one of them, leaving, however, the sides of the leaves some inches above ground; after which the mould is rubbed in gently till the hole is filled; three nuts are then selected for each hole, and they are set triangularly in the earth, by making a small opening with the finger about two inches deep, into which the nuts are put, with that end downwards from which the sprout issues.”  They are then covered lightly with mould, the leaf folded over, and a small stone placed on the top, to prevent its opening; in eight or ten days the young shoots appear above the ground; the leaves are then opened to give them light and air, and a shelter from the sun, either in the shape of plantain or banana leaves, is not forgotten; but the coco-nut and other species of palm, on account of their fibrous structure and great durability, are always preferred.  This artificial shelter is continued for five or six months.  But, as a further security to the young plants, for they are very delicate, other trees or shrubs are planted to the south-west of the plants, that they may grow up with and shelter them, for young cacao will grow and flourish only in the shade.  For this purpose the coral bean-tree (Erythrina Corallodendrum) is chosen.  I should presume there are other trees and plants equally eligible for this purpose, and more useful; but my experience does not enable me to speak positively upon the subject.  Should the three seeds placed in each hole spring up, it is thought necessary, when the plants are fifteen or twenty inches high, to cut one of them down.  The two others, if they devaricate, are sometimes suffered to remain, but it does not always happen that even one of the three springs above the earth; consequently this additional labor is not invariably requisite.

On the fourth or fifth year the tree begins to bear, and attains perfection by the eighth, continuing to produce two crops of fruit per annum, yielding at each crop from 10 lbs. to 20 lbs., according to the nature of the soil.  It will continue bearing for twenty years; but, as it is a delicate plant, it suffers from drought, and is liable to blight.  In these respects, however, it does not differ from many other plants, which are even more subject to disease, though not half so valuable.  Besides, a proper system of irrigation, such as could be had recourse to in many parts of Jamaica, would obviate and prevent these evils.

The whole quantity imported into the United Kingdom from the West Indies and British Guiana during the last thirteen years, has been as follows:—­

lbs.
1831      1,491,947
1832        618,090
1833      2,125,641
1834      1,360,325
1835        439,440
1836      1,611,104
1837      1,847,125
1838      2,147,816
1839        969,428
1840      2,374,233
1841      2,919,105
1842      2,490,693
1843      1,496,554
1844      3,119,555
1845      3,351,602
1846      1,738,848
1847      3,026,381
1848      2,602,309
1849      3,159,086