MTSOEB AND COORG. ■ 141 



'References-— Brand. For. Fl ; Fl. of Brit. Ind. ; 

 Diet, of Econ-Prod. of Ind. 



The guava tree. Strange thougli it may appear, 

 this well known fruit tree is indigenous to tropical 

 America and has only been naturalised in this country 

 since the early conquest of the Portuguese. 



"Wfood compact, close-grained, and takes a beauti- 

 ful polish. Used for engraving, and for the handles 

 of knives and instruments. The guava. tree is uni- 

 versally ^cultivated for its fruit, of which there are 

 three or four varieties. Of the latter the grafted 

 forms are superior and command a good sale in the 

 Indian fruit markets, The bark and leaves are 

 medicinal. 



Cultivation.— Propagate from seed, and when the 

 seedlings are 2 — 3 feet high, with a moderately 

 woody stem, place them in position under a good 

 variety to be inarched. The latter operation done, 

 remove to a cool shady spot for about a month, after 

 which the grafts should be gradually removed to 

 full exposure. Preparatory to inarching, the seed- 

 lings have to be conveniently and securely fixed 

 among or around the branches of the old graft. 

 This is done very ofteii by raising little mounds of 

 good soil in which the seedlings are planted, but it 

 is more expeditious to have them deposited in bas- 

 kets or tile-pots, as in the latter case the seedling 

 receives no check and may be inarched on the same 

 day that it is placed in position. 



Inarching is best done in August and September, 

 and the operation, from the time it is effected until 

 the day of removal, usually extends over three to 

 four months. 



Grafted guava trees are planted at 15 feet apart, 

 and to bear abundant crops of fruit they require 

 good soil, good manure and plenty of water. ^ .^j. 



