THE Geographical position of this hitherto ne glected country, being in the vicinity of some of the richest provinces of Spanish America, at nearly an equal distance between the southern part of the United States on the one hand, and the new Republic of Columbia on the other, being also within a convenient distance of the West India Islands, and close to the British Territory in Yucatan; together with the immense variety of exceedingly valuable commercial commodities, which are the natural productions of the soil, present of themselves, even independent of the operations of the planter or cultivator, a rich field for successful commercial industry.

It is well known, that although the Spanish provinces alluded to, are abundantly supplied with the precious metals, and with other commodities almost of equal value, (such as indigo, cochineal, &c.) they are in want of almost every article of British manufacture; and although the recent political changes which have taken place in Guatemala and Mexico, may, if completed, lead to a more liberal commercial policy, in so far as relates to the U u

introduction of European goods, it is not probable that the ancient duties, and restrictive regulations, will be so completely withdrawn, as to admit, by the Gulf of Mexico or Spanish ports in the Bay of Honduras, a supply of European goods, nearly sufficient for the demand, in the interior provinces of Mexico, and in the rich kingdom of Guatemala.

It therefore is evidently through the Territory of Poyais, possessing a south-western boundary, which reaches to within a short distance of the Pacific ocean, with rivers navigable a considerable way into the interior, and also trading paths, leading into the centre of the neighbouring provinces, that not only the latter kingdom, but also the south-eastern provinces of the Mexican empire, must be supplied with the merchandize of Europe; more particularly, whenever the navigation of the Gulf of Mexico shall be interrupted by hostilities between the Uniited States and Spain, or any other power; an event which even at present is perhaps not far distant.

The advantages of this trade, even in its present state, are well known, and appreciated in the West Indies; and it has been computed, that even in the uncivilized state of the country, and independent of the native consumption, manufactured goods to the value of upwards of fifty thousand pounds pass annually into the Spanish American provinces, through this territory alone, yielding under every disadvantageous contingency, a very large profit to

the adventurers; and there is no doubt, that this trade, protected by a wise and liberal policy on the part of the Government of Poyais, may be carried to an extent, much beyond any calculation which can at present be formed, and that it will amply remunerate those who may become interested.

Notwithstanding, however, the great value of this trade, and the great length to which it may ultimately be carried, it can only be considered in a secondary point of view, when put in present competition with the immense gain which may immediately be derived, from the numerous and valuable commercial commodities which are the natural production of the territory itself, and which, independent of the labour of the planter or agriculturist, present an inexhaustible source of prosperity, to the intelligent and industrious European, aided as he will readily be, by the labour of a faithful, docile, and peaceable native population.

For immediate exportation to Europe and the States, and in return for the capital which may be employed, or for the European goods which may be imported for the native trade, or the supply of the settlers, the country abounds in mahogany of the finest description, and of every size; and as the good qualities of this useful, durable and beautiful timber, are every where becoming better known and appreciated, the consumption both in Europe

and in the States, is rapidly increasing, not only for the purposes to which it has hitherto usually been applied, but also for ship-building; and however the heavy duty in Britain may, if not removed or modified, affect the sale of the low qualities, ma~! hogany will always form a leading article of export to Great Britain, as well as to the United States and continental Europe.

Dyewoods, such as logwood, fustic, Nicaragua wood, yellow sanders, &c. will likewise form not the least valuable part of a general cargo; there are besides, a great quantity of other exceedingly useful and beautiful woods; such as cedar, Santa Maria, rosewood, zebrawood, lancewood, somewood, and many others; which, as their inestimable qualities (some of them have already been mentioned), become more generally known, will be everywhere eagerly demanded.

The medicinal gums and drugs, which are so plentifully dispersed throughout the country, and which can be collected in great quantity at a very small expence, will also form no inconsiderable part of the exports; amongst these are, the balsam capivi, dragons blood, gum copal, gum ani-.. me, caoutchouc, or gum elastic, and many others: Sarsaparilla, the consumption of which as a medicine, is rapidly increasing over all Europe, may also be procured in great quantity; and even so long ago as the year 1769, above two hundred thousand

pounds of this valuable drug, was in that year exported * principally to England, and there is no doubt that double, or perhaps triple that quantity, might now be annually collected. Many medicinal barks and woods may also be found in this country, and would liberally repay the researches of a good medical botanist.

Vegetable oils will likewise, in a very short time, become a considerable part of the exports from this territory; castor oil, palm oil, and many others, could be prepared in great quantity; and the experience derived from the success of former settlers, or adventurers, who made considerable fortunes by the preparation of this commodity, proves that it is one which well deserves attention.

Amongst other articles, a quantity of beautiful skins and furs, will be procurable by barter or purchase, from the natives and the surrounding tribes, such as leopard, tiger, antelope, and other skins, besides small peltry. Cow, ox and horse hides, will also ultimately be obtained in sufficient quantity to become worth shipping.

The great variety of timber with which the forests abound, affords abundant materials for the manufacturer of pot and pearl ashes; and the immense ridges of pitch pine, which in endless tracts are interspersed all over the country, supply an inexhaustible fund of tar, pitch, turpentine rosin,

Bryan Edwards' History of the West Indies, 5th Edition,