cacao in this island, which I have no doubt will be considered a
fair one. I insert it in full, and, from the very low return, it
shows a lamentable deficiency in the cultivation of this most
grateful tree:--

'The average number of cacoa trees in a quarrée of land is 868.

'1st. The estates throughout the island are generally planted at a
distance of 12 feet by 12, and 13½ feet by 13½. Those planted at 12
by 12 contain 969 trees in the quarrée, and those at 13½ by 13½
contain 767 trees, the area of the quarrée being taken at 139,697
superficial feet. There may be in the island about 60 quarrées in
all, planted at 15 by 15 feet.

'2nd. The actual annual value of a quarrée of land planted in cacoa
is ten fanegas, or 1¼ lb. to a tree.

'It is to be observed that this is the general return from each tree
as estates are now cultivated, but if planters had the means of
keeping their estates in high cultivation, each cacoa tree would
produce 2 lbs. on an average.

'3rd. The annual average cost of cultivating a quarrée in cacao, and
manufacturing the produce therefrom, is 35 dollars, in the imperfect
manner it is carried on at present, thereby giving only 10 fanegas
per quarrée.'

I believe there are many estates in the island where the average
distance is less than 12 by 12; however, to give the present mode
the full benefit of the return, I will adopt, for comparison's sake,