Avocado Pear. 



210 



tree growing to the height of about 



20 feet, and is known botanically 



as Per sea gratissima (Laurus 



Persea), natural order Lauraceae 



or the Laurel family. The leaves 



are oblong, with thick prominent 



veins, and the flowers are a 



greenish-yellow. The fruit is in 



shape similar to a large pear, and 



often attains a weight of two 



pounds. In flavour the flesh is 



rich and luscious, and is by many 



thought to be the most delicious 



fruit known. It. is eaten fresh, 



and used to some extent when 



sliced for salads. Very often it 



is boiled as a vegetable, and eaten 



with salt and pepper. Through 



being used in this way it is slso known as the Vegetable Marrow 



Fruit. Owing to the lusciousness of the pulp, it is usual to use lime 



juice, vinegar, or spice with the cooked fruit to reduce its richness. The 



pulp yields about eight per cent, of oil, and the seeds have some 



medicinal value. 



CULTIVATION AND PROPAGATION. 



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

 fully in those parts of Australia where the climatic conditions are congenial 

 It will, however, adapt itself to a wider range of climate than many other 

 tropical fruits, and is successfully cultivated on the Azore and Canary 

 Islands, as also at Madeira, where the conditions differ considerably from 

 those of its native habitat. The Avocado Pear may be grown successfully 

 through the greater part of Queensland, and more especially in regions 

 bordering the sea-coast, and it would thrive in the Northern River districts 

 of New South Wales. It is also a fruit well suited to the Northern 

 Territory and other tropical and sub-tropical regions. Independent of its 

 value as a fruit tree, the Avocado Pear is worthy of cultivation for 

 ornament in congenial localities. Propagation is readily effected by 

 layers or cuttings of the ripened wood taken off at a joint, and inserted 

 about two inches deep in sand or light soil. Plants may also be readily 

 obtained from seed. 



BANANA. 



HlSTOBY. 



Strictly this name belongs to A/usa sapttntum, though it is also 

 generally applied to the fruit of Musa paradisiaca more correctly 

 known as the Plantain. Some botanists maintain that the Banana 



