AND AGRICULTURAL CAPABILITIES. 61 



APPLES. 



The cultivation of the apple here is of doubtful utility, though it is be- 

 lieved that some of the earlier varieties may be advantageously intro- 

 duced. 



NECTARINE, APRICOT, AND PLUM. 



The nectarine (Amygdaluspersica), the.apricot (Prunus armeniaca), and 

 the almond (Amygdalus communis) are all at home in Florida, and not 

 less vigorous and healthy, but not reliable for fruiting in all portions of 

 the State, whether from defective culture or adaptability to the variety 

 of soils is not yet determined, as very little attention has been given 

 to them. 



The plum and prune (Prunus ctomestica) are also healthy and produc- 

 tive, but not exempt from the ravages of the curculio, so prevalent at 

 the north. All the varieties of the wild plum are indigenous and abund- 

 ant in, every part of the State. Many of the varieties are of excellent 

 quality, and, when cooked, form a delicious preserve for family use, or 

 for canning. 



OLIVE. 



With the exception of a few trees grown for ornament, this most val- 

 uable tree, the olive, has not been cultivated in this State. That it will 

 succeed well here is evident from the specimens now growing. Re- 

 cently, attention has been directed to its cultivation, and it will become 

 widely planted. It commences to bear at about ten years from the seed, 

 increasing yearly to the age of thirty years, bearing annually. They are 

 very long-lived; some trees in Europe are known to be eight hundred 

 years old, and show no signs of decay. The fruit and oil are valuable 

 as food and of commercial importance. 



NUTS. 



The pecan nut and the Madeira nut succeed well, and produce abund- 

 antly in the northern portion of the State. 



The cocoa-nut and the Brazil nut are produced in the southern portion, 

 and the former is receiving special attention in Monroe County, where 

 thousands are being planted in the vicinity of Key West. Large groves 

 are also being set out on Lake Worth. 



TEA. 



The tea plant has long been successfully cultivated in Georgia, and 

 through the instrumentality of the Department of Agriculture, at Wash- 

 ington, it has been largely diffused through this State; and while it may 

 not, in the face of competition with foreign labor, immediately become 

 remunerative, yet it will be produced to some extent for home consump- 

 tion, and in time may become a profitable product. 



