Letter received by Banks from Christopher Smith, 30 July 1801 (Series 16.09) - No. 0002

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18 months, or two years; and it is the first article of food (next to the Sago,) for the maintenance of the inhabitants of the Moluccas.
This valuable fruit is worthy of esteem for it's particular efficacy for preventing the Scurvy, and for preserving the health of saylors on long Voyages.
The Oily Canari Nut, yield an oil that is equal in quality to Florence or Sweet oil.
The Canari tree will thrive well in the West Indies, and I have no doubt of its becoming a valuable aquisition as an article of food for the support of the slaves, etc in the West India Islands.
The Sagowear tree yield a substance called, Gomutee of which cables and all other kind of cordage are made, this plant will also, thrive well in all the West India Islands.