The herald., 1894-10-14
RICH AND OD0R0US CROP
THE PROPOSAL TO CULTIVATE
THE VANILLA.
An Old Time Planter Talks Rsgardin &
the Possibilities of Developing
Such q Trade In tho Ha.
waiian Islands.

mO6pneT6 ~ HONOLULU lb SILL IatuSf
murky, there are business men who
not only have confidence in the sustain
ing power Of the present government.
but are willing to invest their money in
developing the resources OF the Ha-
wsiisn group.
1t is true that in a generality OF cases
such an intention is based on the as
sumption that in the not remote future
the islands will be annexed to the
United States.
Edmund F. Higginson, who has lived
for many years in Mexico as we'll as the
Canary islands. yesterday spoke regard
ing the possibilities of the island trade.
1t hae long been known tina: the coffee
grown on the islands is OF most excel
lent quality. but while land can be OBJ
tanned on such very favorable terms in
Guatemala aud other ports OF Central
America, outside capital can scarcely be
expected to invest In the islands largely
in this direction. With other products.
however, the same objections do not
hold coed.
Mr.. Higginson considers that the cul-
turs OF the vanilla in the Hawaiisn
group could be made very profitable.
After a trip east on business he intends
upon his return to this coaat to make ar.
rsngsments for putting his opinion to
the test. and casting in his lot with
others Of his countrymen who have mede
their home in the paradise OF the Pacific.
"Most Of the vanilla of commerce."
said he. sis supplied from Vera Cruz
and Tampico. small amount alec being
obtained from Tenerife, one OF the
islands OF the Canary group lying in the
Western Atlantic. In early times there
was mystery enehrouding this most
useful aromatic. Cortez found it in use
in Mexico for aavorng condiments, and
his followers learned to utilize it. The
delicate paletes OF the old world sane.
toned its uee and ever since it haa been
in favor. For long years the jealouty
OF the Spaniards prevented the ldentif
cation OF the plant supplying the valu-
able bean, but it is now fully under
stood that the few species of vanilla arc
all climbing orchids. As they never
touch the earth their substance and
fragrance is oil won from the cir and
slender stems as they run along the
branches throw out tendrils, thus OBJ.
tanning frmness and nourishment."
would be the preparation OF the crop
for market. My dependence, in that re-.
spect would bs on the large number OF
Portuguese who are aettled in the Is.
lands. Most OF them ere natives OF
the Azores or the Canary islands, and
probably some are more or less ac-
quainted with the vanilla culture and
treatment as followed in their old island
homes. Tho fruit. or pod, ia three.
cornsred. feshy and plump and con-
taine mum Der OF minute seeds, imbeded
in sweet odored pulp. The drying Of
these pods ia quite tedious process.
They are exposed to heat, sometimes en-.
veloped carefully in woolen cloths, and
at other times uncovered. aud at inter.
walls they are oiled. While this sounds
simple enough, the operations have to
be carefully carried out, and to do this
the native Hawaiians. by reason of their
lazy. good-Datursd manners, cannot be
relied upon"
Mr.. Higginson quoted from the report
OF the largest importers Of vanilla al
Philadelphia. In which it iE stated tha.
tho Mexican crop of cut venilla beans
this year will not exceed 5000 pounds,
which is less than rs per cent of last
years crop. 1t was also stated that the
curers are being compelled to pay the
growers from 20 to 80 per cent mere than
was paid last year for all qualities. At
times the demand has been 80 great
that the pricss of the beans have besn
enormous and, as one consequence. SUBJ
stitutes have been provided. Melilot
vernal grass and the Tonqun bean have
an odor somewhat resembling the
vanilla, and at times have been used in
it's stead. In the chemical laboratory,
too, vaniline has been obtained from
the sap of the pine tree. as well rs from
other substances, but go far no substi-
tute, cheap or otherwise. has been found
to displace the true vanilla from Its
place in general favor.