from the first crop, a return of 3583 pounds of excel- lent pumpkins : several of which weighed 70 pounds each. I have been informed that this produce is even inferior to that which has been obtained in other places of this island. * This being 4300 square feet, is about the tenth part of an acre; the produce would therefore be about 35,000 pounds of pumpkins per acre. The seeds were sown on tjie 27th of October, 1810, and the last of the crop was gathered on the 9th of July, 1811. Mr. Henry Alexander, Colonial Secretary at the Cape of Good Hope, informed me that the Dutch farmers there sow pumpkin seed amongst their corn, and by this meansobtaina double crop. This practice is deserving attention on this island. V ^ .V. ■- 5i ^ V TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 201 SECTION XXX. Further Observations on the Importance of planting Trees at St. Helena. 1 HE iinportance of introducing, on this island, extensive plan- tations of trees, for the purposes of timber and fuel, has been so frequently brought to the notice of the landholders, through the medium of the St. Helena Register, that it seemed scarcely requi- site to add any thing more upon this subject ; particularly as a spirit for planting has been evinced, which may lead to great improvements, and prove highly beneficial to the present, as well as future generations. Lately, however, I met with a paper upon Mr. Curwen's plantations. It is indeed truly applicable to the circumstances of this island ; and as it contains the result of experience, and the opinions of a respectable individual who has very largely engaged in the improvement of his estates by " making- plantations on many indifferent mountain pasture lands," I am inclined to think this communication will attract attention. The account of 3Ir. Curwen's plantations is peculiarly calculated to confirm that laudable spirit which has been awakened, to stimulate exertion, and to impress on the minds of those, who may entertain doubts as to the advantages of converting some of their hill lands into plantations, that " no speculation can hold out a more flattering prospect." Bnt, the prospect here is far more promising than that inferred by Mr. Curwen. Let any one examine, and duly consider the deductions which have been given in the Register for July, 1811, D d 202 TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. p. 17;* let him compare the facts on which those deductions are founded — let him look at those trees, the growth of which has been recorded — and he will, I trust, find the reasoning incontro- vertible : besides, in regard to the trees that have been noticed, of twenty-six years growth, it is proper here to observe, that there is not one that has been treated as it ought to have been : they have all been placed too much asunder, and thereby deprived of the advantage of sheltering each other, and of being drawn up into straight timber. Their stems have been denuded of their branches to the height of 18 or 20 feet ; the soil in which they grow has been thereby too much exposed to the sun's rays, and from these causes there cannot be a doubt they have received a considerable check. Had they been planted and treated accord- ing to Mr. Miller, there is good reason to believe they would succeed better : but taking them as they are, they are now valuable, both for timber and fuel. Mr. Curwen estimates his trees at sixty years growth, and their value at three hundred pounds per acre. The estimate I have taken is at twenty years only ; and the value (at this island price of timber and fuel) exceeds ten times that sum. What a vast encouragement is this to a speculation which is generally admitted in England to be one of the most profitable, in which a landholder can engage ! When it is considered also that a single individual (Mr. Johnes of Havod) has formed the resolution of planting one million of trees annually, ought not this to stimulate the united efforts of the seventy landholders of St. Helena ? who might assuredly, with ease accomplish one tenth of this number every year. If such a resolution were adopted by them, it would, in the course of a few years render St. Helena abundant in fuel ; and in twenty years, * Section XXVIII. TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 203 or less, there would be a sufficient quantity of timber for all the various purposes required in buildings and at the farms. The object of plantations is indeed so important in every point of view, the certainty of success on this island, so clearly esta- blished on the basis of facts, and the advantageous consequences that would be felt by the Lords Proprietors, as well as individuals, so very great that it deserves the most serious attention, and in my opinion, ought to call forth every possible exertion, both public and private (for some years to come) in order to restore wood to this long neglected and denuded spot. PART II. NARRATIVE OF THE MUTINY, IN DECEMBER, 1811. 207 PART II. NARRATIVE OF THE MUTINY, IN DECEMBER, 1811. Colonel Beatson's Report to the Honourable the Court of Directors for the Affairs of the United East India Company. Honourable Sirs, A MOST daring mutiny having broken out in the St. Helena infantry, on the night of the 23(1 ult. for the avowed purpose of seizing my person, and subverting this government, it becomes my duty to lay before you a general view of the causes which led to these licentious, and highly criminal proceedings ; together with a detail of every circumstance that occurred, as well as the measures I adopted, from the commencement of the mutiny, until the surrender of the mutineers ; which happily led to the com- plete re-establishment of military subordination. Your Honourable Court is well aware of the state of St. Helena at the time you did me the honour to appoint me to this govern ment. On my arrival in July, 1808, I found a population of 3600 living almost wholly upon the public stores ; and obtaining most of the necessaries of life in profusion, at prices not exceeding one third of the prime cost. The consequences of so unprecedented a system (as might naturally be expected) were the neglect of cultivation, — the decline of industry, — and an immense augmenta- tion in the annual charges of the island. 208 NARRATIVE OF THE MUTINY, &c. This augmentation between the years 1800 and 1808, had been gradually progressive from .£51,030. to ^114,961. per annum.* * The sums 2/51,030. and XI 14,961. are the " net charges." Freight and contingent losses upon provisions, and stores, received annually from England, India, and China, being settled at the India-house, are not included in the island accounts. Rating freight from India at Z<30. per ton (which is less than the average in time of war) and adding this rate, and the contingent expences, to Zrll4,961. in 1808, I find the actual charges of that year amounted to Z'157,356. ; and if the same proportion of freight, &c. be added to 1.51,030. in 1800, the total is X69,000.; consequently the charges of this small island had risen from L6y,000. in 1800, to Zl57,356. in 1808. This augmentation of Z,88,356. in the annual charges, originated chiefly, in a new and very extraordinary system, which had gradually crept in, of feeding the population from the Company's stores. The cause of those additional expences being ascertained, it was easy to apply proper remedies ; but in doing so, I certainly could not expect to gain the good will of the St. Helenians : this will explain the " general dissatisfaction" alluded to. It may be proper in this place to observe, that the effect of the measures introduced since 1808, has been to reduce the expences from Z'157j356. per annum, to Ll04,880. in 1812 — thus, producing a saving to the Honourable East India Company of £-52,476. per annum. This observation will be illustrated by the following Statement which was laid before the Honourable East India Directors, in April, 1814. ' :i Comparative View of St. Helena Charges, 1808 — 1812- Total Charge Total Charge DiflFerence, or 1808. 1812. Saving L. L. L. Si Net Charges, per Island Accounts, ''Deviation, in lieu of freight, to store- 114,961 91,743 23,218 Charges not included in t Island Accour ships from England, Freight from India and China, atLSO. 5,000 3,000 2,000 per ton. - _ _ _ Loss upon arrack leagers, .Loss upon beef, pork, and flour casks, 31,290 951 7,560 23,730 951 5,154 2,577 2,577 1 Total 157,356 104,880 52,476 This saving of L52,4'J6. in the annual charges, was the effect of regulations and re- strictions upon the issues and sale of provisions from the Company's stores ; and of intro- ducing the plough, and giving examples of English husbandry, which have led to a larger scale of cultivation. NARRATIVE OF THE MUTINY, &c. 209 I found a garrison, as well as many of the inhabitants, immersed in the grossest intemperance, from the facility of obtaining, and their excessive use of, spirituous liquors ; and I found that abuses obtained in some of the departments. The measures I resorted to, in correcting so many existing evils, (and whicli have ])een honoured by your entire approbation), must be in the recollec- tion of your Honourable Court. Whilst I was carrying forward my official duties, upon princi- ples of strict justice between the Company and individuals, I was often assailed with reports of intended mutinies. These were sometimes conveyed in anonymous papers, and circulated, no doubt, with a view of intimidating me from persevering in a system of reform, which had become necessary, and which I was firmly resolved to pursue. Although these vile means, and some other circumstances, evinced a general dissatisfaction, yet, con- scious of the uprightness of my conduct, I totally disregarded them, and those factious and discontented men, who took the lead in these despicable and seditious attempts, finding that their mean and unbecoming artifice had not the desired etfect, were apparently lulled for many months past. Very lately, however, when a temporary inconvenience was felt, arising from our reduced stock of flour, and the total want of rice in the public stores, this occasion was eagerly laid hold of, and became a plea for the revival of unreasonable demands, accompanied with menaces of mutiny and rebellion. The want of bread corn was the pretended cause of dissatis- faction : but circumstances have since clearly shewn that the sole object of the late violent measures, was to compel this govern- ment to give spirits to the garrison ; an object in which every drunkard on the island iV'lt'a deep and warm interest. The first symptoms of discantent appeared on Sunday morning Ee iilO NARRATIVE OF THE MUTINY, &c. the 22d of December : the particulars will be found in the fol- lowing General Orders; James's Toivn, 2^d December, 1811. GENERAL ORDERS. " On Friday last, when it was reported to the Governor that no supplies of potatoes had been sent to market, and that con- siderable inconvenience was, in consequence, felt by the soldiers in garrison, he instantly adopted the only measure which was practicable for removing that inconvenience. Accordingly, a Proclamation * was issued, which, he has no doubt, will secure supplies of that necessary article of food, in sufficient quantity to meet the imports of flour and rice that are hourly expected. '• The Governor's consideration for the comforts of the soldiers, was again manifested, by the orders that were immediately issued, for a Court of Inquiry to assemble, for the purpose of investigat- ing the real and true causes of the inconvenience complained of. On Saturday evening he was furnished with the proceedings of the Court ; by which he plainly perceived, that for want of pota- toes having been sent to market, and a premeditated design to make complaints, a temporary inconvenience was created. Never- theless, he felt every inclination to remove it; for, when it was reported on Sunday morning, that there was no bread in the messes, he immediately ordered twenty bushels of potatoes from Plantation-house farm to be sent to James's Town. " The Governor natm'ally hoped that such dispositions, to relieve as much as lay in his power, under present circumstances, the wants of the soldiers, would have been received as testimonies of his solicitude to promote their comforts. But how different was the reception ! Some of the men made purchases in the * Appendix, A. NARRATIVE OF THE MUTINY, &c. 211 market, at the accustomed price of potatoes sent from Long Wood (and they of course, must have considered them reasonable) ; but soon after those purchasers returned the potatoes, and said they were too dear, in which the whole garrison seemed to combine. This was, indeed, the first complaint that occurred against the late reduced price of potatoes. If the soldiers will but look back to the difliculty they formerly experienced, and to the exorbitant rates that were extorted from them in procuring that excellent substitute for bread (so eagerly sought after, three years ago.) and compare the immense quantities that have been furnished them from Long Wood, during the last two years, they must be sensible they have derived peculiar advantages from the late enlarged scale of cultivation. Those advantages are, at least, equivalent to former indulgences, which it is, at present, impossible to grant, of purchasing rice and peas from the Company's stores. " In all countries, and in all situations, temporary inconveni- ences of this kind will occasionally arise ; and which no human foresight can prevent. Disappointments in the arrival of flour from England and America, and of rice from India, and other causes, have, unavoidably, occasioned a difference in the supplies to the garrison. But, in the year 1795, when the corn crops in England had failed, what was the state of the United Kingdoms.