Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-02-06


Trees would probably grow If planted and
cultivated were II not for the eternal gales
There are none upon any of the islands il we
except a kind Of box. two or three feet high
10 be found in sorce localities and the one
nuch-bOasted apple tree which il struggling
for existence in Stanley. There is n species OF
woody rag weei. which often grows as high a.
a mans shoclier. and Is said to assist the
chilly winds IN producing the bronchial and
catarrhal troubles with which most Falklanders
are afflicted The Only grounds worth irving
TO cultivate are found along the margin Of the
sea. IN certain plains that are partially shell
tered by hills. but nowhere can grain be fully
ripened or vegetables brought to any degree
OF perfection During November and Decem
Der great variety OF wild flowers literally
carpet the 81 ound and EcAens are everywhere.
THE CURIOUS TUsSocK GRASS.
Afew years ago the whole Archipelago was
covered with a ''tussock" grass-a most cur;ous
vegetable. production which. from little dis
tarce looks Ike afOrest of miniature palms. Its
gigantic. sedgy grass. which crows in dense
TUFTS. often tao or three hundred roots sprinc,
Ing from the same tG:E. with stalks SIX or seven
feet long and blades even longer. Cattle and
horses are extremely fond o: it. and il fatter
inS qualities for all sorts of stock are very
great IL ho1rIshes in any situation IN winter
as well Is IN summer. and NAV be cut three
times a year. being improved by each cutting
Not Only are the leaves and stems most excel
lent fodder. but the stOol-like root crowns have
sweet nutty flavor, irresistible to all omni-
yOrOus and herblyorOuS creatures liz thrives
best on shores exposed to the oceans s,;rav
and great pity 10 Is that in a few wears more
not root OF II will be left anywhere on the
islands
No wonder IL IS being rapidly exterminated
considering the enormous number of animals
That here lind pastITage. The few cattle and
Pigs mat we're brought from time to time by
the early cOlOn:sts have zone ON ircressiro.
whether or not the islands were occupied by
tle human species, Until now they are count
less There are also at least 100 900 Wild horses
sprung from stock originally imDJr,ed Yet
sheep raising Is the main industry OF the archi-
tsHso, u having proved more profitable than
the rearing o; cattle; and though lnauy OF the
districts are 200 swamPy for sheep there are
said To be not less than 800 900 q. then, ON the
Islands They are al VI European breeds and
the Cheviot variety Is the favo1ite. one fleece
averaging twelve pounds under favorable CON-
dIt.ons- There are no wild animals 10 ill the
sheep, and the complete absence OF burr or anv
substance IN uriOus to the fleece is of course
an advantage. while the many suriuys and
small fresh water lakes are Of great Importance
10 the sheep and cattle breeders. A few wears
ago the Falkland Island Company aiopted :,
process of boiling down whole carcass.s into
tallow ana the successful result has added an
other profitable industry.
THE BALsAM BOG.
Before leaving the subject Of indigenous
growths | want TO tel you about the ..balsam
bog" q vegetable wonder which have never
heard Of in any other part OF the world. An
preaching the low grounds in many of the
Islands You think they are scattered all over
with huge gray boSlIers from i've to ten feet
across TO heighten the illusion the blocks are
covered with hehens anil grass is seen growing
in their crevices. where. dust has collected pre.
cisely as 1t would in riffs of rock Each bowl
dsr-hAe mass Is single unbeIliferous plant