50 CITRUS FRUITS AND THEIR CULTURE. 



ties may yet be brought forward better suited to the con- 

 ditions in that State. 



As a breakfast fruit the pomelo stands without an 

 equal. It is an excellent appetizer and stomachic and prob- 

 ably contains tonic properties as well. It is frequently 

 stated that it contains an alkaloid peculiar to itself, but 

 its presence has not yet been demonstrated by the chemist. 

 The partitions of the fruit contain a bitter principle of 

 some kind. Some have thought it would be better to have 

 this eliminated and that those varieties in which the bitter- 

 ness is almost lacking are the better ones. But with this 

 entirely absent, the fruit would not be a pomelo. The 

 ideal fruit should have the bitter taste rather pronounced ; 

 the flavor should be characteristic of the pomelo a pleas- 

 ant, indescribable blending of bitter, sweet and acid. 

 Lacking this, it falls short of the standard of excellence 

 and must be classed as inferior. 



In Cuba, pomelos of excellent quality are produced. 

 They closely resemble the Florida fruit in flavor and 

 general character. The favorite varieties at the present 

 time, are Duncan, Marsh Seedless and Walters, and these 

 appear to give excellent satisfaction. Plantings of con- 

 siderable extent have been made, most of the trees having 

 been supplied from Florida nurseries. 



