182 GUAVA AND COCOA. [1839. 



egg plum, and is the product of a rough tree like the oak. 

 Of the banana and plantain there are numerous varieties ; 

 they are sometimes preserved by cutting them in slices, and 

 exposing them to the heat of the sun, by which they are 

 dried, and at the same time covered with a rich saccharine 

 matter. 



A species of banana, called fei, or fayee, by the natives, is 

 found wild on the mountains and highlands. Unlike the other 

 varieties, which it resembles in shape, its spikes of fruit rise 

 up from the stalks instead of depending down. Internally, 

 the fruit is of a bright chrome yellow ; it has no seeds, and 

 is covered with a rind of a brilliant red tint. In taste it re- 

 sembles the parsnep. There are two kinds of the taro, one 

 of which is the denizen of wet, marshy places, and the other 

 of higher and dryer ground. The guava is wonderfully pro- 

 lific, and threatens eventually to overrun the islands, if se- 

 rious attempts are not made to exterminate it, or confine it 

 in proper limits. It here attains the height of from six to 

 twelve feet; its fruit is like that of the quince bush in 

 shape and size, pulpy and rich in flavor like the strawberry, 

 of a deep crimson color in the interior, and covered with a 

 yellow skin shaded with a tinge of carmine. So abundant is 

 this fruit, that the swine are allowed to go at large, in order 

 that they may feed upon it. 



The natives pluck the cocoa when it is still quite green, 

 and do not wait for 



'Th' imbrowning of the fruit, that tells 

 How rich within the soul of sweetness dwells." 



When in this unripe state, the kernel is pulpy and the shell 

 soft ; it can then be eaten with a spoon, and, if a little 

 Madeira wine and lime juice be added, it is really excellent. 

 At this time the nut contains from a pint to a quart of a 

 slightly acidulous, but fine beverage. The mode of obtain- 

 ing the cocoas is peculiar. A boy with a long line in his 

 hand, and his feet fettered by a short rope so that they are 

 from ten to twelve inches apart, ascends the tree by pressing 

 his feet against the shaggy trunk, and clasping it with his 



