TROPICAL FARMING.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 878, 7 February 1879, Page 3 (Supplement)

TROPICAL FARMING.

THE AGRICULTURAL PROSPECTS OF FIJI. We fulfil our promise of giving a fewextracts from the pamphlet written by Mr. J. Home, Director of the Botanical Gardens : Among tropical products the cultivation of the sugar cane, for the manufacture of sugar, holds a prominent place. Every visitor to Fiji (even from countries in which the sugar cane is the only plant cultivated to any extent) cannot fail being struck with the size, the healthy appearance, and the rapidity of growth of the siu'ar cane in Fiji. These remarks do not onfy extend to the "pet canes" of the Fijians, which are to be found growing near the houses in every native town, but they are general, and applicable to the canes on the settlers' plantations, as well as to those planted by the Fijians for thatch ; the neglected state of the latter plantations duly considered. The wild canes (vicos) of these islands, are to the cane grower a subject of admiration. They suggest to him interesting ideas about the parentage of the sugar cane, which undoubtedly originated in the islands of the South Sea ; where, from time immemorial, it has been cultivated by the inhabitants for various purposes, and carried to the islands and countries in the eastern parts of tropical Asia, by their inhabitants when on migratory or piratical expeditions. An experienced cane grower would at once pronounce the_ so-called "China cane" an improved "vico," were he equally well acquainted with both. To him the varieties of the latter present all the various colors and habits of the numerous varieties of the cultivated sugar cane ; but it yet remains for a careful botanical examination and comparison of the flowers of both, to pronounce the " vico" of Fiji a species of the genus saccharum, or not. From the foregoing it will be noted that the climate of Fiji is, by its nature, well adapted for growing the sugar cane ; and so is the soil. This in most places ia rich alluvium, on the banks of the rivers ; loam on gentle slopes and hillocks ; voloanio soils of the richest descriptions ; and at the bases of low hills debris brought down by innumerable agencies from the sides of the mountains. The oane lands do not exist in any one part of Fiji in particular. They are to be found in all parts of the group. The extent and richness of these lands in conjunction with a climate, extremely favorable for growing and maturing the sugar cane, ought to make all well-wishers of ! Fiji lon« for the time when sugar will be made there and exported by the hundred thousand tons, and to the value of millions of pounds sterling. Before such results are brought about, the capitalist or sugar maker will see that it will tend to his advantage to encourage the planter to grow sugar cane ; and the planter to see that it will be to his profit to have the cane mill near to his property, if not on it. The steam and common

