106 



an Apple. The Himalayan Apple may be grown successfully in all parts 

 of Australasia where the frosts are but slight, and in congenial localities 

 is worthy of cultivation as an ornamental plant. Propagation is effected 

 by seeds, which should be planted an inch and a-half deep, layers put 

 down early in the spring, or well-ripened cuttings of the previous season's- 

 wood. 



The fruits known as " Hog Plums" in the West Indies are furnished 

 by various species of Spondws, and more especially by lutea and purpurea. 

 The Tahite Hog Plum is the fruit Spondias cytheria, a handsome, large, 

 evergreen tree of spreading habit. The fruit is smooth, a golden yelluw, 

 the size of a large Plum, produced in clusters, and having a fleshy pulp 

 and large seed. The flavour is aromatic and somewhat like the Pine- 

 Apple. 



HONEYBERRY. 



The fruit known under this name is the product of Melicocca bijnga, a 

 small evergreen tree belonging to the order Sapindaceai. The generic 

 name is derived from mel, honey, and coccas, a berry, in allusion to the 

 sweetness of the fruit. It is indigenous to the West Indies and Central 

 America, where it ascends to elevated regions. The fruit is round, black, 

 and about the size of Damsons. It has a sweet pleasant flavour, and is 

 largely cultivated in the West Indies, where it is commonly known as the 

 Jamaica Bullace. Several other species of ^felicocca yield sweet edible 

 fruits, and may be classed as " Honeyberries." All of them also yield 

 edible seeds which, when roasted, have a flavour similar to Chestnuts. 

 The whole of the species being natives of warm regions will not succeed 

 where the climate is cold. They will thrive in tropical or semi-tropical 

 regions, and may also be grown successfully in other parts of Australasia 

 where there is no trouble from frosts. The Honeyberry thrives best in a 

 rich, light, loamy soil, and requires shelter from strong winds. In 

 congenial localities it is well worthy of attention as a fruit tree, and also 

 as an ornamental plant. Propagation is effected by seeds, which grow 

 freely, and should be planted an inch and a-half deep. Plants may also 

 be readily obtained from layers, and ripened cuttings of the young wood 

 will root in sand or light soil. 



HUCKLEBERRY. 



HISTORY AND USES. 



The fruits known in America under the name of Huckleberries include 

 several species of GctgJuxsada and Vnccirtiiim^ which were formerly 

 classed as one genus, but have now been divided by botanists into 

 separate genera. Both belong to the order Ericaceae or Heath family, 

 though some botanists class them as Vaccinaceoe. There are numerous 



