196 FRUIT CULTURE 



usually contains two almond-like seeds in the centre, but some 

 varieties are seedless. When perfectly ripe, or even in a bletted 

 condition, it has an agreeable flavour, being compared to an apricot 

 with a suspicion of the medlar, or to an over-ripe apple. In a 

 less ripened state it is, in its native country, made into a well- 

 known preserve. Dried Kaki fruit is said to be equal to dried 

 tigs. The tree thrives in the Riviera, whence excellent fruit are 

 imported into London, and sold in Covent Garden market at fancy 

 prices. It is also said to thrive and bear abundantly at Calcutta, 

 Saharanpur, etc., but has not as yet become well-known in Ceylon. 

 It was introduced at Hakgala Gardens in 1888, and occasionally 

 produces fruit there. The Persimmon is usually dioecious, so that 

 it is necessary to have a male tree in the neighbourhood of a 

 pistillate tree to ensure the fertilisation of the flowers of the latter. 



FEIJOA, OR "PIXE-APPLE GUAVA." Fcijoa Sellowiaiia 



Feijoa Sellowiana (Myrtaceae). Feijoa-fruit, or "Pine-apple 

 Guava." A small bushy tree, 6 to 8 ft. high, native of South 

 America, and recently introduced into cultivation. It is closely 

 allied to the common Guava, and much resembles that plant in the 

 character of its fruit. In California, it is considered a valuable 

 addition to the fruits of that country, the flavour being described 

 as " delicious, and not unlike that of the strawberry." The fruit 

 is oval in shape, 2 to 3 inches in length, highly perfumed, and is 

 in season in November. " It can be used either raw, stewed, 

 crystallized, or made into jam or jelly." The seeds, by which the 

 tree may be propagated, are very small. 