1 plough will be extensively used, as well as the grubber, drill, harrow and horse hoe on rich alluvial flats. The pick, spade, or Indian hoe will be in request, to pit on hilly land, to put down a c:ino top where a cane plant will grow. All mechanical contrivances, as well as hand labor, will be needed to till the soil, and fertilizing manures to renew its fertility. The canes will be cut at the proper season of the year instead of "cutting all the year through," as at present. This practice is really a waste of products, which even expediency can scarcely excuse. About one half of the canes are crushed when the density of their juice is at the lowest, and therefore yield a minimum amount of sugar. The canes are cut at the end of the warm weather instead of at its commencement. The warm wet season is the natural time of the year for the canes growing, and the cold one for ripeningthem and maturing for the crop in the months of September, October, November, and perhaps December. When cut in March, or April, the ratoon canes are made to grow in cold dry weather, when they will grow least, and to ripen during the hot moist weather of December, January, February, and March, when they will naturally grow most and ripen least. Such practice is " contre saison," and against nature, and the want of success and small returns are not surprising. By cutting the canes during the months above mentioned, namely, September to December, the -•ii-oous grow in the proper season, i.e., th! warm, and wet one, and the canes ripen during the cold one. " The crop" is made when the density of the juice is at the highest, and the canes yield most sugar. It may be said that the best kind of cane to grow is the one which yields a maximum quantity of sugar, and gives a minimum amount of work, in cutting, carting, crushing, and in making sugar out of its juice. At the same time such a cane must be hardy and healthy, grow rapidly, ratoon freely and often, and be well suited to the climate of the locality in which the plantation may be situated. Many of the canes grown in Fiji possess these latter qualifications, and appear to be short of the former ones. In a word, they give a maximum amount of work in cutting, &c, and yield a minimum quantity of sugar. The ultimate result is not the greatest weight of cane which an acre of land will produce ; but the greatest amount of sugar per acre which the cane will yield, and consequently the highest money value. In Fiji there is a large extent of land which, from a variety of causes, is better adapted for growing coffee than any other tropical product. The greater portion of this land lies in the interior of Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Taviuni, some portions of Habi, Ovalau, &c. These islands contain large areas of almost incomparably fine coffee land, and enjoy a climate which is at once healthy and well adapted for the growth of the coffee tree, plant, or bush. Next to oane growing that of coffee will in future years claim a large share of attention. Coffee growing is now in its infancy in Fiji. It will yearly extend, and beoome an important product of these islands. Coffee will be second to none except sugar in value. Its export value will ultimately attain to about a million and a half or to two millions sterling. The plants of coffee seen in the interior of Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, and Taviuni, were remarkably healthy looking. Indeed the healthy appearance of the plants prove that coffee will succeed in Fiji beyond a doubt. The Government have sent large supplies of coffee seed into the interior of Viti Levu, to form Coffee Gardens for the natives. If it were for no other object than to show the sceptic how coffee will succeed in the interior of Viti Levu, this action of the Government would be highly commendable. Coffee has been tried during the last ten or eleven years in several islands of the group. However, it is only within the last two or three years that much attention has been given to its culture. Several plantations have been formed, and land for others is now being cleared. Although success cannot be doubted, it would be a wise precaution not to plant coffee in places which face the trade winds—that receive it, full force, unbroken, and directly from the sea — without well protecting the plants by dense " breakwinds" of hardy trees and shrubs.

Everybody knows how well the cocoa nut tree grows in nearly all the islands which constitute the Fiji group. If it had not been for copra, the export list of Fijian agricultural products, since the cotton failure, would have been of small value. Young plantations of it, made by natives and settlers, are to be seen in many places. There is still large room for extension, in places unsuited by the nature of the soil, &c., for the culture of a better and quicker paying product. The cocoa nut does not succeed in many parts of Viti Levu, and, where it does grow on that island, it bears comparatively few nuts. This is owing to the ravages of a small caterpillar, which attaches itself to the under sides of the leaves and eats their softer parts. The consequence is, that the leaves are unable to perform the functions assigned to them, and the tree is thereby weakened and unable to bear fruit, if it be not killed by the attacks of the insect. The act'ons of this insect have been noticed upon the cocoa nut trees growing in other islands of the but in these there exists a something (perhaps birds) which keeps it from increasing to an injurious extent. This subject is worthy of being enquired into, in order that a means or way of destroying the insect may be discovered. Even one which would reduce it in number to a harmless few, and prevent it increasing, would be of great utility. Either would be beneficial; and the oocoa nut tree would be almost indefinitely extended or planted on Viti Levu.

Where the trees are growing too close, the axe should at once be unsparingly, but not indiscriminately applied, and the trees thinned to about from twenty-five to thirty feet apart; according to the richness or poorness of the soil, exposure of sites to wind and the rainfall of the locality ; or until each tree has an area of from 625 to 900 feet superficial to grow upon. The quality of the cotton grown in Fiji is well known. From a variety of causes, but chiefly the low price given of late years for cotton in the European markets, it is now grown by only a few of the settlers, and in various places by the Fijians for Government taxes. To some settlers it may be a matter for consideration, if it would not be more profitable to cultivate the sugar cane and manufacture sugar, than to grow cotton. Most of the cotton land is well adapted for growing sugar cane, which would yield sugar to the value of £6O and upwards, per acre, for the yearly crop. The soil and climate of some parts of Fiji are well fitted for growing cocoa— Tfieobroma Cocoa, The places where the most of these lands lie have been noticed and need not be repeated, here. However, lands equally as favorable as those alluded to for growing cocoa, are to be found in large and small patches in many parts of Fiji! This is one of those subjects which would do good to any Government for taking up, and particularly that of a country whose wealth lies, solely in. its agricultural products. The more varied these are, the less will be the distress which a season of failure or low prices, would certainly oause, if the welfare of the community depended npou one kind of crop. About fifty plants of each of tho best varieties of the Thoobroma cultivated in South America and tho Wost Indies, would, in a few years, yield sufficient young plants to stock Fiji. These young plants, if need be, might be sold at a low price to pay expense of rearing and of