^ The very first families there were glad, and contented, to use the only substitute for bread corn that was procurable, and this sub- stitute was potatoes. Are soldiers then, of all men in the world, whose profession often leads them to the severest privations and hardships, to depart from their character, by murmuring and complaining, merely because they cannot get an indulgence they were accustomed to ; and at a time too when there is no real want of food, and when they receive their full rations of bread and meat ? — Ought they not rather to prove themselves worthy of 212 NARRATIVE OF THE MUTINY, &c. the name of soldiers ; and to shew they are capable, (and willing too,) of sustaining such privations as it may one day be their lot to suffer ? For shame ! AVhat a striking contrast to the conduct of this stationary garrison, is that of those brave fellows who are at present gallantly fighting in Spain and Portugal ! No murmurs are heard of there, although the armies are exposed to the rigour of the seasons, to many privations, and to long and harrassing marches. " The Governor is disposed to believe that this spirit of discon- tent, which was so strongly, and most improperly, manifested from Friday morning to Sunday evening, could not have been produced otherwise than by some few malicious persons, who liave been but too successful in misleading others. This, indeed, may be justly inferred from some of the men having actually made purchases of potatoes, and afterwards returned them ; evidently because those advisers had persuaded them not to take them at the former price, of which there never before was the smallest complaint. — This led to an inconsiderate declaration that they imist have the potatoes lowered to four shillings. What could reasonably be expected from such conduct? Could any set of men for a moment persuade themselves that this was a mode of obtaining their ends? Weak, indeed, must that man be who would yield to such combination. — If he did, he would need to hide his face, and despise himself for ever. " Although the Giovernor has deemed it proper, on this occa- sion, to declare these as his most decided and unalterable senti- ments ; yet he must, at the same time, assure every person on this island, that he never has been, nor ever will be, inclined to commit a single act of oppression towards any individual. He will dothe strictest justice to all. He will act most fairly and uprightly between them and his honourable employers ; he will pay the NARRATIVE OF THE MUTINY, &c. 213 utmost attention to every fair and reasonable representation of the soldiers throngli the medium of their officers; and will be ready at all times to extend any necessary indulgence, as far as may be consistent with the estaldished regulations, or compatible with his duty ; but it must not be expected that he will ever depart from these principles ; and of which no reasonable man can complain. " With this view, he will issue immediate orders for assembling a special court of inquiry, in order to ascertain on what plea or pretext, the murmurs that began on Friday morning were occa- sioned ; and he will afterwards adopt such measures as he may deem proper, " The soldiers in this garrison should also be reminded that similar inconvenience to the present (if it may be so called) has not been unfrequent. In the year 1747 so great was the distress for flour, rice, and meat on this island, that the rations were limited to half a pound of meat per day, and to Jive pounds of bread per week. In 1797, for similar reasons, the weekly rations were regulated at three pounds of bread, at two-pence per pound, and at eight pounds of potatoes, at a penny a pound. These facts appear on the records ; but at those periods, even although the rations were reduced^ no murmuring or dissatisfac- tion shewed itself; all descriptions of persons submitted to the existing circumstances, because they were unavoidable. " It gives the Governor sincere concern to be compelled to draw these comparisons, yet he trusts the future conduct of the soldiers (which he will do them the justice to say for these two years past, would have reflected credit on any garrison), may hereafter con- vince him, that the errors into which they have fallen, have only proceeded from the causes he has conjectured." C. K. G. HODSON, Town Major. 214 NARRATIVE OF THE MUTINY, &c. When I delivered these orders to the Town Major to be issued, I opened a sealed anonymous paper which during the night was slipped under Mr. Doveton's door. I was, at the same time, in- formed by the Town Major that the regiment was prepared to mutiny, for the purpose of seizing my person, and sending me on board tlie Camperdown 1* The following is a copy of the anonymous paper alluded to ; which was addressed " To the Governor and Council." James's Fort, Decemr 22d, 1811. "^ Gentlemen of the Councel, " His it still your intension to percevere in your oppression and " tyrarinney to wards the troops in this garrison, has hitherto " you have done ; if so, you can expect nothing but an open " rebellion. " I am hereby autherized, by the troops of this island, to in- " form this Councel, if they do not immeadatly soply this garrison " with liquor and provisions, in the same manner has Governor " Brooks did (whose regulations you have voilated) you shall be " made answerable for what may follow, except you make your " escape good from this settlement. " It is in your power to prevent the impending vengeance " which now hangs over your head's, and save the lives of many " poor souls, which will inevitable fall a sacrefice." This seditious paper was written in a feigned hand. The affectations of false orthography, and of bad style, are evidently intended to conceal its author. The receipt of this letter, and the Town Major's information, * The Camperdown cutter was hired by the Company, and attached to the island in 1803. Slie was occasionally sent to the Cape of Good Hope, and South America, on the public service. NARRATIVE OF THE MUTINY, &c. 215 determined me not to lose a moment in preparing for the worst that could happen. I ordered the Camperdown to sail imme- diately ; the strong forts of Ladder Hill and High Knoll to be re-inforced ; and I made the necessary arrangements for taking post at Plantation-house, which I resolved to defend in person against any attacks that might be made upon me. To Captain Benjamin Hodson, of the artillery, an excellent officer, in whose judgment and discretion I had the most perfect confidence, I directed the Town Major to address the following instructions. To Captain Benjamin Hodson, of the Artillery Corps. Sir, I AM directed by the Governor to inform you that you are imme- diately to take charge of the post at Ladder Hill ; and to use your utmost vigilance in preventing any persons having commu- nication with the men under your command ; and if you should perceive any assemblies of men in garrison, or any appearance of commotion among the troops, you will apprise them if they do not immediately disperse and return peaceably to their quarters, that you will instantly open a fire upon them ; and which you are hereby ordered to do, in case of a non-compliance with the notice you shall have previously given. You will keep up a constant communication with the com- manding officer in garrison, who will be enabled to give you in- formation of what may be going on in the fort ; and of which you will make a signal to Plantafion-house. Upon the smallest appearance of tumult, 3 on will immediately fire the general alarm ; the volunteers will then assemble at their usual station ; and with whom the Governor Avill proceed to reinforce your post, or act according to circumstances. 216 NARRATIVE OF THE MUTINY, &c. The officers who are to act under your command, are, Lieutenant and Adjutant Wilson. Lieutenant Dentaaffe. I am. Sir, your obedient Servant, C. R. G. HODSON, James's Fort, 2Sd December, 1811. Town Major. To Lieutenant Phillips, of the artillery, who has long been in the command of High Knoll, and in whom I also had an entire confidence, I sent the following instructions. To Lieutenant George L. Phillips, Commanding High Knoll. Sir, You are hereby ordered and directed to be particularly attentive both during the day and night, in watching the motions of men, or parties of men, passing or re-passing in the vicinity of your post ; or upon the Side Path ; or upon the old road leading from James's Valley to Half-tree-hollow. If any party or parties of troops with arms, should pass in sight of High Knoll, and which you have good reason to believe are disaffected, you will open a cannonade upon them, and disperse them. And upon the first appearance of such parties, you will instantly fire the general alarm. Twenty select artillery men will reinforce your post this evening. I am, Sir, your obedient Servant, C. R. G. HODSON, James's Fort, 23d December, 1811. Totvn Major. . After issuing these orders, I left the Castle, at four o'clock in the afternoon ; but, contrary to my usual custom of returning NARRATIVE OF THE MUTINY, &c. 217 home by what is called the Governor's Path, I thought it proper to shew, to such as might be watchful, that the violent anonymoifs letter, the writing on the church, " A hot dinner and a bloody sup- per," and that on the castle gate, " T/iis house to let on Christ mas- day ;" the one alluding to the festival dinner, and the other to my vacating the Castle by being sent off the island, had produced no apprehension in my mind. I therefore desired my liorses to be brought to the Castle gate, where I mounted, passed slowly in front of the main guard, who were supposed to be concerned in the intended mutiny, and proceeded gently through the town, stopping occasionally, and conversing with several persons I met. It seems that one of the most forward in the mutiny (Berwick, who has since been hanged) passed close to me. I did not observe him, but he was seen from a window, after I had proceeded a few yards beyond him, to turn round, and, in the most contemptuous manner, by his gestures, and the action of his clenched fist and arm, fully to express his desperate inten- tions. This information did not reach me until after he was hanged. About five o'clock in the evening, I arrived at Plantation- house. I sent for Mr. Ford, the head overseer, to enquire re- garding the characters and disposition of the artillery and infantry stationed there as a working party. He assured me they were all good men, and that I might depend on them. Lieutenant David Pritchard, whom I had selected to take charge of this guard, soon after arrived. I desired him to inspect their arms, and to get the men immediately accoutred. I had previously ordered supplies of musket and rifle ammunition to be sent, which arrived before sun-set. The men of the guard, consisting of 32, were then ordered into Plantation-house ; and as Captain Benjamin Uodson had Ff 218 NARRATIVE OF THE MUTINY, &c. been instructed to fire a general alarm, upon the first appearance o^ commotion, (which would soon bring the volunteers to ray post) I was certain, therefore, of being re-inforced long before the mutineers could reach me : and, under these circumstiinces, I had no doubt as to the issue, being firmly determined not to yield a single point, nor to suffer my person to fall into their hands. According to information I have since received, the mutiny was not to have broken out until the morningof the 25th. It had been settled by the mutineers, that when the troops paraded for relieving the guards, that the whole of the regiment, joined by the main guard on duty, after seizing their officers, should march to Plantation-house and seize me: but, providentialiy, the mea- sures I had adopted, made a change in their plan : and the ring- leaders seeing I was preparing, considered that no time should be lost, and therefore they commenced their operations within five hours after I had left the castle. At half-past seven o'clock in the evening, I received a report, that the mutinous troops intended to proceed to Long Wood, for the pvirpose of getting possession of some field-pieces and ammu- nition. Upon hearing this, although I did not know how far it might be depended on, I sent an express to the Lieutenant- Governor ; in which I suggested the advance of some field-pieces to oppose the mutineers, if they should move in that direction. The Lieutenant-Governor lost no time in taking up an advanta- geous position with the field-pieces, manned by the guard at Long Wood ; but, at the moment the advanced gun was loading, the mutineers surrounded him and his party, and took them prisoners. The particulars of their transactions at Long Wood, and after they had seized Colonel Broughton, will be seen in his narrative.* * Appendix, B. NARRATIVE OF THE MUTINY, &c. 219 It was three-quarters past nine at night, when the general alarm fired. By this time, some of the volunteer riflemen, and volunteer artillery, to whom secret orders liad been sent, had arrived ; and by midnight, the Plantation-house contained a garrison of 130 men, which I considered sutticient to repel the most formidable attacks of mutinous troops. On the ground-floor, every window and door was guarded by three or four armed men. parties of rifle volunteers lay behind the parapet of the roof; and the rooms on the upper floor, were prepared to have been occu- pied at the instant the mutineers approached. Mrs. Beatson and my children were placed in security against musketry, in one of the upper rooms. It had strongly been recommended to me to remove them from the Plantation-house: but I foresaw, if this were discovered by the mutineers, it might perplex me : and as I felt the strength of my position, my mind was perfectly at ease, although it might not have been so if they had been removed from my own immediate protection. After the alarm fired, a judicious movement was made from James's Town, of parties of artillery and infantry to reinforce me ; the former under the command of Major Kinnaird, and the latter under Captain Sampson, two excellent oflicers, who had both been extremely active in bringing back a number of the soldiers to a sense of duty. Captain Sampson halted at Red Hill, about a mile from Plantation-house ; and Major Kinnaird, about twelve at night, had passed Plantation-house, and took up commanding positions, in advance, with field-pieces, and Captain Barnes's company, and some other artillerymen, upon the roads on which the mutineers must pass, in coming from Long Wood. Captain Desfountain, with three guns and the volunteer artillery, occu- pied another position in the rear of Major Kinnaird. Although Captain Sampson had expressed a confidence in his 220 NARRATIVE OF THE MUTINY, &c. men, yet I could not but entertain the strongest suspicions of the whole of the infantry.