217 



fungi is also clearly shown ; and the only point not proved is, whether 

 " Termites" do at any time, and in any case attack sound Timber ; for 

 in all the instances coming under observation here, the mycelium of 

 a fungus can be readily traced, in all parts of the tissue of the 

 specimens attacked. 



207. -PERSE A GRATISSIMA.-Gcert. 



" Avocado Pear," " Alligator Pear," Midshipman's Butter," 

 " Zabaca," " Ahuacata." « 



This tree is a native of the West Indies and of Tropical America 

 from Mexico to Peru and Brazil (Grisebach), it is commonly culti- 

 vated throughout the West Indian Islands where the fruit is much 

 esteemed as a salad, and considered as an absolute necessity when 

 in season by man}' persons. 



The fruit is pear shaped and contains a single large seed sur- 

 rounded by a mass of firm greenish cream coloured pulp, the flavour, 

 though not very pronounced, is somewhat buttery ; the pulp dissolves 



in the mouth and is delightfully cooling and refreshing, in fact, in its 

 cooling effect on the palate resides its great charm. Like many 

 other West Indian fruits, this should be gathered when in the condi- 

 tion known to old residents, and natives as " full," that is, as soon 

 as they have reached their maximum size, and then allowed to ripen 

 in some cool place. 



If gathered as soon as " full," they take from a week to a fort- 

 night to ripen, so that with careful packing and selection, there should 

 be no difficulty in sending it to the English market in first class 

 condition. 



The fruits vary considerably in size, but ordinarily they weigh from 

 ^ of a lb. to 1^ lbs. and may even weigh as much as 2 lbs. Among 

 Avocado Pears as among other fruits there are both bad and good kinds, 

 but the quality of a pear is to be judged exactly like that of a potato, 

 when soft and watery, it is of poor quality, and when firm and mealy 

 and with a fine buttery flavour, it is of the highest standard. 



There are many varieties, all of which are raised from seed, dis- 

 tinguishable either by their shape or the colour of their skin when 

 ripe ; those resembling in contour the ordinary club-shaped soda water 

 bottle, and those the skin of which turns black or purple when ripe 

 are generally found to be the best. 



* Mexican name pronounced ah-wah-kah-tah. — (J.H.H. ) 



