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[Page 5]
in Amboina, and some other adjacent Islands, but chiefly in Ternate, from whence the Dutch supply are the World with Cloves.
4.
Myristica Linn. gen. 1752. n1016. - The Nutmeg & Mace Tree.
All the Nutmeg and Mace brought from the East Indies, with the 6 Islands of Banda which afford them are in the hand of the Dutch.
It is known that in these Islands, the Birds of Paradise feed greatly on the Nutmeg, and the Eastern Travellers report, that being often disgorged by these Animals, and besmeared with a viscous Matter, it takes root and thrives, which it never does when planted. A Legend, industriously propagated, if not likewise invented by the Hollanders, to discourage the translation of the Tree to other Countries.
Tho' the products of this Tree, have constitute for above two Centuries, an enriching branch of Commerce, Yet the circumspection of its Possessors, joined with the Supine Negligence of other Europeans, have hitherto debarred us, even from the Bontanical knowledge of it. Linnæus delivers all he could learn concerning the genus of this Plant, which amounts only to a fragment of its Character, and subjoins the following Suggestions.
[Next part in Latin]
[Utinam aliguis Perigunaterum, Terras qui adit Orientales, hac arbore feraces, cum Europæis characterem genens, cum non liceat, vivam speciem, Communicaret. Gen. plant. 1752 n. 1016.]
To the exclusive possession of these four Trees the States of Holland are indebted for the Opulence and Grandeur of their Republick.
5.
Abor Camphorifera Sumatrana Breyn. prod
The Sumatra Camphire Tree.
This is the Tree which affords the fine Camphire of Borneo and Sumatra which