121 



XEjy WORK OX HAWAIIAN FRUIT. 



Fruits of tlic Hawaiian Islands, by Gcrrit Parmilc Wilder, in 

 three I'olnnies, Foluine I, Illustrated with thirty-si.v Half-Tofie 

 Plates, Honolulu, iQO/, Hazcaiian Gazette Co., Ltd. 



The iirst volume of Mr. (ierrit P. \\'il(ler's work on the fruits 

 of our islands, has recently l)een puhlishecl, and in its merits quite 

 fulfils the expectation with wiiich it was anticipated. It con- 

 sists of a series of half-tone re])rodncti()ns of Hawaiian fruit, 

 each of which is accompanied hy an interesting- description. 

 Botanical, historical and cultural notes are freely given and add 

 greatly to the value of the volume to the general reader, who 

 often is deterred from the enjoyment of books of a similar na- 

 ture from a multiplicity of technical terms. Here, however, 

 scientific nomenclature is not obtrusive and one unversed in 

 botanical lore, can find both recreation and enjoyment. 



Mr. Gerrit P. Wilder has long held a reputation for the work 

 upon which he is engaged of introducing and developing new 

 and better varieties of fruit. In the past he has achieved great 

 success in the grafting and budding of avocado pear and mango 

 trees. He is also actively engaged in evolving types of such 

 fruits as papaias and mangoes better suited to the peculiar re- 

 quirements necessitated by supplying a market two thousand 

 miles distant from the source of supply. This is a work requir- 

 ing some years for a satisfactory result, l)ut upon which encour- 

 agmg headway has been made. 



To many who have not investigated the subject, the wide diver- 

 sity of the fruit grown in the islands as shown in the first volume 

 of Mr. \\'ilder's book, is as astonishing as it is pleasing. The 

 species illustrated and described include such well known ones 

 as the avocado pear, the papaia, and the fig, and such rare speci- 

 mens as the durian, the sapodilla and the sapota. 'Ihose 

 who have been wont to associate the delicious Poha with every- 

 thing Hawaiian, will be a surprised to learn its Brazilian 

 origin, and its association with the prosaic "Cape Gooseberry." 

 So long a sojourn in our midst has given the Poha a familiar 

 air and allow^ed it to masquerade as a member of our native flora. 



The information regarding the fruit of the male and female 

 papaia trees will be interesting to many, and also that concerning 

 the durian, which possesses the unique distinction of conjoining 

 the most repulsive and nauseating odor with the most fascinating 

 and luscious flavor. This tree, a native of Java, is considered 

 by some authorities to produce by far the most delicious fruit 

 in the world. Its flavor is said to resemble a mixture of sherry, 

 cream, ripe pineapple and onion, and is so highly regarded that 

 travelers make journeys even from Europe to enjoy it. 



The student will find much in ]\Ir. Wilder's book to repay its 

 perusal. \\'e commend it to all who are interested in the study 

 of our island fruits and we look forward to the publication of 

 future volumes. 