introduction. Such, in a new colony like Fiji, would be of the greatest importance. The same might be said of many other kinds of plants, the introduction of which would be a benefit to the community. Ifc is one of many reasons which could_ ba forcibly brought forward for the establishment of a Botanical Garden in the Colony. The principle has been applied in several Colonics, in .all of which it has well answered its purpose, and no reason for ita nonsuccess in Fiji can be brought forward. Next in importance to a large introduction of Theobroma plants, would be that of Tea and Cinchona. The soil astd climate of some parts of the interior of Viti Levu, more especially of the mountains at the sources of the principal rivers, are well qualified for the culture of these. Roughly estimated, the extent of country in which Tea and Cinchona could be successfully cultivated, is not less than one hundred square miles. Tobacco also grows well in Fiji. But the want of knowledge in the preparation of its leaves for the market is the main reason for it not being more extensively planted than at present. This difficulty will most likely be overcome, and in Fiji itself.

The above may be termed the principal articles of tropical produce which will succeed in Fiji, and there remain those which may be styled of secondary importance, to be alluded to.

They are Rice, Indian Corn, Arrowroot, Tapioca. The last three are grown, and the former to some extent. The Arrowroot and Tapioca manufactured are of excellent quality. It scarcely requires a prophet to foresee that they will be ousted by the sugar cane. As regards Rice, there is no doubt that it could be extensively grown in Fiji. Many places are as if they were fitted by nature for its cultivation, and others could be easily laid out for the purpose. The Clove, Ginger, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Allspice, Pepper, Camphor, Vanilla, will also grow successfully in this highly favored country. To cultivate all or any of these with any degree of successfulness, the cultivator should possess a considerable amount of experience. Most of the settlers in Fiji had little or no knowledge of the culture required by different sorts of tropical produce. Being the first in the Colony, they have been groping in the dark, or with lights picked from books. To say that all have succeeded ia the application of theories derived from books would be incorrect; nevertheless, it is true that some have done so, and are now on a fair way to a competency, if not to a fortune. Among fruits which will likely succeed in the parts of this Colony which enjoy a temperate climate, the Peach and the Strawberry may be mentioned. _ The Orange tribe thrives magnificently in all parts of the group, and the oranges at Namosi well deserve praise for their excellent quality. Bananas and PineappleH of good quality abound everywhere. The former are grown extensively by the Fijians aa an article of sustenance. To say that the Mango, Sour Sop, Sweet Sop, Custard Apple, Chermoyier, Jack, Carambol, Bilimbi, Wampee, Rambutan, Lichee Tamarind, and perhaps the Mangos teen and Durian, will grow in Fiji, is akin to repeating a truism. There is every probability that the time is not far distant "when Fiji will be extensively exporting tropical fruit to the markets of Australia and New Zealand. That it will pay to grow pineapples, bananas, oranges, &c, on a large scale for those markets there can be no doubt.

