APPENDIX 501 



endocarp or putamen is not differentiated. However, highly 

 interesting results declare themselves when we treat the endo- 

 carp separately. It will thus be seen that the drying regime of 

 such a typical drupe as that of Prunus communis is closely re- 

 produced in that of the drupaceous fruit of Cocos nucifera. The 

 proportion of parts in the two types of the drupe differs some- 

 what, but the drying regimes agree closely. 



COMPARISON OF THE DRYING REGIMES OF FRUITS OF PRUNUS COMMUNIS 

 AND COCOS NUCIFERA. 



As shown on pp. 304-309, the husk, shell, and seed of the Coco-nut do not attain 

 their greatest development at the same time. For purposes of comparison it is here 

 assumed that they all grow together. To obtain these results the proportions given in 

 D column of p. 305 were applied to a dry fruit weighing 15,000 grains; and the pro- 

 portions of the moist fruit were obtained by then applying the loss-of-weight percentages 

 given on p. 306. The proportional weights of parts in the moist fruit were then worked 

 out to the nearest integer only. The results conform with those given in the tables on 

 p. 305 as far as the different methods employed allow. 



The ripe fruits of Prunus communis vary considerably in weight on 

 different plants, namely, between 15 and 40 grains, the average 

 weight being from 20 to 30 grains ; but my data do not indicate 

 that there is any marked difference in the proportion of parts. 

 However, the tendency displayed is towards an increase in the 

 proportion of the fleshy covering and a decrease in the proportion 

 of the stone or endocarp in the larger fruits, the relative weight 

 of the seed remaining about the same. (See next page.) 



As regards the time occupied in drying, about four weeks are required 

 for ordinary drying in a dry room, provided that the skin is 

 pricked in places. With the skin intact the time needed would 

 be considerably longer ; whilst under natural conditions in the 

 open air, the complete drying would be probably but rarely 



