940. Norfolk Island. This island was formerly covered with orange trees; but the commandant in 1827, Colonel Morrison, believing that the fruit furnished means of sustenance to the runaway convicts, caused them to be destroyed, and with a very few exceptions, which have since perished, they were all removed; and although every means has been taken to re-establish them, it has been without success; and in 1844 there was but one tree on the island, and that was in an unhealthy state. There is no fear of the pines (Araucaria excelsa) being exhausted. The island is very nearly covered with them, their outline having at a distance the appearance of cathedral ruins, &c., according as the light and shade may fall upon them. (Sir Everard Home, in the Bot. Mag., for 1847, p. 29.)