* I therefore gave positive orders, that if any troops advanced near my post, without permission, they should be fired upon. About one in the morning of the 24th, as no firing had been heard in the direction of Long Wood, I began to entertain ap- prehensions for the safety of the Lieutenant-Governor ; and about the same time two lights and a number of men were discerned, moving slowly along the side of a hill, two miles east from Plan- tation-house ; which were supposed to be the mutineers advanc- ing with cannon. Major Doveton, commandant of the volunteers, immediately dispatched two active men of his corps to gain intel- ligence. Messrs. John Bagley and Kenned^^ were selected for that purpose ; but very soon after, a black messenger brought intelligence that Colonel Broughton and his party were taken prisoners. This information gave me at first some uneasiness, on account of the danger to which my friend and colleague would be exposed in the intended attack upon the mutinous troops: but there was no alternative ; for however much 1 value the life of Colonel Broughton, I could not permit considerations of a private nature to interfere with my pviblic duties ; nor to deter me from carrying into execution the plans I had formed, which were imperiously * These suspicions were not indeed without just cause ; for, Archihald Nimmo, who had been one of the most daring and active in seducing the soldiers, and in administering the oath, and obligation, to seize the Governor, and send him off' the islcuid, had the audacity to range himself among the friends of the Governor, who came to reinforce Plantation- house. He had hoped by his influence to have turned those friends into foes; and seemed, at one time, when the Long Wood mutineers approached, to be on the eve of making the attempt : but perceiving he was suspected, and closely watched, by a non- commissioned officer, with a drawn sword, immediately behind him, he was thus deterred from puttuig his design in execution. NARRATIVE OF THE MUTINY, &c. 221 necessary for restoring military subordination, and the peace and order of this settlement. At the same time I considered it proper to make an attempt to rescue his person from the impending danger. I therefore wrote a pencil note to Captain Sampson, directing him to advance with 30 chosen men to form an ambuscade on the left flank of the mutinous column, and to commence the attack, by giving one fire in. such a manner as to avoid Colonel Broughton, (who might be distinctly seen by the lights the mutineers had imprudently with them,) and immediately after to rush upon them with the bayonet. Major Kinnaird was to support this attack. I had just given these orders when Major Wright arrived, and informed me the mutineers had halted within 50 or GO yards of Major Kinuainl's post; and had sent forward to offer the condi- tions on which they would surrender. The negociations were intentionally protracted until day-light on the 24th ; which hav- ing terminated in the unconditional surrender of the whole party, the attempt to rescue Colonel Broughton became unnecessary. The first proposals sent by the mutineers, were, " that griev- ances must be redresssd, and a promise given, that the soldiers should have regular issues of spirits from the stores ;" to which I sent word by Major Wright, " that I would grant no terms ; I could not treat with rebels; and if they did not instantly sur- render, I would put every man to the sword." Major Wright soon after returned and told me the mutineers hoped I would grant terms : and it was observed by some per- sons around me, that the life of Colonel Broughton would be in great danger if the attack were made. To this observation I re- plied, that the mutineers having possession of the Lieutenant- Governor would be no security to themselves; and a second message was returned, apprising them of this resolution ; and 222 NARRATIVE OF THE MUTINY, &c. that I would instantly order them to be fired upon, and the whole destroyed if they did not submit. Upon receiving this reply, they began to waver ; and finally they proposed to Majors Wright and Hodson, that all they would now ask, was my promise of pardon : but this 1 positively refused ; and, at the same time, in- formed them, if they did not yield unconditionally, that Major Kinnaird had received orders to put the whole of them to death. It was now day-light, and seeing a superior force opposed to them, they at length surrendered, saying they would trust to my mercy. Of above two hundred men that sallied from James's Town, upon this mad and desperate enterprise, only 75 remained toge- ther in the morning ; all the others seem to have repented, and returned to their barracks. The prisoners were put in close confinement at High Knoll, and the following General Orders were issued. Head Quarters, St. Helena, 24th December, 181 1. GENERAL ORDERS. " The Governor had hoped that the communication of his sen- timents in the orders of yesterday, would have had the efltct of convincing the soldiers in garrison of his dispositions to render them the strictest justice on every occasion ; and of his readiness to aflford redress for any real grievances they may sustain. He could hardly have supposed that so numerous a body of the corps of infantry, exceeding 200 men, could have been so misled by a few discontented and factious persons, as to commit acts of mutiny and rebellion in the manner they have done, by the seizure of the Lieutenant-Governor, and by_avowing an intention of also seizing the person of the Governor himself. From the conversations Lieute- NARRATIVE OF THE MUTINY, &c. 223 nant-Colonel Brougliton had with these deluded men, it evidently appears there has been too much pains taken, by some villains in this island, to misrepresent, or construe, every act of the Gover- nor, as tyrannical and oppressive. On the contrary, he will venture to say, that no former governor had ever been so attentive to the comforts, as well as to the improvement, of the moral character of the garrison. He has never ceased to do his utmost to augment the produce of the lands, by which alone can the necessaries of life be reduced in price, and thereby come within the reach of a soldier's pay. It is true the issues of spirits have been disconti- nued ; and this is by order of the Court of Directors. Tt is his duty to obey ; and what tlie soldiers did demand, it is impossible to give. The garrison may recollect the shameful excesses that were committed lately, after the arrival of 12 casks of rum from the Cape, and the great increase of patients in the hospital, which immediately followed ; notwithstanding the soldiers were limited to half-daily rations of spirits. Tt was for these reasons that the Governor did recommend to Mr. Pringle, at the Cape, not to send the remaining casks ; but, at the same time, he reciuested him to send Cape wine, which is hourly expected ; in order to give a trial and to ascertain if this substitute for spirits would be accept- able : ifso, it would be provided in sufficient quantity to afford regular issues, at the rate of one pint per day to each man. It is also well known, when any soldier's term of service is expired, that the Governor has never, in any instance, refused his discharge. Wherefore, if any are dissatisfied with the changes that have taken place on this establishment, they have it always in their power to quit it, when tlieir term of service shall have been ex- pired. Nay, the Governor will even go further; for if there be any effective men here who dislike their situations, because they have not an opportunity of committing excessive intemperance, 224 NARRATIVE OF THE MUTINY, &c. he will readily accommodate them, by entertaining- them and making np the term of five years, for any of the India establish- ments, where they will have opportunities of satisfying their propensities. " It came to the knowledge of the Governor last night, that the infantr}' complain of some hardships in the nature and amount of stoppages. The circumstances that have been represented to the Lieutenant Governor, as well as some particulars in a written statement in his possession, are matters that will be immediately attended to. In short every soldier may rest assured, that \freal grievances are properly represented, there shall never be cause to complain of want of redress — but at the same time the Governor must apprise the soldiers, that no menaces, no intimidating anony- mous papers, like those that have been recently handed about, caii ever produce a change in his conduct. He will do his duty : but will never permit a stain on his reputation and character, by yielding to mutinous clamour and unreasonable demands. C. II. G. HODSON. Totcn Major. The discomfiture of these rebels had not subdued the mutinous spirit of their associates ; and it having been reported that an attempt would be made to rescue the prisoners ; I sent instruc- tions to Colonel Smith to occupy two strong positions which commanded, with cannon, the barracks, and the roads leading to the interior. — At the same time were issued further orders to the troops. INSTRUCTIONS. To Lieutenant Colonel Smith ; or Officer commanding James's Totcn. Sir, " I AM directed by the Governor to inform you that Captain Benjamin Hodson has been instructed to advance from his post NARRATIVE OF THE MUTINY, &c. 225 at Ladder Hill, two guns to the first turning of the road ; where they are to remain until further orders, ready loaded with grape, for the purpose of firing upon any assemblies or parties of troops that may attempt to quit the barracks. Immediately upon receipt of this, you will give orders for occupying Saddle-lnll battery with a captain of the Volunteer Corps, and the following detail : 20 Volunteer Infantry (Rifles), 20 ditto Artillery. " You will direct him to load all the guns on that battery with grape ; and to depress them towards the barracks and Side- path ; and to open a fire upon any parties of troops that may be observed in the act of assembling or moving. In case, however, this fire should not have the effect of retaining the men in bar- racks, and that they may attempt to move along the Side-path, or any where within reach, the commanding officer of the Saddle battery is then to advance with the whole of his riflemen, and to hang upon, and harass, the flank of the troops in their march ; taking care not to fire except from points immediately above the columns in motion ; which will be a guide to the artillery at High Knoll, in the event of these operations taking place in the night. The officer commanding, has been instructed to cannonade the path in the direction he may observe the musketry upon the summit of the opposite ridge. You will further direct the officer in charge of Saddle battery to use every other means of obstruct- ing movements of troops on the path-; and which might readily be done by taking with him the Volunteer artillery men. for the purpose of rolling down stones, &c. " If, nevertheless, the troops in motion should be able to }idvance, the captain of volunteers and his party are then to keep 226 NARRATIVE OF THE MUTINY, &c. on their flank and to harass them in whatever direction they may proceed. I am, Sir, your obedient Servant, C. R. G. HODSON, Plantation-house, 2bth December, 1811. Town Major. 25th December, 1811. GENERAL ORDERS. A considerable proportion of the St. Helena regiment having been guilty of mutiny and rebellion on the night of the 23d instant, by outrageously seizing the Lieutenant Governor, and avowing their desperate intention of attempting to seize the Governor: it is therefore the Governor's positive orders that the men keep in their barracks, and that the main guard shall not get nnder arms without the sanction of the commanding officer of Ladder Hill, who has been ordered to depress guns loaded with grape, and to fire upon the main guard if it shall presume to get under arms without his previous permission. " Under the present state of affairs, the Governor deems it expedient to notify to the troops, that if any non-commissioned officer or soldier shall be guilty of disobedience to bis officers, or shall evince by words or actions the smallest symptom of mutinous spirit, he will instantly be seized, tried by a Drum-head Court Martial, and hanged. By Order of the Governor, C. R. G. HODSON, Totcn Major. Orders were also issued on the 25th, for assembling imme- diately a General Court Martial. Nine of the ring-leaders were brought to trial, all of whom received sentence of death. But six NARRATIVE OF THE MUTINY, &c. 227 only were excuted in the evening : and Ending that even these awful, and necessary examples, had not produced the desired effect ; and that the St. Helena infantry still intended to proceed in acts of mutiny and rebellion, by seizing their officers, in the expectation that this step would compel me to yield to their demands, or rather demand (for the sole object of the mutiny was to obtain issues of spirits) ; I deemed it expedient to undeceive them by issuing further orders. Head Quarters, St. Helena, 2Qth December, 1811. GENERAL ORDERS. " At a General Court Martial assembled yesterday, the fol- lowing prisoners were tried, upon a charge of mutiny, preferred against them by the Governor. Charge. — " Henry Sisell, Thomas Berwick, Archibald Nimmo, " and Robert Anderson, privates, and Arthur Smith, Thomas " Edgeworth, Peter Wilsey, and John Seager, corporals in the " St. Helena regiment, and Richard Kitchen, gunner, in the " artillery, confined by order of the Governor, on a charge of " mutiny." Sentence. — " The Court having deliberated on the evidence, " are of opinion that the prisoners are guilty of mutiny, the crime *' they are charged with, in breach of the Articles of War, do " therefore sentence, that the prisoners Sisell, Berwick, Nimmo, " Anderson, Smith, Edgeworth, Wilsey, Seager, and Kitchen, " shall suffer death, in such manner and at such time and place " as the Governor and Commander in Chief shall direct." " We, the Governor and Council, approve the sentences awarded " against the whole of the prisoners, and order the immediate " execution of Sisell, Berwick, Nimmo, Anderson, Smith, and 228 NARRATIVE OF THE MUTINY, &c. " Edgevvorth, who are to be hanged by the neck until they are " dead." " The sentences upon the other prisoners, Wilsey, Seager, and " Kitchen, are remitted." ALEX. BEATSON. E. S. BROUGHTON. W. W. DOVETON. ROBERT LEECH. " It was the intention of the Governor that the execution, yesterday evening, of these unhappy men, should have taken place in presence of the whole of the garrison, assembled upon the Side-path : but as the trials lasted mucli longer than was ex- pected, and as the state of atFairs required that immediate exam- ples should be made,' they were accordingly hanged at sun-set, at High Knoll. The Governor sincerely hopes that these awful examples will prove a salutary lesson and warning to those who may still be inclined to persevere in the atrocious crimes of mu- tiny and rebellion ; and that they may effectually put a stop to that spirit of disaffection and combination which has, for some days past, infatuated a number of the soldiers of the St. Helena regiment. " The Governor has been informed, there are reports prevalent of further attempts being in contemplation for the purpose of sub- verting authority, seizing his person, and releasing the prisoners, he therefore thinks it again necessary, to apprize those who may entertain such illusive hopes, that any attempt will infallibly prove equally abortive, as that which was made on the night between the 23d and 24th instant ; for whilst he is supported in the manner he has happily been, during the late conflict, it will be totally impossible to make any impression on the post he has occupied ; and in regard to such hopes as were entertained by the NARRATIVE OF THE MUTINY, &c. 229 mutineers, at the time Uiey had possession of the Lieutenant Governor's person, he trusts, he has ah'eaLight Company. John Hall Nich. Coote P. M'Guire J J. Mackle, Captain Statham's J. Ward, Captain Killin's D. Finn, Captain Wright's. The prisoners all quiet. — The same precautions taken as before. GEO. L. PHILLIPS, Lieutenant of Artillery, THOS. THORN, Lieutenant of Jrtillen/. NARRATIVE OF THE MUTINY, &c. 285 Tri^ of Serjeant Lassells. Island St. Helena, S\st December, 1811. At a General Court Martial re-assembled this day, by order of Colonel Alexander Beatson, Governor and Commander-in- Chief, &c. &c. President, Major J. A. Wright, St. Helena regiment. Members, Captain A. Braid, artillery. Captain T. J. B. Cole, ditto. Captain W. Knipe, St. Helena regiment. Lieutenant F. Seale, ditto. Lieutenant H. Broadway, artillery. Lieutenant J Torbett, St. Helena regiment. The Court having been duly sworn, proceeded with the fol- lowing trial : — Charge. Patrick Lassells, serjeant in the artillery, confined by order of the Lieutenant-Governor, for unsoldier-like conduct, in not getting ready the field artillery as speedily as possible, when directed by him so to do ; and causing unnecessary delay in the requisite preparations for repelling a party of mutineers on the nii;ht of the 23d instant. C. R. G. HODSON, so/A December, 1811. Town Major. To which the prisoner pleads Not Guilty. Prosecution. Lieutenant-Colonel E. S. Broughton (the Lieu- tenant-Governor), being sworn, deposeth as follows: — 286 NARRATIVE OF THE MUTINY, &c. On the night of the 23cl instant, about ten o'clock, I sent for the prisoner, Serjeant Lassells ; but as he did not come for some time, I went towards the shed, and met him about halfway. 