116 



A new light, however, has been put on this statement that the so- 

 called Coco-nut butter is a product alone of Germany, by a letter com- 

 municated to the Journal of the Society of Arts in the early part of 

 August, from an English firm having their works at Silvertown, in 

 which it is stated that the product was originally invented and manu- 

 factured in this country, and this, indeed, at Silvertown, and so large 

 has the trade now become, that a second factory by the same firm has 

 been established at Liverpool. It is pointed out that in this particular 

 industry our continental rivals have failed to secure the lead, and that 

 the output of the two English factories is believed to be greater than 

 that of all other makers put together. 



Coco-nut butter in English trade is known as " Nucoline," while 

 Coco-nut suet is called " Vejsu." The first appears in store lists, and is 

 quoted at a price lower than cooking butter, for which it is said to be 

 preferable. It is remarkable that this product is reported to have be- 

 come much in demand amongst vegetarians, Jews, Mahoramedans,who 

 prefer vegetable to animal fats, either on account of their guaranteed 

 purity, economy, or by reason of their religious faith. 



There is one thing certain, that if the fresh oil is always used and 

 not expressed from very stale Copra, a wholesome oil is thus guaran- 

 teed, and moreover, considering the enormous quantities of Coco-nuts 

 that are always arriving, both for the sake of the oil as well as for the 

 fibrous husk or coir, there is no fear of a failure in the supply of ma- 

 terial. The Gardeners' Chronicle. 



VARIETIES OF GRAPE VINES FOR TRIAL 



IN JAMAICA. 



Mr. T. V. Munson read an interesting and useful paper on the selec- 

 tion and hybridising of grapes at the International ( onference at ^ ew 

 York last October (See Bulletin, March, page 66). In response to a re- 

 quest from the Director, he has very kindly sent several varieties of 

 Vines, see '* Additions and Contributions," page 120. In the letter be- 

 low he states that the highest price given for grapes is during winter. 



From T. V. Munson ^ Sons, Denison, Texas, to Director of Public 



Gardens and Plantations. 



February 23rd, 1903. 



"W e take much pleasure in sending you by express, a collection of 

 grapes we deem best for trial, in Jamaica, both European and American 

 varieties, including several of our own production. 



In exchange for these, in addition to herbarium specimens sent a few 

 years ago, I shall thank you heartily for two or three ounces of ripe seed 

 of the Vitis carihaea, native of Jamaica, of the next fruitage that 

 ripens. 



Fine grapes sell at the highest price in our large cities during winter. 

 Then the Malaga grapes from Spain packed in cork-dust, are in all our 

 city markets, and sell at 20 to 30 and 40 cts. a pound. The demand 

 would continue up to June. 



We send rooted vines, as we have no cuttings at this season that 

 would probably root well. Our vines are entirely exempt from Phyl- 

 loxera, and other serious maladies. 



