The Clove is also cultivated with success. Some trees which I have seen growing at the base of the hills, and on the skirts of the forest, where they were planted under the shade of other trees, seemed to flourish with great vigour.
Mr. Brown states the produce of a single Coffee plant at four pounds.
We were too late to enjoy the Mangosteen in its greatest perfection, yet from the few which were still to be procured, we considered it well entitled to the encomium so often bestowed upon it by travellers.
I proceed to mention the more general plants used in the domestic economy of the natives.
Pandanus lævis—the leaves afford a strong cordage, used for making nets and other purposes.
A species of Urtica is cultivated for a similar purpose.
| Erythrina indica, | } | supporters to the pepper plant. |
| Morinda citrifolia, |
Nipa fruticans—the leaves are used universally for thatching.
Calamus—various species, applied to endless useful purposes on the island, and exported to China.