1 asked him if he was acquainted with the disturbances in the fort: he said, he had just come from the fort, and that he had over- heard the conversation of a number of the soldiers assembled in different parties, in the streets ; from which he understood they intended to attack Deadwood shed on Wednesday night ; and that he was certain there would be no attack on Monday night. I replied, it was better to be prepared, and to have every thing ready. We proceeded to the shed, where I found Mr. Hall, the conductor, with the guard paraded. I asked the men if they would stand by me in case of an attack : as I expected the mutineers that night: they answered, " they would to a man." The guns, four in number, were then ordered out as quickly as possible. The first two were soon got ready, and sent to Dead- wood, under the command of Serjeant Tunstall, to cover the road leading from Banks's : and, notwithstanding my repeatedly urging the prisoner to make haste, there was great delay, both in preparing the other two guns, and in getting out the anunvini- tion : the prisoner repeatedly saying, " that he had no appre- hension of the mutineers making an attack at that time ; and that he was positive it would not then take place." He certainly appeared to me to be somewhat intoxicated, and seemed stupid and confused. The prisoner has been in command of the guard at Deadwood shed two years and eight months, and during that time I liave had but one occasion to find fault with him : for, prior to the night of the 23d, he had conducted himself with the greatest propriety. Q. From the Judge Advocate to Colonel B. — What time, do NARRATIVE OF THE MUTINY, &c. 287 you think, elapsed between getting out the first two guns, and getting ready the others ? A. I think it might have been half an hour ; and by the time they were equipped, four or five men of the working party, from Long Wood, joined, to assist in dragging them up the hill. Q. From the Court. — Did the prisoner seem inclined to pre- vent the getting of the guns ready ; or was he active in getting them ready, after yon directed him ? A. He was not active ; he did not move with that promptitude which I should have expected ; and the articles that were required for equipping the field-pieces, seemed out of the way, or at least not at hand. But Mr. Hall, the conductor, can better explain the delay, as I was on the outside of the shed. Q. How many men had the prisoner with him before the four or five men joined ? A. The whole guard, including the Serjeants, consisted of sixteen men ; six of whom, as already mentioned, were detached with Serjeant Tunstall : the remainder were, I think, with the prisoner. Mr. William Hall (Conductor), being sworn, gave the follow- ing statement : — Betwixt eight and nine o'clock on Monday night, the 23d in- stant, the prisoner came to my quarters, at the Hutt's gate, and told me, " he had something very particular to say ; and that he would not say too much at present." I asked him what he meant; he said, " he was doubtful of there being a disturbance soon in the garrison." I asked him what made him think so? he said, " he had heard all about it, but would not say too much at present." He then told me, " that there was a man laying outside, and making use of mutinous expressions." I asked him who he was ; and why he did not take hold of him ? he said, " it ass NARRATIVE OF THE MUTINY, &c. was Jewitt, formerly a corporal of artillery, but he did not think it worth his while to trouble himself with him." I asked him how far he was away ? he said, "just outside ;" and immediately after he said, " he was on the Alarm-house road." I asked him if he was halfway to the Alarm-house .> he then said, "just under it; that if I would go a little way on the road, I should hear him ; for he was making a great noise." I told him, I did not think there was any person on the road : it was certainl^'^ a falsehood. As he was intoxicated, I said I would go with him to his post at Deadwood shed ; which I did. On the road, at one time he told me the disturbance would happen on Christmas night ; and at another, he told me it would happen the night after Christmas. I saw him safe to his room ; the guard peace- able and quiet, and the sentinel on his post ; I then returned to my quarters. Immediately I got home, the general alarm tired, and I returned to the Lieutenant-Governor for orders, agreeably to the directions he had given me about half an hour before the prisoner came to my quarters. I met the Lieutenant-Governor, with the prisoner, coming to the shed, and the Colonel desired me to go and take charge. I paraded the men ; the Colonel asked them, if they had any complaint to make to him? they said none ; they would stand by him if any disturbance took place. The prisoner assured the Colonel there was no danger, and suggested that the men should go into their barracks, and take off their side-arms, saying there was no occasion for them : and further observed to the Lieutenant-Governor, that he might go to bed, and rest as quiet and safe as ever he had done in his life. I ordered, however, that the men should not go into the barracks, nor take off their side-arms ; but to come and get out the guns, agreeably to the Lieutenant-Governor's directions. The men obeyed me, and Serjeant Lassells said, " there was no ocoa- I NARRATIVE OF THE MUTINY, &c. 289 sion for us to trouble ourselves : he was positive there was no danger.'' The prisoner also directed the men to do every thing contrary to what I ordered, wliich occasioned much confusion. Colonel Broughton then ordered him to desist, and to allow the men to obey his orders. In consequence of the confusion caused by the prisoner, we were not prepared to receive the mutinous party ; who came upon us so suddenly, that they took the gun the Colonel had command of, just as it was loading. I gave Colonel Broughton two spikes to have the gun spiked, in case it should fall into the jnutineers' hands ; and when they came up to Colonel Broughton, as they shewed no violence, the Colonel slipped the two spikes into the prisoner's hands ; yet he made no use of them : but suffered the gun, unspiked, to fall into their hands. Q,. From the Judge Advocate. — What time do you suppose elapsed between the guns being ordered to be drawn out, and their being ready ? A. It was about an hour and a quarter from the time of the alarm to the gun falling into the mutineers' hands. If it had not been for the confusion that the prisoner put us all into, we might have been ready with the guns half an hour before the mutineers came up. Q. How many men were there to take out the guns ? A. Sixteen ; but the whole, except two or three, went with the first two guns, under Serjeant Tnnstall, to Deadwood. I had to get those men back again (leaving Serjeant Tnnstall with three men) to man the other two guns, and to take them on the road towards the Telegraph, to meet the mutineers — but several men joined me from Long Wood, when I was leaving the shed. Q. Notwithstanding these necessary delays, do you say that you could have been ready with the guns, at their proper posts, Pp 290 NARRATIVE OF THE MUTINY, &c. half an hour before the mutineers came up, if the prisoner had not caused unnecessary delays ? A. Yes. Serjeant William Smith (of the artillery), sworn, gave the following statement : — On Monday night, about nine o'clock,'the prisoner came home from the Fort, to the shed (where he commanded), and Mr. Hall with him. The prisoner appeared intoxicated, and wished to return back to the Hutt's with Mr. Hall, who desired him to re- main at his own post. I did not see him afterwards, until he came to the shed with the Lieutenant-Governor: he then ordered the guard to fall in, which they did, with side-arms — the prisoner seemed very angry at their doing so, and asked them the reason of their falling in with arms, and desired them to go in and take them off — 3Ir. Hall, however, stopped them. It appeared that the Lieutenant-Governor had something to say to the men ; but he was greatly interrupted by the prisoner. Mr. Hall went to the Lieutenant-Governor, and told him, it was much better to get the guns out, and have then! ready, as quick as possible : tlie whole of the guard immediately set about it. I was then ordered b}' the Lieutenant-Governor to go for the working-men, and cannot say what occurred until I returned ; but by this time, Serjeant Tunstall had gone with two 3-pounders to Deadwood. I was ordered to take another towards the Telegraph ; and as soon as I got a little way from the shed, I found there was no ammu- nition for the gun, which I reported to the Lieutenant-Governor, Avho desired me to send back for some, which I did ; before the man could return with it, the gun was surrounded, and taken ; as likewise the Lieutenant-Governor, and we were all brought back prisoners to the gun shed. Q. From the Judge Advocate. Had the general alarm fired when the guard were ordeied to fall in ? NARRATIVE OF THE MUTINY, &c. 291 A. Yes — some time. The prosecution being closed, the prisoner is called on for his defence. Defence. The prisoner in his defence says : — On the 23d instant, I was in the town, and somehow or other, got so much disguised in liquor, that I cannot recollect what I said or did that night. When informed of my conduct the next day, I was, as I am now, extremely sorry for what I had done. I beg the mercy of the Court. I have been in the garrison five years and four months, and have never been reported for any mis- conduct. For two years and eight months I have commanded at Deadwood Shed, and have met with every indulgence from the Lieutenant-Governor, and have always been ready to execute his orders with alacrity : — his goodness to me makes me more sorry that I should have been so unfortunate as to be intoxicated at a time when my services were most wanted. Sentence. The Court having considered the evidence, are of opinion that the prisoner, Serjeant Lassells, is guilty of the crime with which he is charged, in breach of the Articles of War ; do therefore sentence, that he shall be reduced to the pay and duty of a matross, and shall receive five hundred lashes injthe usual way. (Sisned) J. A. WRIGHT, Majm' and President* C. R. G. HODSON. Judge Advocate. Approved. ALEX. BEATSON. E. S. BROUGHTON. W. W. DOVETON. ROBERT LEECH. APPENDIX. 295 APPENDIX. An Alphabetical List o/ Plants,* seen by Dr. Roxburgh growing- on the Island of St. Helena, in 1813-14. I. means indigenous ; E. exotic. Several of the most conspicuous of the unde- termined species are briefly described ; and Doctor Roxburgh's names are distinguished by the letter R. E. Anvivs, precatorius Willd.'i.^.dW. 1025. I. AcALYPHA rubra. R. Red acalypha, or string-tree of the islanders. Arboreous. Peduncles axillary and between the leaves : one or more female flowers near the base, the rest a long, pendulous filiform, glomerate male spike : involucres cuculate, intire. Leaves petioled, ovate, crenate, 3-nerved. A beautiful small tree, a native of elevated parts of the south face of Diana's peak, and called string-tree by the natives on account of its numerous beautiful red male spikes, which hang in great profusion from every twig. Ultimate branches tubercled with the scars of the fallen leaves ; above, where the leaves remain coloured red and smooth : the petioles, nerves, and veins are also red and smooth. E. Acer Pseudo-Platanus. Willd. 4, p. 983. Common maple or syca- more tree. E. AcHYRANTHEs aspevo. Willd. 1. p. 1191. A weed in gardens. * This is by no means given as a complete catalogue of the vegetable kingdom on the Island. Doctor Roxburgh's bad state of health during his residence there, from the 7th June, 1813, to the 1st March, 1814, did not admit of his undertaking such a task. 290 APPENDIX. I AciiOSTiCHVM bifnrcahim. Willd. 6, p. 114. A very delicate, small, beautiful smooth species, growing in crowded tufts to about the height of 6 inches in the moist shaded fissures of the rocks about Diana's peak, &c. T. AcROSTicHUM lanceolatum. R. Stipes ramentaceous : fronds simple, lanceolar, strongly veined, intirc : the fertile longer stiped. Fructifications occupy the] whole of the inferior surface. E. Aeschynomene Sesban, and grandiflora. E. Agapanthus umbellatus. Willd. 2, p. 47. E. Agave tuberosa Linn. Yucca superba. R, E. liirida Linn, used for fences. \. Agrostis pttrpurascens. Willd. 