CHAP. IT. DESSERT FRUITS. 209 



The tree grows out of crevices of rocks and old walls, and 

 apparently wild." * 



Plants are propagated from seed, and are of very rapid growth, 

 coming into bearing in two or three years' time. A supply of 

 old cow manure to their roots during the cold months is of 

 great benefit to them. 



Anona reticulata. 



BULLOCK'S HEART SWEET SOP. 

 Nona Edm-phul. 



A small tree, native of tropical Asia and America, and very 

 common in India. 



The fruit differs from the Custard-apple in having a perfectly 

 smooth rind, and derives its name from the resemblance it bears 

 to a bullock's heart. The interior is full of a thick, luscious, 

 custard-like substance. It is not of so fine and delicate a flavour 

 as the Custard-apple, but being in season during the hot months, 

 when Custard-apples are not to be had, it is accepted as a very 

 agreeable fruit. While ripening it requires to be protected 

 from the depredations of birds and squirrels and bats, by a netting 

 or by some other means. 



Plants are propagated from the pips. 



Anona muricata. 

 SOUR-SOP. 



Bilaetee Nona. 



A small shrubby tree, native of the West Indies, with dark- 

 green, shining, laurel-like leaves of a pungent odour, something 

 like that of the Black Currant, and a very ornamental object 

 when bearing, in July, its fine large heart-shaped fruit. The 

 fruit Mr. Gosse describes as " lusciously sweet, and of a delightful 

 acidity ; often larger than a child's head ; covered with flexible 

 prickles."t Grown in this country it by no means realises the 

 above description, but is considered by most persons of so harsh 

 and unpleasant a flavour as to be quite uneatable. 



This tree, by no means common in India, I found rather 



* General Jenkins' MS. notes. 



f ' Naturalist's Sojourn in Jamaica/ p. 46. 



