Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1883 edition. Excerpt: ...all, the Bermuda cedar or juniper--first born of island trees--covers every hill and declivity. The wood of the cedar was formerly most valuable for ship-building, boat-building, and carpenters' work, but there are not now many very large specimens of the trees remaining, although the law affords it some protection. The rainfall and the general health of the colony would probably suffer by its removal to any great extent. This tree is identical with the Virginian cedar, and its origin is therefore not doubtful. In the old days estates were valued in proportion to the trees growing on them, and the dowry of the Bermudian heiress might be reckoned in stately cedars. The general appearance of the place is by no means obtrusively tropical. FRUIT. The fruits of Bermuda are not abundant, insect blights--such as that of 1854--and hurricanes having from time to time worked havoc amongst the plants, and discouraged the languid cultivators. The occasional scarcity and the precariousness of the water supply, and the extreme porosity of the clayless soil, which allows even heavy showers to pass through without more than temporary benefit, have done much to enhance the discouragement. With more shelter, water, and perseverance, there is no doubt that the soil would bring forth a rich increase in the way of fruit. Bananas and melons yield profitably and are of excellent quality. Lemons now grow wild and in profusion. Loquats thrive well and produce fair crops of good fruit. The once abundant peach is now seldom seen, but oranges of fine size and flavour are beginning again to appear, after an interval of neglect. Grapes of good size and excellent flavour are grown, but are not abundant. Figs and pomegranates give good results in some of the private...
