208 



here the quahty of this variety that the Cahfornian enjoys. This 

 ought not to be so. What is pronounced by the majority of people 

 as our best banana, the apple variety, is little known. It is small 

 but has a very pleasant and decided flavor. Though it grows 

 very easily, it is seldom found in the market. 



In passing I would like to draw a comparison between Hawaii 

 ^nd the Island of Jamaica. One has but to read the history of 

 Jamaica to see that, if it were not for the banana industry, that 

 island would have practically no exports. Through the efforts 

 of one man, this island '""as become foremost in the line of banana 

 exportation. 



One of our finest fruits and yet one that is hardly known is 

 the wi. It grows easily, though a little difficult to start, it being 

 necessary to crack the hard shell of the seed before planting. 

 The fruit falls easily from the tree in a wind, even before matur- 

 ing, so that it needs a breakwind. But when started and pro- 

 tected will yield as great a quantity of fruit as the mango does. 



There is nothing more pleasing to my taste than half of a good, 

 iced grapefruit, well sprinkled with sugar and served as an ap- 

 petizer before dinner. It is well known by those who have had 

 the opportunity of eating them that the Hawaiian grapefruit far 

 excels any of the varieties imported. Our grapefruit is about the 

 size of that grown in California, but is much more juicy and finer 

 in flavor, and is almost never seen in the markets. 



One very well known fruit is the lime. Enough has been 

 done with this in the line of growing and importing from the 

 other islands to supply the local market. This fruit is of good 

 quality though small. 



The lemon, which can be grown well in these islands, is not 

 often seen. • . 



As yet we have not been able to compete with California in the 

 line of raising grapes. It is 'well known that one or two varie- 

 ties do splendidly here, but unfortunately those who grow them 

 pick them green and that naturally makes them sour. But when 

 these grapes are allowed to fully mature, they turn out to be de- 

 licious, equal to those raised in the States. The Federal Gov- 

 ernment, seeing the possibilities of this industry, has decided to 

 experiment with about 250 varieties to determine the ones best 

 adapted to the Hawaiian conditions and climate. 



Perhaps of all the fruits, the fig is the most easily obtained. 