1, p. 375. Purple bent grass. Indicrenous on the hills of St. Helena, where it grows to be from 2 to 3 feet high, perfectly erect, very naked of leaves, as they are not only few in number but short and very slender. The inflorescence a long slender panicle composed of numerous, small, simple or compound appressed branches, crowded with iir.merous, short-pedicelled, smooth flowers. Calycine valves unequal, scarce half the length of the carol, which has its two vaives nearly equal and rather acute ; but nothing like an awn either here or to the calyx. AoROSTis lenta Linn. Forked bent-grass. Agrostis stellata, see Panicum dactylon, and compare with Agrostis linearis, Retz. Obs. 4. p. 19. Linear-leaved agrostis, or wire-grass. E. Aleurites triloba. Willd. 4. 590. Three-lobed Aleurites. E. Allium cepa, Ponim, ascalonicum, and o{ saHvum2 varieties. Onion, leek, shallot, and garlick. E. Aloe perfoliata, two or three varieties in gardens. E. spicata and 3 or 4 undetermined species, all exotics. I. Alopecurus paniculatus, R. E. Alth^a rosea. Willd. 3. 773. Holly-hock. APPENDIX. 297 E. Amaranthus Blilum. IVilld. 4. 387. A weed in gardens. E. candatus and tricolor, cultivated for ornament. E. Amaryllis Belladonna. JVilld. 2. 54. Belladonna-lily. E. foriuosissima. TVilld. 2. 62. Jacobea-lily. E. Amygdalus Persica. Willd. 2. 982. Peach, 2 or 3 varieties, and almond ; but the latter does not succeed here : whereas the peaches grow luxuriantly, and are productive. E. Anagallis arvensis, three varieties, blue red and white. E. Andropogon Schoenanthiis, or lemon-grass ; cultivated in gardens. E. Annona muricata. In Major Hudson's garden only. E. Cherinwya. In the same garden. E. squamosa.'] f Custard apple. ^ . , > In but few e:ardens, and scarce.-^ T> n i. i E. rettciUata. } ° l^rJuliock s heart. E. Angelica hracteata. R. Bracted-x\ngelica. Leaves pinnate ; floral ternate ; leaflets petiol-clasping siibcordate, 3-7-nerved, finely laciniate-serrate. Angelica the vernacular name. It grows to be a stout, erect perennial, of 8-12 feet in height, with columnar, fistulous, smooth, bright green stem and branches. Leaves sparse, in some parts crowded, unequally pinnate, those next the umbels from quinate-palmate to 3-lobed : leaflets of the inferior larger leaves from 4 to 12 pair, opposite, closely embracing the smooth, o-reen columnar petiole, cordate, nerved, smooth,- finely lacjiiiate- serrate ; each serrature ends in a green bristle : at the base of each petiole a pair of large, simple, or compound, suborbicular bractes, and generally a single one between the leaflets, and all subulate-serrate, like them. Umbels terminal, numerous, compound, subglobular, many rayed. Involucre and involucells of 6-10 broad-lanceolate leaflets each. Flowers numerous, small, white but turn pink by age. Petals subequal, oval and oblong incurved. Stamina unequal : anthers purple. Styles short, erect. Recep- tacles naked. E. Antholyza cethiopica. Linn. Flag-leaved anlholyza. E. Anthoxanthum odoratum. Willd. 1. 150. Sweet-scented vernal- grass. Qq 298 APPENDIX. E. Apium petroselinum, Willd. 1. 14T5. Parsley, and graveolens, or snaallage. E. Argemone mexicana, the most common weed on the island. E. Artemesia absinthmin, wormwood. E. Arum Colocasia. Willd. 4, 481. St. Helena Yam ; of this there are several varieties, but the white is the sort cultivated. E. AscLEPiAS fruticusa. Willd. 1. 1271. Shrubby Asclepias. E. ■ curassavica. Willd. 1. 1266. Bastard Ipecacuanha. I. AsPiDiuM riparium. Willd. 5. p. 250. Stipes villous, flat above. Fronds oblong, bipinnatified : pinnae linear : segments linguiform, or falcate, and deeply divided. Spots in one crowded row a little removed from the margin : involucres reniforni. Found plenty over the south side of the mountains immediately above ^ajor Seal's in Sandy Bay, where it grows in tufts to be from 2 to 4 feet high. I. AsplDiUM ptdchrum. Willd. 5. p. 253 ? Base of the stipes and tuberous like runners chaffy, the rest brown and smooth. Fronds ovate-oblong, firm, subbipinnate : pinnse opposite, generally pinnatifid : segments oblong, obtuse, subcrenate. Spots generally one, rarely 2 or 3 to each segment of the pinnae : involucres reniform. A snAall (6- 12 inch) plant of a hard texture, but not glossy, with the stipes about as long as the fronds : a native of Diana's Peak. I. AsvmiVM vestitum. Willd. 5. ^p. 261. Stipes and divisions amply clothed with large brown soft scales. Fronds oblong, bipinnate : leaflets linguiform, obtuse, crenate. Grows on Diana's Peak to be about two feet hi oh. 1 'a' I. AsPiDiUM Capense. Willd. 5. p. 267. Stipes green and channelled. Fronds ovate, smooth, bipinnate : pinnae opposite, apices ensiform and sharply serrate ; pinuulae from serrate APPENDIX. 299 to pinnatifid, with obtuse dentate apices. Spots in two rows a little re- moved from the nerve : involucres reniform. A native of Diana's Peak, where it grows to be from 20 to 30 inches high : is of a soft delicate texture : the spots numerous and very large. I. AspiDiuM coriaceum. Willd. 5. p. 268. Stipes as long as the oppositely bipinnate, ovate fronds. Leaflets linguiform, crenate-serrate, and pinnatifed. Spots in one line half way between ',he nerve and margin ; involucres reniform. Is also a native of the south face of Sandy Bay range of mountains, where it rises to the height of about 2 feet, and generally amongst bushes. It difiers from A. capense in little else than the shape of the apices of the pinnae, and the single row of spots, whereas in that species it is double. I. AsPLENiuM tenellum. R. Stipes polished. Fronds linear recurved, apices rooting, alternately pinnate : leaflets numerous, obliquely linguiform, obtuse crenate, anterior side of the base enlarged, posterior attenuate. A pretty, small (6-8 inches) species, with the habit o{ Adiantiim caudatum, found indigenous on the tops of the high mountains in the centre of the Island. I. AsPLEmuM falcatum. Browns Prodrom. p. 150. / V Stipes as long as the lanceolate, alternately-pinnate, firm, smooth fronds, S-sided, 3-grooved, pretty smooth and black. Leaflets short- petioled, falcate-lanceolate, lobate ; lobes and fine ensiform apices serrate. A most beautiful species, growing in small tufts on the top of Sandy Bay ridge, to be about 2 feet high. Compare with A. falcatum. Willd. 5. 325 : it agrees pretty well with his definition. I. AsPLENiUM prcemorsum. Willd. 5. p. 339. I. AsvijErnvsufilamentosum. R. Stipes longer than the thin, ovate, alternately-tripinuatifed frond, 300 APPENDIX. channelled, base clothed with long, black chaffy scales: pinnae remote; leaflets pinnatifed ; segments short-linguiform, serrulate, obtuse. A stout species of from 2 to 6 feet high ; a native of the south face of Diana s Peak. I. Aster ghitinosus. R. (compare with hirtus. Willd. 3. 2016.) Shrubby, tender parts woolly. Leaves from cuneate to spatulate, apices rounded, and grossly serrate, fleshy, rugose with very prominent veins underneath. Peduncles terminal, ultimately axillary subsolitary, Icnath of, or lonoerthan the leaves, one-flowered, A native of the most naked, barren rocks on the south side of the Island, where it grows to be a middling sized shrub. The clammy leaves are frao-rant. Bractes scattered over the long clammy peduncles, and of a long-clavate shape. The flotcers are large, pure white. Goats are said to be fond of it, and while browsing on it, the clammy exudation thereof is collected on their beards, (See history of 3fasUcJi.) E. Atriplex triangularis. H^illd. 4. 963. Triangular Atriplex. E. Atropa physaloides. Linn. Blue-flowered Atropa. E. Bambusa arundinacea. Willd. 2. 245. Common Bamboo, E, Barrinotonia speciosa. Willd. 3. 345. Laurel-leaved Barringtonia,. Beatsonia, R. Pentandria Monogynia. Generic Character. Ca/?/a7 5-toothed. Coro/ 5-petalled, campanu- late. Germ superior, 1-celled, containing many ovula attached to the two opposite sides of the cell. Style bifid. Stigmas globular. Capsule 1-celled, 2-valved. Seeds a few. Named in honour of Colonel Alexander Beatson, Governor of ^S"^. Helena. I. Beatsonia portulacifolia. R. St. Helena Tea the vernacular name on that island, where it grows on the naked rocky mountains and hills on the soutli side, to be a very ramous shrub, of a middling size. Trunk short, soon dividing into numerous APPENDIX. 013 branchen, crowded with innumerable, small, delicate, villous, subarticulate, brittle ramuli. Bark of the old ligneous parts, dark brown and pretty smooth. Leaves opposite subrotund, fleshy, convex and smooth above, hollow underneath: size of a large pin's head, &c., almost exactly as in Porfiilaca quadrijlda, even to the quatern floral-leaves. Petioles short, stem-clasping. Flowers terminal, solitary, sessile in the bosom of the 4 floral leaves. Calyx subcylindric, 5-grooved, 5-toothed, withering. Corol 5-petalled, campanulate, large for the size of the foliage, pure white, and like the calyx, withering. Filaments 5, nearly as long as the petals, and with them alternately inserted into the receptacle ; at the base broad, and seem united there, but are not. Anthers yellow. Germ superior, ovate, sn)ooth, one-celled, and contains several ovula attached to the lower half of two opposite, parietal receptacles. Style length of the stamina, apex-bifld. Stigmas globular. Capsule ovate, hid in the withered calyx and corol, 1-celled, 2-valved, opening from the apex. Seeds few, attached as in the germ. E. Beta vulgaris and sicla. Willd. 1. 1303. Red and green Beet and Mangel Wurzel belong to the first, and the common white Beet to the second. I. BiDENs arborea. R. Arboreous. Leaves opposite, short-petioled, oblong-ventricose, serrate. Panicles terminal, brachiate, corymbose. White-wood-cabbage tree the vernacular name on St. Helena, where it grows on the .south face of Dianas Peak to be a pretty large tree, with straight upright trunk, and dark-coloured, pretty smooth bark ; the young shoots are rough with much short brown hair. Leaves from oval to oblong, very equally gland serrate, smooth above, somewhat villous underneath. Stipules none. Panicles terminal while young in flower, large, subcorym- bose, pretty well crowded with opposite, hairy ramifications and their sub- divisions. Flowers conical. Calyx scarce calycled, composed of a very few leaflets, and most of them embrace a floret like the scales of the recep- tacle. Seeds 4-sided, strigose, particularly the 4 angles, each crowned 302 APPENDIX. with two, very short, scabrous arista, which are about as long as the tubes of the florets. I. BoERHAAviA repaiicla. jViUd. 1. 22. is comfuon amongst the rocks in James's Valley, &c. E. BoRAGO :zeylamca. Linn. Ceylon Borage. E. Brassica oleracea. JVilld. The common useful species and varieties of cabbage. E. Browallia elata. Willd. 3. 339. E, Buxus sempervirens. Willd. 3. 337. Common Box-tree. J]. Cactus Opiintia. Linn. Common Cactus. E. coccinellifera. Linn. Cochineal fig. E, chinensis. R. China Cactus. E. Call a cethiopica. Willd. 2. 289. iEthiopic Calla. E. Camellia jajoonjca; two or three varieties. E. Canna indica, three or four varieties. See Willd. 1. 3. E. Cannabis saliva. Willd. 4. 763. Common hemp. E. Calendula Tragus. Linn. E. ojjicinalis. Common Marygold. E. Capsicum cerasiforme. Linn. Cherry-pepper. E. grossum. Linn. Bell-pepper. E. • frutescpns. Linn. Shrubby pepper. I. Carex pediincidata. Willd. 4. 222. Spikes androgynous, pedicelled, erect, cylindric, alternate on a terminal rachis : male flowers (when present) under the female : scales striated, apices serrate-dentale : corol striated. Style trifid, seed triangu- larly obovate. A native of the south face of Diana's Peak, under the shade of trees, where kept moist by the fogs which rest on the Peak. It grows in small tufts to about the height of three feet when in flower. Radical leaves numerous, very long striated, keeled, hard and smooth : cauline similar but smaller : culms 3-sided, smooth, leafy. E. Cassia microphylla. Willd, 2. 529. APPENDIX. 303 E. Cassia aurea. R. E. aluta. Willd. 2. 523. E. escidenta. R. E. Sophera. Willd. 2.525. E. Castanea vesca. Willd 4. 460. Chesnut. E. Celsia Arctunts. Willd. 3. 280. E. Centaurea Moschata. Willd. 3. 2278. Sweet Sultan. I. Cheilanthes tenuifolia. Browns Prodromus, 163, Found on Diana's Peak, where it grows in large masses to be from 6 to 18 inches high, with long, slender, crooked, dark-coloured (brownish black,) stipe and divisions. Compare with AdianUtm assimile of the same work. E. Cheiranthus Cheiri. Willd. 3. 516. Wall-flower. E. incanus. Willd. 3. 520. Gilly-flower, or Stocks, several varieties. E. odoratissinms. Willd. 3. 524. Persian Stock. E. Chenovobivm ambrosioides. Linn. Mexican Cheuopodium. E. album and viride. Linn. White and green Chenopodium. E, CicHORiUM Intybus. Willd. 3. 1628. Wild Succory and Endiva, Garden Succory, or Endive. E. C1CB.V. arietiniim. WiUd.Q.Wl^. Chick-pea. ,, E, Citrus. Willd. 3. 1436, including the lemon, citron, and orange, with varieties. E. Clerodendrum inerme. Gcert. Volkameria. Willd. 3. 383. E. Clitoria ternatea. Linn. E. Cluytia pidchella. Willd. 4. 381. A Cape flowering shrub. E. Cocos nucifera. Willd. 4. 400. Coco-nut palm : very few of them, and they do not thrive. E. Coffea arabica. In Mr. Alexander's garden in Sandy Bay, are some of the finest coffee trees 1 ever saw, and at the same time (February) in every stage from the blossom to the ripe berry. E. CoNCHiUM gibbosum of Dr. E. Smith, is Hakea gibbosa of Brown. 304 APPENDIX. I. CoNYZA gtimmifera. R. Arboreous. Leaves sparse, approximate, subsessile but not decur- rent, froai lanceolar to cuneate-oblong, subserrate, soft, rugose and more or less woolly underneath. Peduncles axillary, solitary, drooping, one- flowered : flowers globular. Gum-wood-tree of the islanders : it grows on the more elevated land over the interior parts, to be a tree of considerable size, with short crooked trunk and still more crooked spreading branches and ditrichotomous branchlets. Bark of the trunk and large branches a deeper or lighter brown, and smooth except for the numerous scars of the fallen leaves. Leaves crowded about the ends of the branchlets, often broad-lanceolar particularly in old trees ; while young, gummy and more hoary : length, 2-4 inches, by i of an inch to one and a half broad. I. CoNYZA robusta. R. Leaves subsessile (not decurrent,) lanceolar, crenate-dentate, rugose. Peduncles axillary, solitary, length of the leaves, one-flowered. Bastard-gum tree the vernacular name on St. Helena, where it grows to be a tree very similar to the last, and possessed of nearly the same qualities. The dwarfish, very crooked antique habit of those trees, makes them very conspicvuous. The bark on the old parts is very thick and deeply cracked ; the branchJets generally dichotomous, and marked wilh the scars of the fallen leaves. The leaves while young hoary with soft pubescence ; the Aouers few but large and white. ■ o CoNYZA riigosa. Aiton^s Keu\ 3. 