JACK. 



The Jack, or Jaca, fruit is furnished by Artocarpus mtegrifoha, a large 

 evergreen tree closely related to the Bread Fruit, and belonging to the 

 order Urticacese. It is a native of India, and resembles the Bread Fruit 

 Tree to a great extent in its fruit and mode of growth. The names Jack 

 or Jaca are said to be corruptions of the Sancrit " Tchuckka,' 1 which 

 signifies the name of the fruit but not the tree. The fruit is very large, 

 often measuring from twelve to eighteen inches across, and weighing from 

 forty to fifty and, exceptionally, 

 seventy to eighty pounds. It has 

 a coarse, warted, thick skin, and the 

 pulpy mass within contains a large 

 number of seeds, which are the true 

 fruits. The pulp is eaten raw or 

 prepared in various ways, and the 

 seeds, when roasted, are somewhat 

 similar in flavour to Chestnuts. The 

 milky juice, in India, is believed by 

 the natives to abate swellings when 

 mixed with vinegar, and the leaves 

 are considered to be good for 

 cutaneous eruptions. Both the root 

 and the juice are said to be useful in 

 cases of diarrhoea. The wood of the 

 Jack, which is at first pale but after- 

 wards becomes like mahogany, is Jack, 

 valuable and used for making picture 

 frames and a variety of purposes. 



The mode of bearing is somewhat curious, as at first the fruit is produced 

 upon the branches, afterwards upon tha trunks, and when the trees get 

 very old it also grows from the roots. 



CULTIVATION AND PROPAGATION. 



The Jack, being a native of tropical regions, can only be successfully 

 cultivated in the warmer parts of Australia, and it cannot be expected to 

 thrive south of Brisbane. It is a serviceable tree in congenial localities, 

 and is also worthy of attention as an ornamental plant. A rich, deep, 

 and moderately moist soil suits it best, and shelter from strong winds is 

 essential to the well-being of the trees. There are a number of varieties 

 which differ more or less in size, quality, and period of ripening. One of 

 the most popular varieties in India is one called the Honey Jack. The 

 varieties ripen in succession, and the fruit lasts in season for a consider- 

 able time. Propagation is readily effected from seeds, which should be 

 planted an inch and a-half deep. Plants may also be readily obtained 

 from suckers that spring from the roots. 



