MISCELLANEOUS SUBJECTS 643 



can be produced in the semi-dry zone, especially if 

 irrigated and properly cultivated. 



Musk Melon (Cucumis Melo). An annual creeper, 

 with large, globular, luscious fruits; should be a valuable 

 acquisition, and thrive to perfection in a semi-dry climate 

 with good soil. 



Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera). This tall feathery 

 palm, so extensively cultivated in Northern Africa, 

 Western Asia, etc., has not yet become established in 

 Ceylon. In the countries where grown the well-known 

 fruit is a standard article of food with the inhabitants, 

 as well as of animals, and forms a considerable article 01 

 export. Numerous varieties are known. 



Carob or Locust-bean (Ceratonia siliqua). A small 

 tree, specimens of which have been grown at various 

 elevations in Ceylon, but it has not yet become established 

 here as a fruit tree. Extensively cultivated in the 

 Mediterranean region for its sweet sugary pods, which 

 form a considerable article of export, being a nutritious 

 cattle food, and also largely eaten by human beings. 



(4) Nut Fruits suited to Low Elevations. 



Butter Nut (Gary o car nuciferum). A lofty South 

 American tree, producing a large round fruit which 

 contains several hard-shelled nuts (the seeds), said to be 

 the most delicious of the nut kind. Suited to the moist 

 low-country. 



Brazil Nut (Bertholletia exceha). A tall, handsome 

 tree of Tropical America, with large globular fruits 

 which contain the hard-shelled "nuts" or seeds; con- 

 siderable quantities of the latter are exported from South 

 America, and are the well-known Brazil nuts of com- 

 merce. Suited to the humid low-country. Thrives in 

 the Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya, where it pro- 

 duces fruit annually. 



Cashew Nut (Anacardium occidentale). A shrubby 

 tree, naturalized in the low-country of Ceylon, where it 

 is found in abundance. The edible kernel (seed) is of an 

 agreeable nutty flavour, and is said to be in much demand 

 in Europe for confectionery. 



Queensland Nut (Macadamia ternifolia). A medium- 



