A SPRING VISIT TO NASSAU. 



779 



are usually sold for a few cents, often being placed in small 

 lots upon the ground or sidewalk. Any one wishing to buy a bushel 

 of them, or, in fact, any other fruit, must visit half a dozen places in 

 order to secure the quantity desired. Unripe cocoanuts are highly 

 in favor. After the fluid with which the nut is filled has been 

 drunk, the albumin or jellylike substance is eaten with a spoon. 

 Hence the term " jelly cocoanut." These can not be procured from 

 the tall trees, as the method of gathering the ripe fruit would break 

 those that are unripe. Boys climb the tall, straight trunks and 



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. 



A Street in Nassau. 



throw down the ripe fruit, which does not crack, or it is sometimes 

 allowed to remain until it drops of itself. It is usual to pay the boys 

 by giving them two out of every dozen. Sweet potatoes and yams 

 are used extensively for food, and both are said to contain more 

 nutriment than the common potato. The sugar cane, from eight to 

 ten feet in length, is often seen in the market. A native referring 

 to it will say that he has had a " long breakfast." Bananas, plan- 

 tains, and oranges are among the most abundant fruits. The banana 