184. See Solidago cuneifolia. \. Convolvulus brasiliensis. Willd. \. 877. and another undetermined indigenous species. E, purpurens. IVilld. I.S52. Convolvvdus major. E. Batatas. Willd. 1 . 853. Siceet Potatoe, the red and white varieties. E. CooKiA punctata. Willd. 2. 558. Wampee of the Chinese. APPENDIX. .305 E. CoRDiA macrophylla. R, A large tree from Bengal. E. campamdata. R. A small tree from the Moluccas and South Sea Islands. CoTULA coronopifolia. Willd.Z. 2167. Pagoda plant of the islanders. E. Crassula cultrata. Willd. 1. 1552. Sharp-leaved Crassula. E. obliqna. Willd. 1. 1553. Oblique-leaved. E. Crinum toxicarium. R. and two or three other species which were not seen in blossom by Dr. Roxburgh. E. Crotalaria retusa. Linn. Retuse-leaved Crotolaria. E- laburnifolia. Linn Laburnum-leaved. E. — incanescens. Linn. Hoary. E. Croton sebiferum. Linn. Tallow-tree of China. E. CvcvRBiTA lagenaria. JVilld. 4. 616. Bottle-gourd. E. CuNONiA capensis. Willd. 2. 634. " E. CuRTisiAya^mea. Willd. 1. 687. Hassagay-tree. E. CvPRESSvs sempervirens. Two varieties of the Cypress-tree. E. lusitanica. Lamb. Pin. t, 42. Goa Cypress-tree. E. Cycas revoluta. Lin . Revolute-leaved Cycas. E. CvJ^ARk Scolynms. Willd. S. 1691. Artichoke, E. CvPERUs rohindus. A very common weed in gardens. E. tenuijlorus. E. > — I Pepo and citridlns Linn Pumpkin and Water-melon. E. CucuMis sativus. Linn Garden-cucumber. / ^ E. CosTus speciosus. Willd* 1. 10. E. Dalbergia (Smoo. R. iFroni Bengal; where they grow to large E. frondosa. R. J timber trees. E. Daphne odora. Hort. Keic. Sweet-scented Daphne, from China. E. DATURA/asfMosa. Willd. 1. 1003. E. 3Ietel Willd. 1009. E. Taiula. Willd. 1. 1008. E. Daucus Carota. Linn. Common Carrot. R Dracaena cermia. Willd. 2. 157. E. DiANTHus barbatus. Linn. Sweet William. Rr 306 APPENDIX. E. DiANTHus chinensis. Linn. China Pink. E, ' Caryophyllus. Linn. Clove. I. DicKsoNiA arborescens. Willd. 6. 485. Stipes, rachis and subdivisions compressed, and somewhat woolly, but not scabrous. Fronds ovate-oblong, hard, glossy above, sub-oppositelv tripinnate ; ultimate segments from oval to oblong, and crenate-serrate. Spots on the margin, until they open transversely-oval, after round. Grows on the tops of the highest mountains ; such as Diana s Peak. Trunk single, straight ; general height when full grown, 20, or more feet, and of various thickness up to that of a man's body : covered with the bases of the decayed stipes, mosses and parasites of various kinds ; at the apex clothed with long, soft, tawny-brown wool, like that of which the finest shawls are made ; when this woolly substance is removed, the parts over which it extended are found to be scabrous. Fronds (including the stipes) from 4 to 10 feet long. E. DioscoREA alata. Linn. Winged Yam. "i Here they do not thrive to be E. aculeata.K. Thorny Yam. J of the smallest use. See ^irum. E. DioSPYRus Kauki. Linn. Japan Diospyros, fruit large and edible. I. DoMBEYA Erythroxylon. Willd. 3. 725. Pentapetes Erythroxylon. Hort. Keiv. \st edit. 2. 438. Melhania, second edition, 4. 146. of the same work. Mboreous.^ Leaves ovate-cordate, crenulate, acuminate, smooth above, reticulate underneath, while young hoary, obscurely 3-5-nerved. Peduncles axillary, solitary, 2-3-flowered : flowers pentaudrous. Red-wood-tree the vernacular name on St. Helena, where it is indiaen- ous on moderately high hills, where, if the soil is suitable, it grows rapidly with a straight trunk to be a middling sized tree of great beauty. Bark dark brown, even and pretty smooth. Branches numerous, spreading, tender twigs hoary. Stipules subulate. Peduncles about as long as the petioles. Flowers larger than in the fol- lowing (Z>. Melanoxylon') colour the same aud also changeable. Nectariat filaments flesh-coloured. Styleivfice the length of the stamina. Capsules APPENDIX. 807 oblong-, poiuted, very hairy, and somewhat shorter than the permanent calyx; cells 3-5-seeded. This tree furnishes the islanders with an hard, close-grained mahogany-coloured, durable wood. L DoMBEYA melanoxylon. R. Melhania melanoxylon. Hort. Kew. 2d. edit. 4. 146. Leaves ovate- cord ate, long-petioled subentire, firm, smooth above, ferruginously hoary underneath, obscurely 3-nerved. Peduncles axillary solitary, 1-2-flowered : flowers pentandrous. Capsules ovate, obtuse, greatly shorter than the permanent calyx ; cells 2-3-seeded. Ebony the vernacular name. Is a native of the barren rocks near the sea, and not far from Sandy Bay, on the south side of the island, I saw it in two gardens only, where it had in many years grown to the height of only 2-3 feet, with many longer branches spreading flat on the ground, well decorated with abundance of foliage and large beautiful flowers. Bark of the old ligneous parts rather rough and of a dark olive-black colour ; of the young shoots hoary with stellate pubescence, each starlet thereof has a ferruginous centre. Petioles, under side of the leaves, peduncles, bractes and calyx have the same covering. The leaves are greatly smaller than in D. Erythroxylon, but more entire. Stipules subulate. Peduncles length of the leaves, 1-2-flowered. Mowers large, campanulate ; when they first expand white, becomiipo; pink or rosy by age. Bractes tern, ovate, lanceolate, pressing the ba^e of the calyx. Stamina 5, shorter than the 5 dark purple clavate, nectarial filaments. In some parts on the south side of the island near the sea, numbers of the dry trunks were found in former days : now few remain ; the greater part having been carried away for fuel : those little trunks are but a few feet in length, generally very crooked, and run from 1 to 3 or 4 feet in cir- cumference near the root ; those parts of the roots and hranche^ which remain spread nearly horizontal ; the exterior surface is pretty even, and ofa dark lead colour, having been exposed to the weather, for, probably, some hundred years ; within it is nearly as black as common ebony, and as 808 APPENDIX. close grained, liard and heavy ; in short it is so very like ebony as to have procured it that name from the islanders. The few trees now found alive in their native soil and situation are from 10 to 15 feet high, their trunks crooked and about as thick as a man's thigh ; the branches very numerous, spreading, &c. &c., and at this season when the young foliage is expanding, the flower buds are also to be seen, and in this state generally 2 on each peduncle ; whereas in the cultivated plants rarely more than one. E. Eleusine corocana. R. Cynosnrus Corocanus. Linn. E. indica. Gccrt. Cynosurus. Linn. E. calyciiui. R. E. Erodium sempervivum. R. Pelargonium Cotyledonis. Wilkl. 3. 674. Shrubby, succulent and extremely tortuous. Umbels long-peduncled decompound. Leaves subcordate, downy, rugose, some lobate-crenate, some peltate. A native of the barren rocky precipices on the south side of the island, and known by the name Old father live for ever. It grows to be a large spreading shrub, with innumerable, thick, succulent, extremely crooked branches, the apices obtuse, and thence both leaves and umbels spring. Bark thick and fleshy, the surface dark brown, and peels off in small frag- ments. Leaves long petioled and soft with down. Stipules small, trian- gular and acute. Peduncles terminal, generally single, very long, erect, coloure^l, and villous ; the umbellets numerous, and all the divisions long, coloured, and villous. Involvcre scai'ce any; involucells of a few small acute scales. /-Yoti'ers numerous, pure, white, calyx, 5-toothed; the rest as in the genus. Every part is to me void of smell. E. Erythrina caffra. Willd. 3. 914. Cape-coral-tree. E. Euphorbia rosea. H^i7/dl. 2. 895. French-grass of the islanders. E. — Peplus. Willd. 2. 903. Small-spurge. E. Eugenia Jambos. Willd. 2. 959. Rose-apple. E. Ficus Carica. The common Fig : grows freely here, and produces good crops of excellent fruit ; but like every thing else in rural economy too much neglected. APPENDIX. 309 E. Ficus indica, or the famous Banyan-tree of India. E. reUfjiosa. Willd. 4. 1 134. E- terebrata. Willd. 4. 1145. Is the mo.st common tree in James's Valley, where it grows freely, and furnishes excellent fuel ; the wood of this s)3ecies being much firmer than any other species of this genus known to me. I. FlMBRISTYLIS teXtiUs. R. Culms naked, columnar until above the middle, then somewhat compressed. Leaves none. Spikelets numerous in a hard sessile head 1-2 inches below the subulate grooved apex : flowers 1-3 androgynous : scales boat-shaped, rather obtuse : style 3-fid. St. Helena thatching rush : is a native of the interior of the island, and in plenty for every purpose : in moist elevated situations, it grows to the height of 3-6 feet, perfectly destitute of leaves and quite straight ; about as thick as a crow-quill, of a firm texture, and smooth glossy deep green colour. A good substantial covering of this rush is said to last from 10 to 15 years, and keeps out wet effectually. E. Fragaria vesca. Willd. 2. 1090. Strawberries, a few varieties, but little or no care is taken of them, consequently they do not thrive. E. Fraxinus chinensis. R. China Ash, a small slow growing tree. E. FuMARiA capreolata. Willd. 3. 868. Running Fumitory. E. Fuchsia coccinea. Willd. 2. 340. Scarlet Fuchsia grows most /uxuri- antly in Sandy Bay. E. Gardenia Jlorida. Willd. 1. 1225. Cape Jasmine. E. Thiinbergia. Willd. 1. 1226. E. radicaiis. Willd. 1. 1225. E. Gleditsciiia horrida. Willd. 4. 1097. This tree is one of the most stately and most beautiful on the island, but unfortunately there is but a single individual to be seen ; it grows in the garden at the Governor's country-house, where it has attained to the height of 50 feet or more ; with trunk and coma proportionally large. It has not produced seed, nor have they hitherto been able to multiply this 310 APPENDIX. charming tree. The large ramous spines are confined to the trunk, and larger branches. E. Gmelina asiaticctf Willd. 3. 813. A large thorny shrub, with large drooping yellow flowers. E. Gnaphalium americanum. Willd. 3. 1887. Everlasting:. E. GoMPHRENA fjlobosa. WUM. 1. 1321. Annual Globe-amaranth. E. GossvpiuM latifuUum. Willd. 3. 806. Grows freely, and yields a laro-e produce of fine Cotton. E. barbadense. Willd. 3. 806. Barbadoes Cotton. I. Grammitis marginella. Willd. 5. p. 139. E. Hibiscus Populneus. Willd. 3. 209. An useful timber tree of consi- derable size. E. popidneoides. R. A tree similar to the last, but larger. E. mutabilis. Willd. 3. 817. Chana^eable-flowered. E. syriacus. Willd. 3. 818. Syrian Hibiscus E. sabdariffa. Willd. 3. 821, or West-India sorrel. E. cannabimis. Willd. 3. 822. Hemp Hibiscus. E. Abelmoschus. Willd. 3. 826. Musk Hibiscus. E. Trionnm. Willd. 3. 832. Bladder Hibiscus. E. diversifolius. Willd. 3. 820. A tall tree of short duration. E. urens. WUld. 3. 817. E. — -■ Rosa sinensis. Willd. 3. 812. China-Rose or Shoe flower. E, phceniceus. Willd. 3 813. E, armatus, or Rock-rose of the islanders. E. H^MANTHUs. From the Cape of Good Hope ; species uncertain. I. Hedyotis arborea. R. Dog-wood of the islanders. Arboreous. Leaves opposite, .short-petioled, oblong, acuminate entire, glossy, recurved : stipulary sheath cylindric, with one, or three unequal denticuli on each side. Corymbs terminal, brachiate, subglobular. Capsules globular. A small tree, a native of the dark forests which decorate the misty alpioe tops of the most lofty mountains in St. Helena. APPENDIX. 311 E. Helianthus anmius. Willd. 3. 2237. Annual Sun-flower. E. Heliotropium indicum. Willd. 1. 740. A weed in gardens. E. HEMF,RocALLisy*M/D«. Willd. 2. 197 . Day Lily. E. HoRDEUM hexasticlion. Willd. 1. 472. Spring Barley. E. distichon. Willd. 1.473. Common Barley. E. HvDEROcoTVLE asiotica. Willd. 1. 1362. Penny- wort. E. Hydrangea hortcnsis. Willd. 2. 633. China Guelder- rcse. E. Hymenophyllum capillaceum. R. Parasitic ; surculi and stipes capillary, the former creeping. Fronds lanceolate bipinnatifid ; segments linear, margins entire. Involucres terminal, solitary, more rarely paired, subrotund. A most beautiful, exquisitely delicate, small creeping parasite, found mixed with moss on the trunks of trees over Diana's Peak. E. Hypericum monogynum. Willd. 3. 1442. Chinese St. John's Wort. E. Jas.minum officinale and odoratissimum. Willd. 1. 40. Common and yellow Jessamine. E. Imp AT\ ENS Balsamina. Willd. 1. 1175. Garden Balsam. E. Indigofera tiiictoria. Willd.fi. 1237. Common Indigo-plant. E. Ipomoea quamoclit. Willd. 1. 879. and grandiflora. R. E. JusTiciA betonica. Willd. 1. 96. Betony-leaved Justicia. E. IxiA. Several species from the Cape, which thrive well in eljstvated gardens. Kyllinga monocephala. Willd. 1. 256. snmatrensis. Willd. 1. 258. E. Lactuca saliva. Willd. 3. 1523. Lettuce, some few varieties. E. Lamium purpurenm. Willd. 3. 88. Red Dead-nettle. E. Laurus Persea. Willd. 2. 480. Avocado Pear. Saw only one tree on the whole island, and no care taken of it : indeed no person knew what it was. It blossoms freely every year, but has not produced fruit. E. Leontodon Taraxacum. Willd. 3. 1544. Dandelion. 312 APPENDIX. E. LiMODORUM aloe folium. Cymbidium. WUld. 4. 101. I. Lobelia sccEvolifoUa. R. Shrubby, erect, branchlets succulent and polished. Leaves sparse, cuneate-lanceolate, smooth, serrate. Peduncles axillary, solitary, shorter than the leaves, one-flowered. Capsules clavate-turbinate. A native of the thick, well-shaded forests which clothe the south face of the Sandy Bay range of mountains ; where it grows to be a pretty large shrub, the flowers rather large and pure white. E. LoNicERA Periclymemim and Caprifolium. Two species of Honey- suckle. E. LuPiNus. Lupins two or three species in gardens on the hills. I. Lycopodium cernuum. Willd. 5. 30. (Compare with P. Saururns. WUld. 5. 50.) Grows in great abundance on the mountains, where it is called BucKs-horn. General height from 1 to 3 feet, and uncommonly ramous. I, Lycopodium axillare. R. Stems erect, simple, imbricated on all sides with numerous, glossy, entire, acute, subappressed, ensiform leaves. Capsules axillary, solitary, sessile. Foiiu'd indigenous among grass on rather dry, rocky situations over the higher parts of the south face of Dianas Peak. E. Magnolia pumila, obovata, and fuscata. All from China, and grow luxuriantly here. E. Malva manritiana. Linn. Ivy-leaved Mallow. E. Mangifera indica. Linn. Common Mango, thrives well at the Briars only. E. Melia sempervirens. WUld. Grows abundantly to the size of a small tree over most parts of the island, and highly ornamental, being in flower and seed the whole year. E, siiperba. R. A large timber tree from India. APPENDIX. :313 E. Melia robusta. R. Is also a large timber tree from India. E. ■ Azedarach. Willd. 