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[Page 2]
had not been able to detect the mistake till you did it because none of them have been able to gain any practical knowledge on the subject.
The Cactus which grows in the Jungle near you I suspect to have been brought by the Portuguese when they were Masters of India for the purpose of making Hedges & that it is the very same species as that found at the Brazil I do not hear that it is found in any parts of India where Europeans are not settled nor in many where there are, Exotic plants if they take to a Country propagate fast, Pine Apples which were certainly brought by the Portuguese are now I am told abundantly wild in many parts of India.
I have sent your last parcel of Cochineal to a Carmine Maker who will be able to ascertain exactly the value of the color I am in hopes it will not be inferior in tint to the fine, if so the trade of growing it must be profitable for tho a given quantity of it does not produce more than half the color that an equal quantity of the fine will yield, it is much easier to manage & affords a much more frequent repetition of Crops, The Indians are fond of Cochineal & so are the Persians they import it from Europe & pay large prices for it you are likely therefore at first to find a more profitable market for your Commodity at home than you can do here.
I applied to the Court of Directors for the Spades & Scythes you have occasion for & I saw the Chairman write an order for their being purchasd & forwarded it to the Commee [committee] of Warehouses I have