108 



and is about the size and sbape of a Pistachia nut (Pistachio, vera), 

 hence the name. The shell is tender, but not so soft as the Jordan 

 varieties, the kernel being sweet and well-flavoured. 



Sultana. This is an excellent soft-shell Almond, somewhat similar 

 to the Jordan, but not quite so large, and ripens a week or two later ; 

 kernel sweet and well-flavoured, and largely used by confectioners in 

 Europe. 



ANCHOVY PEAR. 



HISTORY AND USES. 



The Anchovy Pear is a West Indian fruit, produced by a tall, slender, 

 upright tree, without branches, which attains a height of from 40 to 50 

 feet. Botanically, it is known as Grias cauliflora, and it belongs to the 

 Barringtonia section of the Myrtacese or Myrtle family. The trunk of 

 the tree is bare, and terminates with a crown of smooth, glossy, elliptical 

 leaves, which are from two 

 to three feet in length, and 

 proportionately broad. Large 

 white flowers grow out of 

 the stem below the leaves. 

 The fruit is large, oval in 

 shape, brown russet in colour, 

 and has a single kernel. It 

 has a flavour somewhat simi- 

 lar to that of the Mango, 

 and is used in the same way 

 as that fruit, when fully ripe, 

 and in the form of a pickle 

 when gathered green. The 

 fruit is highly prized in the 

 West Indies, but has not 

 received much attention in 



other parts of the world. 



The Anchovy Pear Grias Cauliflor*. 



CULTIVATION AND PROPAGATION. 



This fruit being a native of a warm region can only be grown success- 

 fully in the tropical or semi-tropical parts of Australia. It would thrive 

 in localities where the Banana, Mango and Pine Apple will flourish. 

 In suitable localities it might prove worthy of attention, and the fruit 

 may, when better known, become popular. Like most tropical plants, 

 this tree requires a rich soil, and will thrive to perfection in a sandy 

 loam. It must also be well protected from high winds, and the most 

 suitable locality for this tree is a sheltered valley. Propagation can 

 only be practically effected by seeds, though cuttings of the heads and 

 stems will strike root under a glass or in a frame. Seed may be sown 

 at any time of the year, covering it about two inches deep. Young 

 plants from seed may be planted out the following season. 



