t^S The West American Scientist. 



the greatest perfection on the table-lands of Mexico, where own- 

 ers of estates have assured me that they have realized beyond all 

 expenses $3,000.00 to $5,00000 annu illy from the sales ol this 

 fruit and its products. 



The Opuntia takes root readily when a piece of plant is laid on 

 the ground, or a little soil may be thrown on the top of a joint, 

 so easily is it cultivated. It will stand considerable cold, and 

 draught does not effect it beyond causing the plant to wilt at 

 times, from which it quickly recovers. The dryness during the 

 most protracted drought seems to increase the sweetness of the 

 fruit. 



Give the Opuntia one-tenth of the care in its cultivation that 

 the peach requires and it will repay you with a delicious fruit 

 that lasts for a much longer period for market; one better for ship- 

 ment; one with good keeping qualities. No insects to molest it 

 no dangers from frost, as it blossoms after the time of frost, and 

 protected from thieves by its spines, you can enjoy its fruit un- 

 molested. There are some who dislike all forms of cactus be- 

 cause of their spines, and consider them useless, but this is a mis- 

 take. All cacti are useful to animals and birds and may be 

 utilized by man, and the spines simply prevent their rapid de- 

 struction by animals that would greedily devour these succulent 

 growths were they not protected. 



REMOVING THE SPINES. 



When the fruit of the Opuntia is ripe, the fine spine upon their 

 surface are readily removed by taking a bunch of grass, or any 

 other suitable thing and switching the fruit, thus removing easily 

 the downy spines, which, if not removed, would cause a little 

 pain lor a short time in handling the fruit. I have seen persons 

 born among the Tunas, catch the fruit suddenly near the sum- 

 mit and wrench them off with their fingers apparently without 

 suffering any evil consequences. If the spines are not removed 

 at gathering, the fruit will have to be wiped before the rinds are 

 removed, to prevent pain to the operator. 



GATHERING THE FRUIT. 



There are three methods resorted to in gathering Opuntia 

 fruit; one with the hands; second, by wooden tongs; third, with 

 a knife. The first method can only be resorted to when the 

 plants are low, or in gathering from the lower branches of a tall 

 plant. By taking hold of the fruit with the fingers and giving it 

 a sudden twist it at once detached. This is no doubt the best 

 method of gathering for market, as there is less bruising, and if 

 the spines were previously removed, can be at once packed for 

 market or the '"jackets" removed for immediate use. The second 

 method of gathering the fruit by means of wooden tongs is, so 



