‘observes, that the trees are almost always in flower ; that fruit is 
most abundant in April, May, and June; and that the seed 
vegetates at the expiration of six weeks from the period of its 
being put into the ground. 
In the East Indies, as I have already observed, the trees are 
almost always loaded with flowers and fruits. In the Moluccas, 
the gathering of the fruit takes place at three periods of the year; 
in July and August, when the Nutmegs are most abundant, but the 
Maée is thinner than in the smaller fruits, which are gathered 
during November, the second time of collecting: the third har- 
vest takes place in the month of March, or beginning of April, 
when the Nuts, as well as the Mace, are in the greatest perfection, 
their number being then not so great, and the season being dry. 
The outer pulpy coat is removed, and, afterwards, the Mace, with 
a knife. The Nuts are placed over a slow fire, when the shell 
becomes very brittle, and the Seeds, or Nutmeg, drop out: these 
are then soaked in sea-water, and impregnated with lime, a pro- 
cess, which answers the double purpose of securing the seeds from 
the attack of insects, and of destroying their vegetating property. 
{t further ee the volatilization of the aroma. The Mace 
is simply dried in the sun, and then sprinkled with salt water, 
after which it is fit for exportation. 
_ The uses, both of the Mace and Nutmeg are well known, 
whether in a medicinal or economical point of view. The whole 
fruit, preserved in sugar, is brought to table with the dessert, but 
not till after the acrid principle has been, in a great measure, 
removed, by repeated washings. 
_An essential oil is obtained from the Nutmeg and the Mace, by 
distillation, and a less volatile one by expression. 
For most of the drawings here given, made in the West Indies, 
from the living plants, and for many valuable notes, I am indebted 
to the Rev. L. Guiipine. For some healthy young plants, 
which are flourishing in the Glasgow Botanic Garden, I have to 
ecomomy my obligation to his Excellency Sir Ratpn Woop- 
——<—— 
——— 
Tas. 2756. A. Fig. 1. A branch from a Male plant of Myristica offci- 
nalis, natural size. 2. Male Flower cut open to iow the Column of asin 
3 Anther (copied from Roxsurén). 4. Female Flower cut open to shew 
the Pistil. ; 
_ Tan. 2757 . B. Fig. 1. Young Fruit. 2. Ripe Fruit in the act of burst- 
ing. 3. Section of a fully-formed Fruit, shewing the Nut included in the 
Mace, natural size. 4. The Mace from which the Nut has been removed. 
5. The Nut. 6. The Seed, or Nutmeg. 7. Nut cut through vertically, 
shewing the Albumen, and the Embryo imbedded in the base of it, 8 and 9. 
The Embryo.—Only 8 and 9 magnified. 
‘oo 
