214 



FRUITS. 



Mexico lias many peculiar and interesting fruits. AVith its extremely 

 varied climate, almost any kind of fruit can be grown. Only those are 

 here described which came under my observation while making a hasty 

 journey through the country. 



Many fruits common in our own markets are also abundant there, 

 such as apples, peaches, pears, bananas, etc. Apples and peaches are 

 seen in all the markets, but I saw only a few orchards. These were in 

 Indian villages on the top of the Sierra Madre at an altitude of 6,800 

 feet. Prom here the fruit is carried down the mountain side on backs 

 of donkeys and taken 100 to 200 miles to market. A rude crate is 

 commonly used. This has four nearly equal sides made of small sticks, 

 which are tied together at the corners with agave fiber. The top and 

 bottom are usually made of a layer of leafy twigs (often willow) drawn 

 through the lowest and uppermost openings. 



Bananas are very common. Quite a number of varieties were seen. 

 More kinds are met with there than will be seen in our own markets. 

 Bananas grow not only along the coast, but in the hot barrancas of the 

 interior. 



Oranges and lemons are found everywhere. At Guaymas there are 

 some large orange orchards, which of course are irrigated. 1 was 

 astonished at the abundance of limes which are grown throughout the 

 tropical regions. This fruit deserves a greater popularity in the United 

 States than it now has. 



I saw pineapples for sale at Guaymas which had been shipped 

 thither from Manzanillo. It is said to be a very profitable crop to 

 grow. 



Blackberries are used, but how extensively I did not learn. The 

 wild species seen on the top of Sierra Madre ripens its fruit in August. 

 Apricots are cultivated in Sonora and were for sale at several of the 

 railroad stations. Figs are grown in the gardens at Guaymas. 



Cocoanut and date palms are common in many gardens, and the nut 

 of a wild species is brought into the towns in great quantities. 



The melon zapote or papaya (Carira papaya L.) is a great favorite 

 and is grown in plazas and yards. I found the mango in all the mar- 

 kets. The fruit, which is about 7 to 7.5 cm. (3 inches) long, is always 

 eaten raw. Trees were seen growing up to an altitude of 750 meters 

 (2,500 feet). 



PALMACEAE. 



Acrocomia sclerocarpa Mart. Cocojul. 



In the markets at Mazatlan, Bosario, and Acaponeta great quanti- 

 ties of a small palm nut are sold. This nut is about the size of a 

 small black walnut. I was told that the outer pulp is first eaten and 

 afterwards the seeds. The nuts are often brought from a long distance. 

 The trees grow only in the foothills and lower mountains. 



