25 



Returning to the signpost, the lower Garden path should 

 now be followed. During its entire distance it follows the 

 windings of the base of the Morne. It passes through a good 

 deal of cacao cultivation, but no reference is made in this 

 section of these notes to the various economic cultivations in 

 the Garden. Only the interesting plants which border either 

 side of the route will be noticed. For information respecting 

 the various cultivations, the visitor is referred to page 45 

 where explanatory notes are given on the various economic 

 plants under cultivation. 



Observe on the corner near the signpost a large specimen 

 of Yucca aloifolia, a very handsome plant when in flower 

 also various Bromeliads growing at the base of this plant, 

 including : Aechmea fulgens; Bromelia pinguin ; and 

 Pitcairnia coccinea. 



On proceeding along the lower Garden path for a short 

 distance, it may be observed that the slopes of the hill are 

 planted with Guinea grass, Panicum maximum, probably the 

 best fodder grass of the tropics. On the lower slopes, inter- 

 mixed with the Guinea grass, are three members of the 

 Anonaceae, namely, Custard-apple, Anona reticulata, Sugar- 

 apple, A. squamosa and Sour-sop, A. muricata ; also tne 

 Surinam Cherry, Eugenia Micheli ; Hog-plum, Spondias 

 lutea ; and a small collection of various Guavas, Psidium sp. 



Planted on the upper slopes is the Roble tree of Trinidad, 

 Platymiscium platystachyum, a handsome flowering tree. 

 Also the following native trees : 



Pain D'Epices, Lucuma midtiflora, one of the largest trees 

 of the forest. The wood is used for mill work, rollers, etc. 

 The yellow fruit, which is edible, possesses a spicy flavour 

 hence its name. In former days the fruit was collected in the 

 forest and brought to market for sale. 



Bouis, Chrysophyllum glabrum, a large tree which yields 

 a durable wood, and bears edible fruits of a dark purple 

 colour. These are known locally by the name of Star plum. 



Bois Diable, Licania hypoleuca, the wood of which is 

 very hard but does not last under moist conditions. It is 

 much used for fire-wood and for making charcoal. 



