PINEAPPLE-PLANT. 25 



but cultivated largely in those regions, in the West Indies, 

 and on the Eastern Continent. It has fifteen or more long, 

 serrated, ridged, sharp-pointed leaves, springing from the 

 root, and in its general aspect resembles the century-plant, 

 but is much smaller. In the centre of this cluster of thick, 

 succulent leaves, springs up a short stalk, bearing a spike 

 of beautiful flowers, which in time produce a single pine- 

 apple. On the summit of the fruit is a tuft of small leaves, 

 capable of becoming a new plant, which, together with 

 suckers, is the means by which it is propagated, as the 

 cultivated fruit seldom produces seeds. It flourishes best 

 in a moist and warm climate, but is able to survive a long 

 drought and extreme heat. There are several varieties, 

 difiering in their leaves being more or less spiny on their 

 margins, and in the shape, size, and color of the fruit. 

 Great care is requisite in its cultivation ; otherwise it Avill 

 be coarse, fibrous, and deficient in saccharine matter. 

 Nothing can surpass the rich and delicate flavor of a pine- 

 apple which has been properly cultivated ; or of the wild 

 fruit of the forests, which we always found equal, if not 

 superior, to the domesticated ones. 



Of the ai'boreal productions of these plains, especially 

 interesting is the calabash or crockery-tree {d^escentia 

 citjete), which is seen growing by the side of every 

 Venezuelian hut. In size and appearance it resembles 

 an apple-tree, and yields a hard, roundish, ligneous- 

 shelled fruit, from three to twelve inches in diameter, 

 which suj^ply the natives with cups, dishes, and many 

 useful utensils. They are sometimes fancifully carved, 

 or highly polislied, and by the natives of the Ama- 

 zons* are beautifully tinted with various colors, botli 

 mineral and vegetable substances being employed for the 

 purpose. But another more indispensable plant whicli 



* This name in Portuguese is Amazoiias, and wlien Anglicized the plural 

 form should be retained, 

 2 



