> Hello Listbuds, Just in during the wee hours from the Grenadines & Grenada ...... yes, I have nutmegs... and nutmeg syrup, nutmeg jams & jelly, nutmeg liquer, nutmeg essential oil, numeg ointments, etc., but no luggage. oh well. At least I left the airplanes with the aroma of St. George's Market Place. So Richard, why are you going to the US State Department? Like why would they know anything about Grenada in the 1700's when they didn't know the difference between the hospital and the rebels headquarters in 1983? In fact they didn't have a map of Grenada and had to rely on some of the American yachties -turn-island owners for landmarks (in particular, John Caldwell). I think the French should be taken into account in the movement of plants during this time as well; I'm sure you are aware of some of St. Vincent's prizes were accounted for via capture of French ships. I also think Banks was a remarkable person - and the fact that he could offer these prizes and adventures during times of great stress between England and France is nothing short of mindblowing. But I think your digging for Banks' connection with the nutmeg should be directeed towards KEW as they will have the answer and not the US State Dept. or any US governmental department. perhaps if you focused (with KEW) on what prizes were offered on various plants and who won the awards (and then we could get not only a satisfying nutmeg answer, but a grand list of people, islands and plants). i saw the Groome book and no listing of Banks but didn't expect to as it would have most likely listed some planter that actually won the prize. George Brizan's 2 books on nutmegs did acknowledge Frank Gurney. (I can give you that title when my luggage arrives if you want it - it's a Part 1, part 2 deal). Also, in 1782 Grenada was under French rule. The island was originally a coffee island, not sugar. And anyway, that's my last two cents on the matter, yet I hope you will share your findings with the List. I gotta garden knee-deep in weeds to attend to ....... Codfish, where ya been so long, man?!?! Thought you'd headed out on some deep sea fishin trawler looking for mermaids and sea monsters. Finally got ya snagged back into the List ... and whoa! along comes Jim Lynch up the line with ya. Glad to have you both back ... is it just by chance that it's hurricane season? Cheryl and Nevilla, once my luggage arrives I have a wee bagatelle written on a piece of paper for both of you - short, but powerful ting. Something in there for you too, Jim Cropper and Marcos. Jan B - only Campbells I'm chasing these days are Alexander and James from Grenada (and London & Edinburgh). But, well.... always listening. Oh yeah Cheryl, before I forget - Adams were from Wales and Hazells from Saba (dat de word from La Pompe). So news from the islands - rain, rain, rain on Grenada and a bit of a shower in the Grenadines (Carriacou to Bequia)... but just a bit. Cricket match held in St. Vincent but a sad day for the West Indies team (good crowd though and declared a public holiday). Transportation between islands gets worse but who really cares, you eventually get there (unless its a public holiday). Both Grenada and SVG are gearing up for Carnival! Big music shows and parties. Cheryl, de new Miss SVG is from Union Level, Bequia. Great time to be down there as tourists are at a low level, cruise ships other than windjammers - don't exist. AND expect a new book on Grenada history in August with UWI Press by Beverley Steele. Oh and if any of you know Grenada.... the new feather in my cap is I climbed Mt. Qua Qua after it rained for 6 hours the night before - and SURVIVED to tell the tale (though we had to bribe a monkey out of the car afterwards). Bagatelles to follow (when/if luggage arrives), best wishes all, Cindy the whale woman/bag lady And a double P.S. remember that list of Grenadian historians I listed as "would love to hold an audience with" ..... met 2! >