THE ORANGE GENUS. 329 



natural consequence of certain qualities which fit the 

 orange, in a remarkable degree, for being the uni- 

 versal fruit of commerce. If we would have foreign 

 figs and grapes, they must be dried, for the undried 

 grapes, which we bring even from the short distance 

 of Portugal, are flat and vapid ; the tamarind is a 

 liquid preserve ; the guava must be made into a 

 jelly ; the mango destined for us requires to be 

 pulled before it is ripe, and is pickled ; the date 

 must be dried; and the cocoa nut becomes when 

 here consolidated and indigestible. With regard to 

 the orange, man may have it fresh in every region of 

 the world, and at almost every season of the year. 

 The aromatic oil and the rind preserve it from the 

 effects both of heat and of cold ; and the acridity of 

 the former renders it proof against the attacks of 

 insects. It is true that oranges rot, like other fruits ; 

 but that does not happen for a long time, if the rind 

 is uninjured, and they are kept from moisture, and 

 so ventilated as not to ferment. 



Most of the oranges and lemons intended for ex- 

 portation are gathered while they are still green ; for 

 if the fruit were allowed to become mature it would 

 spoil in the transport. Lemons are sometimes pre- 

 served by being impregnated with sea-water. The ga- 

 thering of oranges and lemons for the British market 

 generally occupies from the commencement of Octo- 

 ber to the end of December. Oranges are not fully 

 ripe till the spring has commenced. It is remarkable 

 that the orange trees from which the fruit is gathered 

 green bear plentifully every year ; while those upon 

 which the fruit is suffered to ripen afford abundant 

 crops only on alternate years.* 



The Citrons are one of the most interesting families 

 of plants. They are all originally natives of the 



* Diet, des Sciences Nalurelles. 



