RUTACE^ 483 



method the lemons are cut by hand into two pieces, and the 

 pulp removed; the rinds are then thoroughly soaked in water, 

 and after standing for several hours, passed on to the spongers. 

 The apparatus of the sponger consists of a round stick about 

 I inch in diameter, placed across the top of an earthenware 

 bowl about 8 inches tall and the same in diameter, and 

 three sponges. A flat sponge is hung across the stick, upon 

 this another thicker sponge, and finally a third above this. 

 The third or upper sponge is cup-shaped; into this depres- 

 sion, the lemon rind is inserted. By main strength the 

 operator presses upon the sponge, repeating this pressure, 

 after turning the rind over several times. Only i pound of 

 oil is secured from 1,600 to 2,200 lemon halves. The three- 

 piece method differs but shghtly from the preceding. 



CITRUS AURANTIFOLIA (Lime) 



Description.— This is a small stragghng tree or shrub, with 

 numerous, small, very sharp thorns; the small leaves are 

 elliptic-oval, crenate, glossy-green, and its petioles are nar- 

 rowly, but distinctly, winged; the flowers are small, and 

 usually produced in clusters of 3 to 10; the petals are white 

 both above and below; the stamens range from 20 to 25; 

 the ovary commonly has about 10 locules; the fruit is small' 

 from i}i to 2i^ inches in diameter, oblong, or rounded- 

 oblong in outline, light yellow when ripe, its skin thin, the 

 pulp abundant, greenish and very acid, and the juice sacks 

 small, oval, and pointed. 



Geographical.— The lime is a native of India and southeastern Asia. It is 

 cultivated in many tropical countries, and to some extent in Florida and the 

 Keys. The fruit is used in the making of "limeade." 



"Limequat."— The "Hmequat" is a hybrid between a 

 kumquat and the Mexican lime. 



