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[Page 36]
In fine by all I can learn, it appears that neither the Soil, nor Climate of the East Indies are essentially different with regard to the vegetation of those of the West: nor that any Plant will refuse to thrive in the one which comes to perfection in the other. This Observation is strongly verified by the Success of the above Asiatic Plants in the West Indies, which has been equal to the most sanguine Expectations. I know but of two Plants, which have ever been transplanted from the West Indies to the East, the Pine Apple and Tobacco, and the Success of these likewise leads us to the same Conclusion.
It remains now only to observe as appears from this last Catalogue that the Riches of the British West India Colonies and present extent and prosperity of our West India Trade have arisen from Plants translated from the East to the West Indies. Sugar, Rum, Rice, Indigo, Ginger and Coffee are not the natural production of America but of Asia, and their translation from the one Country to the other has as much as any thing raised the British Commerce to its present Grandeur.
The articles of Trade which still remain to be transferred from the East to the West Indies are great both in Number and Value. Their translation may be difficult, but their Success would be certain and attended with the most beneficial consequences to the Commerce and Power of Britain.