CHAPTER XVI 



FRUIT-GROWING 



In a country where the fruits of the earth grow 

 in abundance it will naturally be expected that 

 good openings exist for fruit-farming, but an 

 examination of the circumstances connected with 

 the subject leaves the impression that there is 

 probably but a limited future for the industry 

 in the Province. 



The most luscious fruit of tropical species 

 comes from the tropical regions, and yet it is 

 certainly safe to say that neither at Inhambane 

 nor in any of the tropical districts of the Pro- 

 vince would fruit-growing pay at the present 

 moment, because there are no markets, except- 

 ing those of the small coast towns and passing 

 ships, which can be and are catered for by 

 natives. For the European market fruit must 

 be picked and packed with care ; with especial 

 care in hot and humid climates where the keep- 

 ing qualities of fruit are poor. Yet we find the 



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