2. 558. A good and beautiful timber tree ; a native of China, &c. E. Melissa officinalis. Willd. 3. 146. Balm. E. Mentha viridis. Linn., and two or three undetermined species of Mint. E. Mesembryanthemum. Fig Mary-gold. Several species Dr. R. savv in gardens ; they were from the Cape of Good Hope originally. E. Mesvii^vs japonica. Willd.2.\0\0. Louquat of the Chinese This most elegant useful tree is perfectly at home here, and in time, with a little care, will be highly beneficial to St. Helena. E. Michelia Champaca. Willd. 2. 1260. In one garden only. I. MiKANiA arborea. R. Arboreous, with straight trunk. Leaves alternate, petioled, oblong, smooth, gland-dentate-serrate. Panicles terminal, drooping. Calyx simple, cylindric, 5-toothed, 5-flowered. She-cabbage tree the vernacular name. In the forests which decorate the south face of Sandy-bay ridge, it grows plentifully to be a tall .«lender straight tree, particularly while young ; for by age it becomes bent to one side, and well furnished with crooked brittle branches. The u-ood is white, and the pith, which is used for tinder, in very large quantity. Yuuig shoots smooth and of a bright purple colour ; whilc/the trees are ye of the simple, cylindric, smooth, 5-toothed calyx, which, when the seeds are ripe splits into 5, linear, recurved leaflets. E. Mimosa arabica. R. Acacia. Willd. 4. 1085. E. Serissa. R. or Mauritius black-wood. Ss 314 APPENDIX. E. Mimosa cinerea. Ldiin. Acacia cinerea. Willd. 4. 1057. E. glaticescens. R. Acacia glaucescens. Willd. 4. 1052. E. • juniperina. Acacia juniperina. Willd. 4. 1049. E. linifulia. Linn. Acacia linifolia. Willd. 4. 1051. E. glauca. Linn. Acacia glauca. Willd. 4. 1075. E. farnesiana. Linn. Acacia farnesiana. Willd. 4. 1083. E. scandens. Linn. Acacia scandens. Willd. 4. 1057. On the windward side of the island, the seeds are cast on shore and vegetate. Besides the above there are some other exotic species, which the author had not an opportunity to determine. E. Mmvsovs Elengi.Willd.2.''S25.- Bocul of the Hindoos. E. Mir ABiLis /a/«/)a. rFt%Z. 1. 999. Common Marvel of Peru. E. MoMORDic A C/mraH^a. Willd.4.(j0}. The fruit, before maturity, much used in the diet of the Hindoos. E. MoR^A chinensis. Willd. 1. 245. E. MoRus nigra. Wdld. 4. 369. Common Mulberry- tree. E. atropurpurea. R. A quick growing tree from China. E. MuRRAYA exotica. Willd. 2. 548. China-box tree. E. MusA sapientum. Willd. 4. 894. Banana. E. paradisiaca. Willd. 4. 893. Common Plantain tree. E. Myristica moschata. Willd. 4. 863. Banda nutmeg, one sickly plant -,in Major Hudson's garden in James's Valley. E. Myrtus Pimenta. Willd. 2. 973. Introduced byUr. Roxburgh in 1805. It thrives well in the garden near the south side of the island, where it is cool, and often moistened with misty clouds. communis. Willd. 2. 967. Grows most luxuriantly to the size of a small very ramous tree. Besides the common myrtle, there are two other varieties thereof, E. Narcissus Tazetta, Pseudo- Narcissus and Jonquilla. In gardens, E. Nerium tinctorium. R. and odontm. Willd. 1, 1235, E. NicoTiANA Tabacum. Willd. 1. 1014, Common Virginian and Ha- vanna Tobacco. E. Olea europea. Willd. 1. 44. Common Olive. Grows luxuriantly to APPENDIX. 316 be a tree of considerable size, and might be advantageously reared for fuel, independent of the fruit. I. Ophioglossum lusitanicum. WilUl. 5. 59. E. Origanum major anoides. Willd. 3. 137. A stout shrubby species of Marjoram. E. Oryza saliva. Willd. 2. 247. This highly useful grain, Rice, does not thrive on any part of the island : at least such is the re{)ort ; and Dr. R. saw nothing to make him think otherwise. E. OsTEOsPERMUM pisiferuiH. Willd. Panicum ciliare. Willd. 1. 344. cegyptiacum. Willd, 1. 343. Dactylon. Willd. 1. 342. Wire-grass the vernacular name, and supposed to be a native of the island. Agrostis stellata, and linearis of Willdenovv, I am inclined to consider this very identical species, consequently the East Indian Dup-grass, or Dupa. E. italicum. Willd. 1. 336. Is much cultivated in many parts of Asia, but does not thrive on St. Helena. E. molle. Willd. 1. 340, or Scotch grass. E. verticillaium. Willd. 1. 334. Rough Panic-grass. Besides the above 6, there are two or three more, which Dr. Rox- burgh had not an opportunity to ascertain. E. Parkinsonia acw/eato. Willd.'2. 6\Z. ^- most beautiful smalVcjuick growing tree. E. Passiflora ccerulea. Willd. 3. 623. Common Passion-flower. E. Pastinaca saliva. Willd. 1. 1466. Parsnip. E. Pelargonium betulinum. Willd. E. ■ capilatuni. Willd. E. angulosum. Willd. E. .- cucullatum. Willd. E. inquinans. Willd. E. '- denticulatum. Willd- E. graveolens. Willd. E. hybridum. Willd. Geraniums. All introduced > from the Cape of Good Hope. 316 APPENDIX. E. Pentapetes. Linn; Pterospermum suberifoliwn. Willd. 3. 723. Saw only one tree on the island, it was reared in the Company's nursery from seed sent from Bengal by Dr. Roxburgh. E. Phaseolus vulgaris. Willd. 3. 1030. Several varieties of Kidney- bean. E. lunatus. Willd. 3. 1031. Lima-bean E. Phillyrea media. Willd. 1, 42. Common Phillyrea. E. Phlomis nepetifolia. Willd. 3. 1236. I. Phvlica elliptica. R. Shrubby. Leaves opposite, short-petioled, elliptic, rarely subovate, thick and hard, hoary and concave underneath. Stipules 4-tern, ovate, concave. Flowers in peduncled, axillary, hoary heads. Capsules tur- binate, A native of the most elevated parts of Diana's Peak, and of the Sandy Bay range, where it grows to be a pretty large, but low spreading tree, there called the wild Olive ; flowering in July and the seed ripen in March. The wood i.s dark-coloured, hard, and very useful. 1. Phylica rosmarinifolia. R. Arboreous, very ramous. Leaves alternate, short petioled, lanceolar, acute, lucid above, hoary underneath, margins revolute. Stipules subulate. Flowc^js axillary, subsessile. Wild Rosemary it is called by the islanders ; and is found indigenous on moderately high mountains, where it grows to be a middling-sized useful timber tree of great beauty and fragrance. The bark tolerably smooth ; the trunk short, thick, and crooked. The leaves bear an exact resemblance to those o( Rosemary : lucid above and white underneath. Floicers minute, pale greenish white. Capsules size of a pea, oval, until dry-ripe bacciform, after they split into 3. E. Phcenix dactylifera. Willd. 4. 730. A few trees only were seen, though they thrive well, and promise much benefit to the island if carefully managed. APPENDIX. 817 E. Phyllanthus andrachnoides. Willd. 4. 575. I. Physalis begonifolia. R. n. Shrubby and very ramous. Leaves in pairs, petioled, unequally ovate-cordate, entire, and soft. Peduncles axillary, solitary, drooping one- flowered. Calyx campanulate, larger than the white corol, its border divided into 5, broad, short unequal rounded segnaents. A native of the rocky hills on the east and south sides of the island, and known by the name Box-tcood. The trunk grows single to 2-4 feet in heio^ht and about as thick as a man's arm ; its bark tolerably smooth and brownish Branches numerous and divide into innumerable alternate villous branchlets. E. Physalis peruviana. Willd. I. 1022. Brasil-cherry , is very common every where, because the goats do not eat it, and furnishes the inha- bitants with ample supplies of large, palatable berries, without the least care E. PiNus iingifolia. Lamb. pin. tab. 21. Of this magnificent pine there is but one or two young trees in the Governor's garden. Pinaster. Willd. 4. 496. Grows well and to a great size on the south side of the island, also in the Governor's garden and planta- tions. E, Pinea. Wil'd. 4. 497. Stone pine. ^ E. sy'vestris Willd. 4. 494. ScotjeV/fir. f PisuM sativum. Wi'ld. 3. 1070. Garden pea, a few varieties. E, PiTiosPORUM Tobira. Bot. Mag. 1396. I. Plant AGO robusta. R. Shrubby. Leaves crowded round the apices of the robust ligneous branches, linear, intire, withering. Spikes few, axillary, cylindric, long- peduncled. A native of the tops of the moderately high hills over the island, where it grows to be a stout shrub, with but few very thick, simple, son)e\Tihat woody branches ; bark strongly marked with the innumerable scars of the fallen leaves. 318 APPENDIX. Three grasses of rather an inferior quality. Plantago major. Willd. PoAJapouica. Willd. 1.394. prateiisis. Willd. 1.388. laxa. Willd. 1. 386. E, PoiNciANA puleherrima. Willd. Prickly flower-fence. E. PoLYANTHES tubcrosa. Willd. 2. 164. Tuberose. I. PoLVPODiUM macrocarpum. Willd. 5. 147. Surculi creeping, slender and very scaly, rooting on trees, rocks, &c. stipes short, slender, polished dark brown, and somewhat winged, while young scaly. Fronds (4-6 inches,) narrow-lanceolar, tapering most at the base, entire, rather obtuse, smooth, thick, firm, veinless, surfaces, parti- cularly the under dotted with small ferruginous specks. Spots in one row on the exterior half, large, round and distinct, but intermixed with many peltate scales, which while young unite and form a complete polyphyllous involucre. Is a pretty, delicate species, growing over the south face of Dianas Peak. It may be referred to Pleopeltis of Humboldt and Bonpland. I. PoLYPODiuM molle. R. Stipes deeply channelled, and with the rachis clothed with soft hair and large brown ramenti. Fronds ovate, soft and hairy underneath, sub- oppositely-bipinnate ; leaflets deeply crenate. Fructifications numerous, small, ^""enei-aily in two ill defined rows equally distant from the nerve and margin. A native o( Diana's Peak, grows in tufts in moist thickets to be 2-4 feet high. I. PoLYPODiUM rugulosum. Willd. 5. 206. Stipes hairy. Fronds oblong alternately bitripinnate, texture thin and soft ; pinnae lanceolate, obtuse ; leaflets dentate. Spots submarginal. Found on Diana's Peak, growing to the height of 2-3 feet, but slender, and every way delicate. I. PoLYPODiuM dicksonifoUum. R. Stipes brown, channelled and scabrous. Fronds lanceolate subtri- APPENDIX. 319 pinnate : pinuulae subopposite, linear-oblong, obtuse, deeply obtuse-crenate. Spots large, one or two on each of the ultimate segments of the frond, the margins of which turn down and in part covers them. A pretty delicately divided plant, growing on Diana's Peak to the height of 8-12 inches. 1. PoLYPODiuM visciilum. R. Surculi flexuose brown and shaggy, stipes, &c. channelled and clothed with clammy headed diverging soft hairs on a brown ground. Fronds ovate, suboppositely tripinnate and superdecnmpound : leaflets linear-oblong, obtusely crenate or pinnatifed. Spots distinct few or nu- merous, under the recurved crenatures of the segments of the leaflets. Common about stone-dikes, &c. &c. Sandy Bay, where it grows to the height of from 6 inches to 2 or 3 feet, and fructifies all the year. E. PoPULUS alba. Willd. 4. 802. White Poplar, or Abele-tree ; thrives well. E. PoRTULACA oleracea. Willd. 2. 859. Common Purslane. E. Protea argentea. Willd. 1. 529. Silver-tree. E. mellifera. Willd. 1. 522. Honey-bearing Protea. E. Vrvuvs Armeniaca. Willd. 2,. Q^9. Apricot. This tree does not suc- ceed here. E. PsiDiUM pnmiferum. Willd. 2. 958. Common Guava. I. PsoHALEA piimata. Willd. Q. 1342. G^o^/e-^/ieer the vernacu'^ar name. I. Pteris semiserrata. R. Stipes length of the ovate, oppositely bipinnatifid flimsy fronds, polished, smooth, green and channelled. Pinnae lanceolate : segments divided nearly to the base, linear-lanceolate, barren apices serrate. A native of Sandy Bay, where it grows to be 2-5 feet high. I Pteris pa 'eacea. R. Stipes and surculi densely clothed with long brown scariose scales. Fronds suborbicular, bi-tripiniiately pedate ; leaflets falcate-linguiform obtuse. Rachis of the pinnae spinulose on the upper side. 320 APPENDIX. A robust scarce species, of about two feet in height, a native of the south face of Diana s Peak. E. PuMiCA granatum. Willd. 2. 981. Pomegranate, E. Pyrus chinensis. R. China pear ; they are large, but very indifferent. E. Pyrus Malus. Willd. 2. 1016. The apple, and but few sorts on the island. E. Cydonia. Willd. 2. 1020. Quince. E. QuERCus Rnbur. Willd. 4. 450. Common British oak. E. Ilex. Willd. 4. 433, Evergreen oak. E. Suber. WiUd. 4. 433. Cork-tree. Ranunculus bulbosus. Willd. 2. 1324. Butter-cups. E. Raphanus sativus. 3. 560. Radish. E. Rhus Vernix. Willd. 1. 1497. One tree in the Deputy Governor's garden. E. Ricmus communis. Willd. 4. 564. Common Palma-Christi, Grows luxuriantly. I. Roella angustifolia. R. Perennial, diffuse : branches long, slender and scabrous. Leaves alternate, sessile, linear-lanceolate, remotely and acutely gland-serrate- denticulate. Peduncles lateral, many times longer than the leaves, dicho- tomoui' ,man3'-(1owered. Common in fissures of the rocks about Major Seal's farm in Sandy Bay, where fogs prevail and the thermometer ranges from 60 to 70. Is in seed and flower the whole year. The Jluwers are pure white, erect and pretty large. I think it would be an ornamental plant for the flower garden. I. Roella paniculata. R. Shrubby, erect, branchlets hairy. Leaves sparse, sessile, cuneate- lanceolar, serrulate, hairy. Panicles terminal, hairy. A slender upright shrub, with but few erect branches ; a native of the thick forests on the south face of Diana's Peak y the flowers are large and vi'hite. APPENDIX. 321 I. RoELLA linifolia. R. Shrubby, subparasitic (on Dicksonia arborescens.) Leaves sparse, sessile, numerous, linear, smooth, very acutely serrulate. Peduncles (racemes,) terminal few-flowered. A pretty little raraous diffuse alpine plant found on the top of Sandy Bay ridge, chiefly on Dianas Peak. Leaves crowded round the somewhat villous columnar branches. The flowers white, with a tinge of pink, and highly ornamental. E. Rosa triphylla. R. Scandeut, ternate-leaved, large white single rose. E. centifoUa. Willd.2. 1071. Common rose. E. muscosa. Willd. 2. 1078, Moss rose. chineusis. Willd. 2. 1078, E. semperfloretis. Willd. 2. 1074' RuBUS pinnatiis. WUld. 2. 