LITTLE REGARDED WILD FRUITS 



believed, of far greater forests that probably existed 

 in that region in primeval times. The mature fruit 

 of the Washingtonia is berry-like and black, resem- 

 bling a small grape or cherry, and is borne in huge 

 compound clusters, which hang below the leafy 

 crown of the tree in autumn and early winter. The 

 relatively large seed is embedded in a thin pulp of 

 sweetish flavor, which is edible, though it requires 

 industry and a long pole to reach the fruit. These 

 requisites were possessed by the old-time desert 

 Indians, who used to make of the palm-berries an 

 important feature in their diet, not only consuming 

 the pulp both fresh and dried, but also grinding the 

 seeds into a meal, which Dr. Edward Palmer thought 

 as good as cocoanut. 



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