SOME OTHER TKOI'ICAL AND SUBTROPICAL FRUITS. 213 



210. Possible Improvement by Crossing. — AVhen the 

 fact is kept in mind that the date-palms commercially 

 grown in Egypt, Algiers, and Africa have come from 

 selection and natural crossing in half -barbarous parts of ' 

 the earth, it naturally suggests the possibility of improve- 

 ment by crossing. The florists have done some work along 

 this line in some cases with not nearly allied species. 

 Burbidge states that Mr. M. Denis Hyeres secured an 

 interesting hybrid between ChameroiJS Immilis and the 

 date-palm. In this case the leaves were like those of date- 

 palm and also the fruits were similar, but the seed was too 

 large in proportion to the flesh. 



A close observer in Arizona will find that the union of 

 the desirable traits of tree and fruit of two of the best 

 seedling varieties will prove an advantage. It may also 

 prove that the best varieties imported from Egypt or 

 Algiers are bearers of larger and better fruit, and larger 

 bunches, than any of the old seedlings, but they may not 

 prove so hardy or perfect in tree. In such cases the 

 crossing will most likely prove an advantage. The trees 

 being dioecious the crossing will be a simple matter. 



211. The Banana. — ^This valuable fruit of tropical 

 climates is grown in considerable quantity in southern 

 Florida, as it will grow nearer the sea and on lower land 

 than the citrus fruits. It is also grown for ornament and 

 a home fruit in extreme southern Louisiana and in extreme 

 south California. But the main supply of the United 

 States comes from Central America, the West Indies, and 

 Mexico. It is also grown in greenhouses quite commonly 

 in all the States as an ornamental plant, from which well- 

 developed bunches of fruit are often secured. It is a far 

 more interesting plant under glass than when growing 

 almost spontaneously around the settlers' cabins in Cuba. 



Its immense undivided dark-green leaves are attractive, 



