THE NAVEL OEANGE OF BAHIA. 33 



THE SUGAR-APPLE. 



In the small towns throughout the interior of Minas Geraes and 

 Bahia States the sugar-apple {Annona squamosa L.) is one of the 

 most important cultivated fruits. It is known here as pinha (pine 

 cone; probably so called because of the similarity in appearance). 

 Originally brought to the interior from Bahia, it is believed, the tree 

 found such congenial surroundings and produced fruit of such ex- 

 cellent quality that it has gradually taken first place in many gar- 

 dens. The fruit is peddled about the streets by small boys, large 

 specimens selling for 2 vintens (less than 2 cents), smaller ones for a 

 vintem. 



In flavor the sugar- apples of this region are superior to those of 

 the coast. They are not so large as those of Bahia, but there is a 

 peculiar delicacy of flavor and tenderness of flesh which is lacking 

 in the latter place. This may be due in part to the fact that the 

 fruits are allowed to remain on the tree until fully ripe, while at 

 Bahia they appear to be picked a trifle too soon and are then ripened 

 in the house. 



A good sugar-apple is 3 inches in diameter and usually heart 

 shaped. Within its rough exterior is a mass of snow-white delicately 

 flavored pulp containing numerous black seeds the size of a bean. 

 The pulp separates into slender, conical segments, each one contain- 

 ing a seed. After being picked from the tree the fruit is placed in 

 a cool place for 24 hours, when it becomes soft and ready to eat. It 

 is always eaten while fresh, no methods of cooking or preserving 

 it being known. 



THE SWAMP ARATICUM. 



Near the village of Urubu, on the Rio Sao Francisco some dis- 

 tance below Januaria, the low, swampy lands which extend back 

 from the river bank a distance of three or four hundred yards are 

 covered with Annona spinescens Mart., a compact, spiny shrub 

 known to the natives as araticum do brejo, or " swamp araticum." 

 Thi.s plant is often found on ground which is submerged under a 

 foot or two of water during part of the year. It grows to a height 

 of 8 or 10 feet and produces an al)undance of oblong-conical fruits 

 2 to 3 inches in length, reddish orange in color and externally cov- 

 ered with small conical protuberances. When fidly ripe, these fruits 

 are so soft and delicate in texture that it is diflicult to handle them 

 without breaif ing the skin. The flesh is of the same color as the exte- 

 lior and of a sweet, insipid flavoi-, aj)i)arontIy not relished by the 

 natives, as they allow the hogs to consume the crop. Tlie seeds are 

 very numerous and do not separate easily from the pulp. The spe- 



