FRUITS 261 



only botanically but in methods of growth and culti- 

 vation, and it is subject to the same diseases and insect 

 pests. All that has been said on these heads under 

 oranges will, therefore, apply equally to this fruit. 

 The tree is a rather stronger grower than the orange 

 and tends to come into productive bearing a little 

 younger. The fruit, too, is less delicate and bears 

 handling and shipping better. It will hang on the 

 tree after ripening and keep in good condition 

 for marketing much longer than the orange. It is 

 only recently that it has been extensively introduced 

 in the markets, audits use is still somewhat limited; 

 but the demand is rapidly growing and it bids fair 

 to soon rival the orange in commercial importance. 

 Not much can be said as to varieties at the present 

 time. Marsh seedless is probably being more planted 

 than any other, although it is only medium in size 

 and a little harsh in flavor. It is not absolutely 

 seedless as each fruit usually contains three or four 

 seeds, but most of the other kinds have forty or 

 fifty or more. Just how much of a factor this 

 seedless feature will prove to be in the market can- 

 not yet be determined. The native seedlings found 

 in Cuba are of a rather different type from those of 

 Florida, from which the present market kinds have 

 mostly been selected. The fruit is sweeter and has 

 less of the distinctive grape-fruit bitter. The trees, too, 

 are of a more upright growth. The best of these seed- 

 lings are very delicious, having a peculiar sprightly, 

 vinous flavor that is greatly relished by all who try 

 them. They are so mikl as to be eaten from the 

 hand, like the orange. One variety of this type was 



