could be done in Africa under more favourable conditions.1
Hitherto, cattle have been only esteemed for milking purposes,
but let their greater value as draught animals once be appreciated,
much more care and attention will be given to them.
Of the products known to be well adapted for cultivation,
Cotton stands out first in importance, and the wild cotton
plants scattered about the country attest the extreme suitability
of the soil and climate to its growth. I made a
commencement in its cultivation at Magarini, where, though
but a small area was planted, and this late in the season, the
COTTON STORE SHED — MAGARINI PLANTATIONS.
results were most satisfactory and encouraging. In addition
to the suitability of the soil, the cultivation of cotton is
admirably adapted to the people, and the Wanika took to it
most kindly. The seed is a most useful food for cattle.
1 Extract from. Report:
- Stock.— I am also desirous of making a commencement with a small
herd of Cattle which I would stall feed ; and would suggest planting all
the mature coco-nut plantations with Guinea-grass. I believe with care
much could be done to increase the number of cattle on the coast-lands,
and the following extract from the Overland Ceylon Observer, of May 30,
1862, is most interesting as bearing on this subject—
“ The first means of preserving a cattle stock in health is full feeding.
Epidemic diseases almost always originate among the weak and halfstarved
; though it may reach the well-fed and healthy by contact, it is less
fatal, and spreads less rapidly among these. At one time there was