German Samoa consists of the islands of Upolu, Savaii, and the islets of Manono and A polima, and has a population of 436 whites. 33.478 natives, 938 half-castes, 1050 Chinese, and 1251 native labourers recruited from other islands. The whole area of the islands mentioned amounts to about 1000 square miles, of which probably 15 or 20 per cent, are arable lands capable of growing various crops suited to the tropical position and climate of the group.

All of the land lying along the seashore is suited for the growth of the cocoanut palm; in fact, it is often asserted that it thrives better in German Samoa than in any other known situation. The palms will grow even high up on the mountains, but as one proceeds with their culture on elevations or far inland from the sea their growth is not so vigorous, and the bearing is so retarded tliat fruiting often takes from 10 to 12 years, whereas at the seaside the trees are commercially profitable in their seventh year, as a rule.

Bananas and all tropical fruits thrive to perfection, and grow in such profusion that ripe bananas arc of little or no value as a sale product. Of course, the natives largely depend on this fruit as a staple article of food, but they usually consume it in a green state—just before it softens and gets sugary. When in the proper condition to suit the Samoun. It is either boiled or baked, and then the flesh, or meat, is firm and hard—very much like a chestnut in texture and also in taste. This is used a a sort of bread.

But bread in another form—the famous breadfruit of idyllic memories—grows in abundance, and affords the natives a nourishing and tasteful food for several months of the vear.