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indigenous to the West Indies and Guiana, and Passijlora tillifoUa, a 

 Peruvian species. These species are all handsome evergreen climbers, 

 and are worthy of attention as ornamental plants in localities suitable for 

 them, and at the same time they will yield palatable fruits. The fruit of 

 all the species may be kept in good condition for several weeks after they 

 are gathered if picked when fully, but not over, ripe. 



CULTIVATION. 



All the species of Passion Fruit are strong-growing plants, and require 

 a rich soil to bring them to perfection. Manure should be used freely in 

 preparing the ground except. in the case of land that is naturally very 

 rich. Plants may be readily obtained from seed or cuttings, the former 

 being the most general method. Seeds should be sown in rich sandy 

 soil, covering them to the depth of a quarter of an inch. It is better to 

 sow in pots, boxes, or frames, as the cultivator is then in the most 

 favourable position to give any necessary attention. When the young 

 plants are large enough to handle they should be potted singly in small- 

 sized pots or pricked out into sheltered beds, leaving them about six 

 inches apart. They will be ready to plant out the following season. 

 Cuttings of the young shoots will generally strike freely in sand or light 

 soil if put in either in the spring or autumn. When rooted they should 

 be treated as recommended for cuttings. The only species worth 

 troubling about for general cultivation is Passitfora edulis, as it is the 

 only one that is sufficiently hardy to give satisfactory returns in all but 

 warm regions. Though the most favourable positions for it are against 

 fences, walls, or out-buildings, as it then gets better shelter, yet it may 

 also be grown in regular plantations when circumstances are favourable. 

 A sheltered situation is, however, necessary, and the plants will not thrive 

 in localities where the frosts are heavy. Plants may be put in rows 

 eight or ten feet apart like vines, leaving the same distance between in 

 the lines. Stakes with wires or battens should be placed to form trellises, 

 and to these the shoots must be fastened from time to time. The ground 

 should be kept as free from weeds as possible, and more especially in the 

 spring and early summer, and before the hot w r eather fairly sets in it will 

 be advisable to mulch the surface soil. But little further care is required 

 except the tying and trimming of the shoots occasionally. Plants under 

 ordinary favourable conditions will live and yield heavy crops for several 

 years without renewal. There is a good demand for Passion Fruit 

 throughout Australasia, and its cultivation should prove profitable in 

 many localities. 



PEACH AND NECTARINE. 



HISTORY. 

 The well-known and popular Peach has originated from Amygdali* 



