ST. AUGUSTIN TO BAHAMA ISLANDS 307 



the most part wilted, if not refreshed now and then by 

 a dew at night. 



Of the trees, either originally indigenous or trans- 

 planted, the following are to be set down, in addition 

 to those already mentioned, as remarkable or useful. 



The Papaw or Melon-tree, Carica Papaya L. 

 (Trew : Ehret, Tab. VII), is planted for its fruit in 

 gardens and about plantations, the fruit, cooked be- 

 fore it is full ripe, making a not unpleasant dish. It is 

 believed here that if it is put with hard, tough meat, 

 the same grows softer and more digestible. The little 

 seeds have a sharp, aromatick taste. The trees are not 

 very tall, sparsely leaved, and of a white, spongy 

 wood. 



The Guavas, Psidium pyriferum L. (Guiava, Trew: 

 Ehret. t. 43), and Psidium pomifenim L., are also 

 transplantations ; they are indigenous to Hispaniola. 

 From their fruit confitures are made, as also from 

 that of the Mammee, Mammea americana L. 



The Avogado-tree Lauriis Persea L. On a deserted 

 plantation behind the town there are a few of these 

 trees, large and handsome. The pear-shaped fruit, 

 which ripens in September, is excellent of taste. 



The Banana-tree, Musa paradisiaca L., is grown 

 abundantly in all gardens. 



The common fig tree, Ficus Carica L. } bears three 

 times a year, heavily, and good fruit, and deserves to 

 be more raised, for the fruit of the indigenous fig, 

 Ficus benghalensis L., is small, dry, and uneatable. 

 The pomegranate also yields well-tasting fruit. 

 Among the transplantions belong also, the Paternoster 

 tree, Melia Azedarach L.; the soap-tree, Sapindus Sa- 

 ponaria L.; Nerium Oleander, and Magnolia grandi- 



