FRUIT CULTURE 185 



perfumed, and as large as an infant's head." The best fruits I have 

 seen in Ceylon were grown on the dry sea-coast of Puttalam. Pro- 

 pigation is best by budding or grafting, though plants are easily 

 raised from seed. 



Sandoricum indicum (Sapindaceae). Santol. A handsome 

 lofty tree of Malaya, producing in June and July large clusters of 

 yellow globular fruits, not unlike small oranges at a distance. Like 

 the Rambutan, the soft white aril covering the seeds (five) is of a 

 somewhat agreeable acid and refreshing taste ; fermented and 

 mixed with rice, an intoxicating drink is prepared from it in its 

 native country. The tree thrives in hot and moist districts up to 

 about 2,000 ft. or more, and is worth growing for its ornamental 

 effect. Propagated by seed. 



Sarcocephalus esculentus (Rubiaceae). Negro-peach; 

 " Rata-bakmi " S. A robust semi -climbing or spreading shrub, 

 native ot West Tropical Africa, and introduced at Peradeniya in 

 1883. Its soft brownish warty fruit, produced chiefly in July and 

 October, is about the size of an apple ; the soft reddish watery 

 pulp is edible, but insipid, and the fruit is hardly worth considering 

 amongst edible kinds. Propagated by seed or cuttings ; thrives up 

 to 2,000 ft. elevation. 



Spondias dulcis (Anacardiaceae). Otaheite-apple ; "Amba- 

 rella" S. A small tree with handsome foliage, native of the Society 

 Islands, etc. The oval-shaped fruit is of the size of a large hen's 

 egg and of an amber colour when ripe ; it has a large stone (seed) in 

 the centre, which is covered with coarse fibre and a scanty, very acid 

 pulp, "with a flavour like that of an exceedingly bad mango." 

 Notwithstanding, however, a high reputation given the fruit by 

 some writers, it seems hardly worth a place in a fruit collection, 

 unless for stewing, or for use in making jam or preserves. Propa- 

 gated by seed, and suited to the moist low-country. 



Sorindeia madagascariensis (Anacardiaceae). " Manguiera 

 a grappes." A large tree of the mango family, with pinnate leaves, 

 native of Madagascar, Zanzibar, and East Tropical Africa. It is said 

 to be sometimes cultivated for the sake of the fruit, which is oval 

 in shape, about one inch long, and of a sweet taste with a turpentine 

 flavour. Introduced at Peradeniya in 1911, through MR. REGNARD, 

 Mauritius. 



Tamarindus indica (Leguminosae). Tamarind ; ''Siyambala/' 



S.; 4l Pullimn^_2>^A large handsome upright tree, with fine 



(""Feathery toBagernative O f tropical Asia and Africa. It is commonly 



