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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 52

Cultivation of Tropical Products

Cultivation of Tropical Products.

The soil on the banks of some of the rivers is exceedingly rich, and is supposed to be suitable for the cultivation of every tropical plant. In some parts of the north-west, notably near Hanover Bay, and on the Glenelg River, there are open luxuriantly grassed valleys and river flats having basaltic soil, which ought to attract the sugar-planter, as such soil in Mauritius is worth £35 to £40 per acre. The rich savannahs on the Ord, Fitzroy, and Meda would grow cotton, which is indigenous to the country, and on the lower river flats rice might be profitably cultivated. Grey planted cocoa-nuts near Hanover Bay, and the young trees were shooting up when he broke up his camp. Indigenous fruits are more numerous and superior to those of Southern Australia, there being two varieties of grapes, four of figs, the native orange, plums, and the nut of the Adamsonia-Boab, or gouty-stem tree. This fruit is said to be a complete cure for scurvy. It is roasted on hot embers, the shell is then broken off, and the pulp mixed with sugar. When half ripe it is used for puddings, the same as rhubarb. When fully ripe the pulp is grated to a powder, boiled with sugar, and used as a jam. Upon the bark being cut, a nutritious white gum exudes, which in taste and appearance resembles macaroni. Steeped in warm water, the bark produces a mucilaginous drink. The kernel or nut is said to be of excellent flavour.