274 



The World's Commercial Products 



The China or Canary Banana plant, is usually about four or six feet in height. Large quan- 

 tities of this variety are cultivated in Madeira and the Canary Islands, and most of the market 

 supplies are derived from these sources.- The fruits have. to be cut before they are ripe, and 

 the best time is when theyjiave lost their early angularity and have become round and full, 

 but are still quite green.- They are carefully wrapped in cotton wool, paper, dry banana leaves, 

 and packed in open sided crates. They can be carried on the decks of steamers or in a cool 

 room to the receiving port ; ripening continues during the voyage so long as the fruit is not 

 exposed to either too high or too low a temperature. 



The Jamaica banana is a much larger plant, often twelve feet or so in height. The fruit is 

 larger also, and having a thicker skin it can be shipped without the expense of the costly packing 

 in crates being necessary. Ships with specially fitted rooms are provided on the Direct West 

 India Service, and in these the bunches are placed loose.. Bananas are now the chief export 

 of Jamaica, the'annual trade being over £1,000,000, chiefly with the United States. 



Recently an effort was made to export bananas from Barbados to England. The Canary 

 method of packing was' adopted, and the fruits arrived in England in good condition and 

 realised high prices. Improved shipping facilities are the principal requisite to ensure a 

 successful trade. 



A dull, purple-coloured banana is sometimes to be seen in the fruiterer's. This is the 

 Claret Banana. It is not to every taste of such good flavour as the preceding, but is in 

 certain demand owing to its'colour, which makes it an interesting addition to table dessert. 



By permission of the Canadian Government 



YOUNG APPLE TREE AT CANADIAN GOVERNMENT FARM 



