Dutch
farmers ; for this product fetched the highest price relatively, and
any surplus was eagerly called for by ships that
touched at the Cape or by the
demand for the supply of East
Indian settlements. In 1685
the first export of grain was
shipped, and strenuous erTorts
were made to extend the area
of land in cultivation. A botanic garden had been one of
the early undertakings of the
company, to serve as a nursery
for European, East Indian, and
native plants, and under the
direction of Commander van der
Stel this nursery was made the
pride of the Cape as an exhibit
as well as a very serviceable
source of supply of seeds and
plants for the garden and farm lands. The growth of the olive
had been particularly urged, and it seemed at first to be likely
to flourish, but the success of the grove of van Riebeeck
was not attained by planters generally. There was a considerable
advance in vine planting and the production of wine, and in 1672 the
distillation of brandy was begun. It was hoped that the
