18 BULLETIN 445, U. S. DEPARTMENT OE AGRICULTURE. 



colonization. Fruit forms an important item in the diet of tlie 

 people, and the abundance and variety offered in the markets are a 

 constant surprise to visitors. 



With the exception of the orange and the pineapple, of which 

 there are extensive commercial plantations, nearly all fruit trees are 

 grown near the houses and in the gardens of the natives, either as 

 single specimens or in small numbers, frequently crowded together 

 without regard to order. Under such conditions the trees receive 

 very little attention; yet their growth is usually vigorous and their 

 appearance indicative of health. 



The Indian tamarind {T amarindus indica L.) is common, the 

 fruit being used principally for making a cooling drink. The 

 carambola {Averrhoa carambola L,), another Indian fruit, is also 

 cultivated, but it is not very common. Phyllanthus acida (L.) 

 iSkeels, known as groselha ("gooseberry"), is seen in many gardens. 

 The avocado, locally called abacate {Persea ameHcana Mill.), is one 

 of the most popular of fruits during its season and is cultivated on 

 a commercial scale, one grove alone containing nearly 800 trees. 

 Budding or grafting is not practiced. Among the seedlings none 

 was seen Avhich appeared to be superior to those grown in Florida and 

 the West Indies. The caja and the caja manga {Spondias^lutea L. 

 und 8. cytTierea Sonnerat) are seen occasionally at Bahia ; both are 

 used for making sherbets as well as eaten in the fresh state. The 

 sapodilla, locally known as sapoti (Achras zapota L.), grows to large 

 size and its fruit is highly esteemed. Two varieties are distinguished 

 hj the natives, one oval or elliptical and the other round. One or 

 more species of Passiflora, known as maracujas, are occasionally seen, 

 as is the jambo, or rose-apple (OaryophylliLS jambos (L.) Stokes). 



The papaya {Carica papaya L.), known in Portuguese as mamao, 

 is esteemed as a breakfast fruit. Two forms are distinguished, a 

 small, usually round or oblate type, known simply as mamao, and a 

 large, elongated form known as mamao da India. The latter is con- 

 ;sidered much the better in quality and always brings a good price 

 in the market. When the fruits are picked it is customary to make 

 four or five shallow incisions through the skin from base to apex 

 and then allow 24 hours or more for the milky juice to exude before 

 the fruit is eaten. This tropical custom is said to improve the flavor 

 of the flesh. Propagation is usually by seed, though in rare in- 

 stances the mamao da India is said to be grown from cuttings in 

 order to insure its coming true to type. 



The common guava of the Tropics (Psidium guajava L.), used 

 principally for jelly making, is present in many of the gardens. The 

 manufacture of jelly is carried on commercially, but not on so large 

 a scale as in the State of Pernambuco, farther north. Several in- 



