ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on Melanesian land-use systems and in particular on the southwestern Pacific island of New Caledonia, where the historical contrast and conflict that developed in many parts of the tropics between indigenous and colonial systems can be demonstrated with great clarity. The precolonial landscape of most of New Caledonia consisted of villages and gardens interspersed in savanna woodlands and grasslands, riverine forests, and stands of deciduous and evergreen forest. Discovered by James Cook in 1774, New Caledonia became a French colony in 1853. From 1840 onwards a few traders and missionaries established posts along its shores, but effective European settlement, both penal and free, followed the hoisting of the tricolor flag over the island. The Australian model played a decisive role in the establishment of the New Caledonian cattle industry. The techniques and vocabulary of the industry came from Australia and even today they remain basically Australian.