1081 ? Shrubby. Leaves pinnate ; leaflets 5 or 7, rarely 3, ovate-cordate, lucid, strongly veined, doubly serrate. Panicles terminal. Stems, branches, petioles and peduncles armed ; tender shoots villous and hoary. Bramble the vernacular name on St. Helena, where it proves a most noxious plant : running over very large tracts of the bestlgjJ^, whe^ the rapidity with which it grows to a much larger size than the common bramble of Europe (^Rvbiis friiticosus^ has hitherto baflled every attempt to extirpate it. The roots grow to a great size, and every bit left in the ground grows. Stem scarce any : what there is, grows to be as thick as a man's ' leg sometimes. Branches numerous, very long and scandent, when their apices rest on the ground they strike root and produce other plants, as in the other species of this genus : the young shoots glaucous and downy ; the bark of the old dark brown ; all are well armed with numerous recurved prickles. Lmres alternate, pinnate, 6-12 inches long ; /eaj^e^s ovate and ovate-cordate, smooth, doubly serrate. Petioles and ribs armed. Stipules petiolary, ensiform. Panicles terminal, with their peduncles and subdivi- sions armed and downy. Bractes like the stipules. Calycine segments Tt 322 APPENDIX. lanceolate, nearly twice the length of the ovate, pink petals, and they are rather longer than the stamiim and styles. Berries in shape, size, and colour very like those of the common bramble, but scarce so palatable. Some of the old inhabitants say it was brought originally from England for the common bramble of that country ; others, and with greater proba- bility, say it was brought from the Cape of Good Hope. E. RuMEx vescicarius. Willd. 2. 256. Bladder sorrel, and Acetosa, or common sorrel. E. patienfia. Willd. 2. 249. and one or two species, which Dr. Roxburgh had not an opportunity of ascertaining. E. RuTA graveolens. Willd. 2. 542. Rue. E. Salix babylonica. Willd. 4. 671. Weeping-willow, and two more unascertained species. E. 8xccu AKvyi officinarum. IFilld. \.S2\. Sugar-cane. I. Salsola salsa. Willd. 1. 1312. Common over the most barren parts of the island. E. Salvia officinalis. Willd. 3. 129. Common Sage, and coccinea, scarlet Sage. E. Sambucus ni^ra. Willd. 1. 1495. Common Elder. E. Sanseviera zeylanica. Willd. 2. 159. E. BqYT ALIA Lttchi see Gart. sem. ]. 197 . Litchi o( China, a. well-kaown tiruit. " E. Longan. R. Longan, or Dragotis-eye, the small round grey Litchi. E. Rambootan. R. Nephelium lappaceum. Linn. Rambootan of the Malays. E. Senecio /acofeea. ^F«/W. 3. 1997. -Common Rag- wort. E. Sida lanceulala, and tuicrojjliylla. Willd. 3. 736 and 739. E. SiGESBKCKiA orientalis. lJ'Uld.Q.2'2}9. A weed in gardens. E SoLANUM tuberosiun. Willd. 1. 1033. Common Potatoe, several varieties. E. Lycopersicum. Willd. 1. 1033. Love-apple. E. Pseudo-capsicum. Willd. 1. 1026. Bastard Capsicur E. Sodomeum. Willd. 1. 1043. Black-spined Solanum. im. APPENDIX. 823 E. SoLANUM Jacquinii. Wdld. 1. 1041. E. nigrnm. Willd. 1. 1035. Garden Solanum; its leaves used as spinage. I. SoLiDAGO spuria. Willd. 3. 2053. Conyza Rtigosa. Ait. Kew. 3. 184. Arboreous. Leaves short-petioled, cuneate-lanceolate, obtuse, serrate*dentate, tomentose underneatli. Corymbs terminal (ultimately in the forks,) length of the leaves, much crowded. Bastard- Cabbage-tree of the Islanders. On the tops of the highest mountains it grows to be a large, but inelegant tree. The wood close- orained, while and durable, but its chief use is for fuel. 1- SoLiDAGO Leucodendron. Willd. 3. 2054? Arboreous, very ramous. Leaves sessile, cuneate-lanceolar, anterior margin serrate, smooth. Corymbs terminal, length of the leaves, many- flowered : flowers subcylindric : female florets 6-10 in the ray, and 4-6 hermaphrodite in the centre. Cabbage-tree-gum-wood the vernacular name on St. Helena, where it is indigenous on the mountains at an elevation of from 1500 to 2000 feet above the sea, and grows to be a pretty large, very ramous tree, its ultimate ramifications trichotomous, with dark brovvji bark, rendeje^i scabwns by the numerous elevated scars of the fallen leaves. Leaves smoolJier and less clammy than in the other species. Corymbs terminal, several together : peduncles and divisions cylindric and smooth : Jloicers numerous, small and white, the female florets revoUite ; bractes subulate ; scales of the calyx decrease so as to be very minute at the base. The wood used for fuel chiefly. I. SoLiDAGO infegrifolia. R. Arboreous with far spreading branches and smooth glossy branchlets. Leaves sparse, approximate, sessile, cuneate-lanceolate, obtuse, intire, margins revolute, glossy above, while young slightly woolly underneath. Corymbs terminal, length of the leaves, very ramous and large. 324 APPENDIX. Bfack-cabhage-tree* the vernacular name ; on Sandy Bay ridge it grows to be one of the largest, some say the largest indigenous tree ou the island ; the trunk about 5-6 feet in circumference ; the coma very ramous large and spreading ; loood white, hard and serviceable for various purposes, but fuel chiefly. Flowers white, appearing in January, female florets 20-30 in the ray : male in the disk, and niimerous ; receptacle naked, convex : pappus hairy. Calyx subcylindric, imbricated : scales numerous, linear, acute. 1. SoLiDAGo cuneifolia. R. Arboreous. Leaves sessile, cuneiform, grossly serrate on the anterior margins, very rugose (but scarce villous). Peduncles terminal, length of the leaves, few flowered ; hermaphrodite and female florets about 2 of each. He-cabbage-tree of the islanders. It grows to be a middle-sized tree its ultimate ramifications dichotomous : bark thereof olive-brown. Leaves less^crowded than in Leucadendrou but larger, anterior half deeply serrate : posterior half entire and taper much, all are very rugose, and villous under- neath. Peduncles terminal, simple and one-flowered, or soon divide into 2, 3 or 4 long, slender, smooth, one-flowered pedicells: flowers white : calyx cylindric, &c. as in Leucodendron ; the female florets are nearly as numerous as the uerMaphrodite, lanceolar, apices 3-dentate, spreading at first, bftt/by age^come revolute. I. SoLiDAGO rotundifoUa. R. Arboi-eous. Leaves alternate, long-petioled, from oval to subrotund, serrate-dentate, smooth, while young shining with clammy varnish. Pani- cles terminal, spreading, length of the leaves, very ramous and subrotund. A native of the heights of St. Helena, where it is called Bastard Gum- wood by some, and Cabbage-tree by others. On the hills and mountains it grows to be a tree of about 20 feet in height, with a crooked trunk wliich is thick in proportion to the size of the tree ; its bark and that of the branches almost black, but pretty smooth, except for the numerous scars * White-wood -cabbage-tree, see Bidens arborea. APPENDIX. 325 left by the decayed leaves. Wood white, hard'%nd durable. Petioles channelled, nearly as long- as the leaves. Panicles terminal when they first appear, but by the growth of 2 or 3 branchlets from the apex of the twig they soon stand in the fork thereof : this is the general habit of all those symjenesious trees found, by me, on this island. Flowers numerous, small and white, 3-10 ligulate revolute female Jiorets in the ray, and 7-8 tubular male in the disk. SoNCHus oleraceus and l(Tvis. Common sow-thistles. E. Sp \RTivM jimceum. Willd. 3. 926. Broom. I. Spilanthes tetrandra. R. Shrubby. Leaves opposite, short-petioled, oblong, serrate, convex, reticulate underneath. Peduncles axillary, solitary, 1, rarely 2-flowered bracted : florets tetrandrous. Indigenous on the mountains, where it grows to be 4-5 feet high. E. Spinacja oleracea. Willd. 4. 766. Common Spinage. E. Spir^a corymbosa. R. A pretty China shrub, already described by Dr. Roxburgh. E. SwiETENiA 3Iahogoni. Willd. 2. 557. Mahogany tree introduced ftom the Botanic Garden at Calcutta. , . £. -febrifuga. R. East India Fever-bark^ ts^g. E. Syringa vidgaris. Willd. 1. Commoir^ilac. .:' \' E. Tagetes pattda and erecta. Willd. 3.2126. French and African Marygold. E Tamarindus indica. Willd. 3. 577. Tamarind-tree. E. Taxus elongata. Willd. 4. 857. Cape of Good Hope Yetc. E. chinensis. R. China Yew. E. Tectona grandis. Willd. 1. 1088. Teak-tree. E. Terminalia Catappa. Willd. 4. 967. An elegant and useful laroe tree. E. Tetranthera macrophylla. R. Brought from Bengal by Dr. Roxburo-h being the food of the Mogadooty silk-ivorm. E. Thea. Tea. Saw one or two stunted plants in the Governor's garden. 326 APPENDIX. E. Thuja orientalis. Willd. 4. 508. Chinese Arbor-vitse, E. — ■ — cupressoides. Willd. 4. 510. African Arbor- vitaa. E. Thymus vulgaris. Willd. 3. 139. Common Thyme. E. Tradescantia discolor. Willd. 2. 18. Purple-leaved Tradescantia. E. Trichosanthes anguina. Willd. 4. 598. Snake-gourd. E. Trifolium. Clover. Several sorts have been repeatedly tried, but with little success : in some places a little white clover is seen grow- ing amongst the grass in gardens. E. Triticum (Estivum, and hybernum. Summer and Winter wheat. E. TroP/Eolum niajus. Willd. 2. 298. Indian-cress. E. Ulex europeus. Willd. 3. 969. Common-whin. E. Ulmus virgata. R. A small tree from China. E. Urtica tenacissima. R. Catvoee of the Malays, from the fibres of its bark the China-grass cloth is made. E. YiciA Faba. Willd. 4. nil. Garden-bean. E. ViNCA rosea. Willd. I. 1233. Rosy Periwinkle. E. ViTis vinifera. Willd. 1. 1180. Grape-vine. E. Volkameria inermis. See Clerodendrum. E. Viola tricolor. Willd. 1. 1168. Pansy. E. Zea Mays_ JVilld. 4. 200. Indian-corn, is common in gardens, bat d'»»es not s^em to make any thing like a profitable field-crop. E. Zamia, one small plant of an uncertain species in the public nursery. 327 APPENDIX II. Abstract of the Poptdation and Cattle on the Inland of St. Helena from the year 1683 to 1733; extracted from the Records. Year. Total Inhabitants. Total Cattle. 1683 490 not ascertained. 1714 832 964 1716 855 1368 1717 833 1689 1719 Soi 1765 1720 not ascertained. 1863 J721 834 1711 1722 800 '55+ 1724 788 727 J733 840 1854 List of the Popidalion * Cattle, Free and Lease Lands, from the year 1769 to 1812, at intervals of five years. WHITES. BL.4CKS. C3 e2 CATTLE. || LANDS. c c to 2J CO 1 -0 c a c 1 09 5 1 E CQ to ■0 c K oq > .'I £ S CO Biulloc Total. n 3 f 236 241 I ('Acres. Acres. Acres. 1769 53 93 92 96 334 271 170 169 III 721 1055 47 847,584 447 74 2476, 2205I 2200 44° 5 1 1774 46 87 97 100 3301I284 177 214 144 819 1149I 43 787J625 237 231 240 93 2256 22051 2316I 452 '1 1779 4' 9> 97 105 33411346 200 209 1631 918 1253I 47 622 300 180 '94 '55 26 1524,220512376! 458ii I784i 54 96 92 108 35°1)377 207 241176 1001 '35'| 45 636I4II 211 263 249 49 1864 220512427 4632I 1789 5^ 97 103 132 388!{45i 27S 279217 1225 1613 50 77',556 173 236'2i8 61 2065 ■2205,1 2543I 474*''t »794 48 102 97 '45 392 439,272 279 24012301, 1622 48494^367 89 '64I 43 '4 1219 220512584! 4789-1 1799 48 104 94 142 388 405I268J 327, 257,1257, 1645 44911I729 200 268,297 104 2553 2205I2791I 4997 1803 73 108 105 150 436 383J220 270 254I1127! •563 — — — ' — — ' — 1 — — 1 — 1 — 1804 87 121 105! •63 476 3861213 276 265-1 140, 1616 45 801593 '99 262J239 63 2202 2205^2902^ ;io8 1809 IOC 153 '38, 200 59' 38b|277| 279 2571199 1790 47 846717 178 194I217 96 2295 !2205f3766i 59721 881149412205137994,60051 1812J no 152 M7I 173 582 337239:315 259 1150I '73Z 36 ';43 407 86 20i;i33: Remarks. — The further importation of slaves was interdicted by the Court of Directors in 1702 ; and permission granted to any person to * The Civil and Military Establishments, and the Free Blacks, and Companv's Slaves, arc not included. 328 APPENDIX II. nianuraise, or set free, any slave or slaves, on condition that they should not become burthensome to the parish. At that period, the number of slaves (men, women, and children) be- longing to individuals was 1292, Not having any record of the Company's slaves and free blacks, prior to 1803, I cannot give a correct view of the increase of black population since 1792. I am, however, enabled to shew, that there has been an increase since 1803. This is, in fact, the most accurate period to begin with, because, in 1802 the progress of population received a check, by a mortality of about 160, occasioned by the measles. Beginning then at 1803, the increase of black population will be seen by the following comparison. In 1803, slaves (men, women and children) belonging to individuals 1127 Company's slaves _ - - - - - 81 Free blacks _-~ - - - 331 Total 1539 In 1812, slaves belonging to individuals - , . _ 1150 Company's slaves - - - - - 89 Free blacks - ^ - - - - 448 Total 1687 Diffeience, or increase, 'in nine years, - - - 148 This is pevhayis'as correct a ^w as can be made, in any place or island, of the change that has taken place in the number of inhabitants ; because not more than two or three instances have occurred of subtracting by deser- tion or removal, and none of adding, by the import of foreign blacks, within this period of nine years. Chinese labourers were first introduced in 1810. Three years afterwards there were 270 able men. The government of the island were so well satisfied of their utility that it was resolved to augment the establishment to 400. Some account of their employments, pay, &c. is given in p. 186. 32^9 APPENDIX III. The largest produce of Corn obtained at the Company's farms, in 1814, was as follows : 1 1 acres of Cape barley yielded 69 bushels per acre. H ditto Cape wheat - - 52 - - ditto 5 ditto Barley wheat - - 40 - - ditto APPENDIX IV. List of Seventy-six different Species of Fish at St. Helena. WhaJe Mackarel Soldier Hog, 2 sorts Ground Shark Stone-brass Bastard ditto Cod Shovel-nose ditto Cunning Barracoota Devil Dog ditto Flying Pyke Lather- coat Mackarel ditto Trooper Sword Bream Sun Green, 2 sorts Thrasher Snake Albicore Old Wife Kiiigsou Beard Porpoise Silver Sand Spp«^r Serpettt Bottle-nosed ditto Five-finger Rock ditto Flounder White Conger Gurnet Trumpet Striped Red ditto Mullets, 3 sorts Sole Parrot Speckled ditto Bull's-eyes, 3 ditto Cat Eel , 2 sorts Green ditto Jacks, 2 ditto Flying ditto Shrimp Yellow-tail Cavally Pilot Sucking Turtle Cavally Bonnetla Lanthorn Craw Coal Dolphin Rock Stump Is Long-legs/ fi Bastard ditto Pilot Bottle , 1 shell Remarks. — Whales in great numbers generally appear in August, and remain about three months. If, during the period of their stay, a few expert fishermen were employed, a considerable number might be killed every Uu 360 APPENDIX IV. year. The species which frequents St. Helena is, by the South Sea whalers, called the " Race-horse." They jneld about five tons of oil. Albacore, congers, cavally, mackarel, old-wives, bull's-eyes, jacks, and soldiers, are naost commonly taken and used. The coal-fish resembles a salmon both in shape and flavour ; but are very rare. The yellow-tail and dolphin, which are also scarce, are remarkably fat and delicious at St. Helena ; although when taken at a distance from land they are insipid, and coarse. The ^hell-fish called stumps and long-legs, resemble the lobster in taste and colour. Turtle weighing from 3 to 500 pounds are frequently caught. With so great a variety of fish, there is no doubt, that the establishment of a proper fishery would be of vast advantage to the island. Hitherto the only mode of fishing practised is with hook and line. ■'-s London : Printed by W. Bulmer and Co. Cleveland-roWjSt, James's. 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