*KUMQUAT 



(.Citrus laponica.) 



The kumquat is the smallest citrus fruit; the tree on which it 

 o rows IS the smallest citrus tree. It is the baby of that gold-standard 

 iruit tamily to which belong the lemon, the lime, the orange and the 

 pomelo. Although worthy of the highest respect because of its 

 tamily connections, the kumquat has stronger claims to considera- 

 tion. Being a late comer in these parts, its acquaintance is still 

 limited to a favored few who, having been properly introduced, 

 love It for Itself, alone." The pomelo taste takes kindlv to the 

 Kumquat; and those who are "passionately fond" of the former are 

 sure to soon become at least reasonably fond of the little relative. 



The fruit is either oval or round. When oval is about an inch 

 in diameter and iVz inches long; when round, about one inch in 

 diameter. The trees which produce these two shapes are of differ- 

 ent varieties, but the difference seems to be observable in nothing 

 but the shape of fruit. The color of the kumquat is a deep orange- 

 yellow. Its delicate rind is sweet and spicy; the pulp very tender 

 and agreeably acid. Eaten out of hand, rind and pulp are bitten 

 through and the fruit eaten whole. The combination of spicy sweet 

 and agreeable acid is delicious and refreshing. Excellent pre- 

 serves are made of the fruit or it can be crystallized in sugar. 



Brought into the United States from Japan, as its botanical 

 name. Citrus Japonica, indicates, the kumquat is a a native of China, 

 where, as in Japan, it is highly appreciated and extensively cultivated. 

 In Japan it is called kinkan, which means "Gold Orange;" kumquat 

 is Chinese for the same meaning. 



The tree is really a dwarf orange. It may even be grown in 

 pots and tubs, when it becomes, with its white flowers, glossy, 

 green leaves and beautiful golden fruit, a unique and extremely 

 handsome ornament for house or lawn. The diminutive trees begin 

 to bear almost as soon as their tiny twigs will support the weight of 

 the little golden balls, and continue to flower and fruit freely every 

 year. Fortunate, indeed, is the "new fruit," which possesses all 

 these qualities that bespeak for it public favor. Such an introduction 

 will soon spread afar the excellencies of the kumquat as deserving 

 recognition of its merits and gain for it a large and loyal constituency 

 among the lovers of good fruit. _ .... 



Well cared for, under favorable conditions in the orchard, the 

 kumquat grows to a height of ten or twelve feet, forming a compact, 

 symmetrical and handsome head. Its small size makes the tree 

 peculiarly adapted to interculture among other trees that eventually 

 require much more space in which to expand their branches. In time 

 these will completely overshadow the more lowly kumquat, which, as 

 the orchardist says, has served as a "filler" during the early years 

 of its slower growing, but much bigger, neighbors. Hut, it the 



*For picture of fruiting branch of Kumquat see first page of cover. 



