belongs to the natural order Myrtotcece, or the Myrtle family. The name, 

 according to some writers, signifies ''from Carthage," where the tree is 

 said to have been -grown extensively ; other authorities derive it from 

 Puniceu* (scarlet) in allusion to the colour of the flowers. In its natural 

 state it is rather widely dispersed, and is found in most parts of Western 

 Asia and Northern Africa. It appears to have been held in high esteem 

 by the nations of antiquity, and is frequently mentioned in their histories. 

 The Pomegranate, according to ]>ible history, was, together with the 

 Vine, Fig, and Olive, among the earliest fruits that were cultivated by 

 mankind. We also learn from the same source that it was one of the 

 fruits that the children of Israel murmured for when passing through the 

 wilderness. In the heathen mythology the Pomegranate also appears to 

 have been a highly valued fruit, as Juno is sometimes represented with it. 

 The Jews in Western Asia and the south of Europe use the fruit largely 

 in their religious ceremonies. 



USES. 



The fruit of the Pomegranate is largely used in the warmer countries of 

 the old world, as its juice is considered to be very refreshing. It is 

 grateful to the palate, possesses a peculiarly pleasant acid flavour, and 

 assuages thirst well. Possessing such useful qualities it is consequently 

 highly prized and generally cultivated in Southern Europe, Northern 

 Africa, and throughout Asia. The Pomegranate is also useful in other 

 ways, and may be utilized for tanning, dyeing, and medicinally. The 

 bark is rich in tannin, yielding sometimes as much as thirty per cent,, 

 and is largely used in preparing morocco leather in some parts of the 

 world. The flowers were formerly used to some extent for dyeing cloth 

 red. A dye can also be obtained from the skins of the fruit. The skins 

 are very astringent, and an infusion is sometimes used in cases of 

 dysentery. The root bark is also sometimes used for the same complaint. 

 Independent of its value as a fruit-bearing tree, the Pomegranate is 

 worthy of attention as an ornamental plant. It is a very handsome small 

 tree or shrub with deep shining green foliage, and the bright red flowers 

 are produced in succession for several months. This tree is specially 

 adapted for cottage gardens and shrubberies. There are several varieties, 

 having single or double flowers of various shades of red, yellow, and 

 white, all of which are suitable for ornamental planting ; but if fruit is 

 the object the common Punicn (ir<ni<thnn is the kind that should be 

 chosen. 



CULTIVATION. 



The Pomegranate will thrive in all but the coldest parts of Australasia, 

 and will stand a few degrees of frost with impunity. It will also succeed 

 in any ordinary good soil, but thrives best in a deep rich sandy loam. 

 The trees are strong feeders, and in poor land manure should be used 

 freely. The ground should be well prepared by working it deeply, and 

 when necessary drainage must be provided. When grown as a regular 