Geographically Fiji occupies a moat enviable position. Situated within the tropics, she is about from six to eight daya steaming from Australia and New Zealand, where the demands for her produce are extensive and increasing. From the bountiful nature of the soil, and the favorable climate, she will successfully compet© in these markets with all rivals, not excepting the tropical parts of Australia. It is to Australia and New Zealand she has to look for a market for the most of her tropical products, and not to the markets of Europe, from which she is far distant, and from whioh a slight fall in pricQa bars competition. It will be a long time before her produce overstocks the markets of Australia and New Zealand, When that time comes, if it should come, it will be easy for her to send the surplua sugar, coffee, &c, to the Western State* of "America rather than to Europe. What Fiji at present requires for tfee development of her resources is a steady stream of cheap and efficient labor, capital, and men skilled in tropical agriculture ; in the growth of the sugar cane, in the making of sugar, in growing coffee and tea, &c, and in the preparation of these for the market.

In what may be termed sylvan wealth, Fiji is also rich. But the quantity of useful timber is not so abundant as it would at first appear to the inexperienoed to be. However, there is a sufficient quantity of home-grown timber to meet the home demand for years to come were the importation of timber to cease. The Government will need to see that the forests of th« country are not plundered ; pass useful laws for the protection of trees and forest reserves, in order to preserve a sufficient supply of timber for future generations : to work these forest reserves for the benefit of the community :—to.prevent an indiscriminate destruction of the forests throughout the length and breadth of tha land, so that the country may not ba parched by droughts one season, and desolated by floods the next :—to preserve. the present healthiness and salubriousnesa of climate which Fiji is famed for: —to. plant in order to restore to parts, (northwestern portion of Viti Levu,. Macuata, and in Vanua Levu,) the climatic causes from a want of which they grievously suffer. Government must do. this for the welfare of the country and the community. The neglect of this in other colonies, until too late, is a warning to it to set the. house in order without delay, and before; all the land about tha sources of the. rivers, are alienated or denuded of tiniber, A Forest Department would be self supporting, by the sale of mature, and dying timber, &c„ from the land which it -was necessary to keep trees upon;-, and the profits from which should be applied to planting where plantations, were needed.. This matter is by far too. important to th<* community to be left in the handa off private individuals.. Not that the Government will plant and preserve timber to compete and exclude private enterprise from a market for its produce. But it is necessary, for climatic reasons, that the. Government should plant and preserve, trees, and when these reach the maAty* stage of their growth, to see that they ar» nor allowed to waste and rot. Qa tha other hand it is the interest of the comnmnity to see that the mature produots of the Government reserves are properly utilized, and not wasted, and tha Forest Department self supporting. Foremost in point of valuo among tha sylvan riches of Fiji is sandal wood, now„ owing to indiscriminate cutting—in a. word, destruction —very scarce. So much. so that what remains will only serve as a nucleus from which seeds can be obtained for the extension of this much-prized forest produot. Among timber trees of the colony the foremost is Vesi (Afzelia bijuga) which yields a useful and durable timber which will vie with any other for strength or durability. It is now very scarce. Next is the dilo (Colophyllnm inophyllum,) valuable, not only on account of its useful timber but also for the gum rosin which exudes from the bark when the tree is wounded, and the oil that can bo oxtraoted from its seed. Good timber, the produoe of this tree, is also very scarce. _... ~ The climate and soil of Fiji would ex, ceedingly favor the growth of Teak, SalMahogany, Ebony, Toon, Sisson, Rosewood, Guttapercha, Caoutchouc, Ratans, &o. ; in fact any product of tha tropical

t orests would succeed to Fij i. This should not be tost sight of. Any tropical plant, or tree, tchrcft yields an- article of histh commercial value and utility, which. Fiji does n»t possess, owhfc Co be introduced and naturalized. This would also hold good in the instance of plants from abroad which ytelii a superior articte or yield it m greater abundance than indigenous plants. Besides timber-yielding trees of more or 1«8» value- peculiar to the country, Fiji also possesses several tree* watch yield Caoutchouc of g»od quality and value. These, although by no mean* source., are, at presents too far apart for profitably collecting the juice. But rf brought toother, as they would be u* a forest reserve, the juice would be easily collected at stated periods, and made into a mercantile commodity. The climate of Fiji is also favorable for the growth of plants of textile value. In Fiji, the market is well supplied with all sorts of vegetables, and the quality and cheapness would surprise the dealers of Cbvent Warden.