I.—On the Production of Vanilla in Europe

1 HE natural history of Vanilla cannot have too many facts brought in aid of its illustration, because it is to be remarked that all the relations of travellers with regard to this plant serve rather to perplex than to throw light upon the subject.Having been fortunate enough to obtain two years since, and at two different times, an abundant crop of this interesting fruit, I believe I may assert that henceforth we may produce in Europe vanilla of as good a quality (if not better) as that which is exported from Mexico.This result is owing to the progress that vegetable physiology has made during these last few years, for, without an exact knowledge of the organs and of their functions, the fruit of this plant could never have been obtained ; on this account this new culture deserves particular attention.