THE PINE APPLE. 47 



esteemed that we have purchased them for twopence each 

 in the streets of London. 



The importance of the plantain to the inhabitants of tro- 

 pical countries can hardly be appreciated by Europeans; but 

 so completely does it form the food of some races, that they 

 might almost be characterized as fructivorous. It admits 

 of being dried or eaten fresh, and in either state is highly 

 nutritious and agreeable. 



The Pise Apple. Anaiiassa sativa. (Xat. Ord. Bro- 

 ineliaceae.) 



The importation of pine-apples from the Bahamas has 

 now become an extensive trade; more than 200,000 were 

 imported in 1S51. The pine-apple originally was a native 

 of the tropical islands of America, but, owing to its extra- 

 ordinary facility for transportation, and its powers of natu- 

 ralizing itself, it is now thoroughly established in Africa and 

 the East Indies; and its culture in this country, though 

 very costly, is remarkably successful, the fruit produced 

 being far superior to that grown in other and more congenial 

 climates. In a state of nature the pine-apple is not eatable, 

 being so extremely acid as to excoriate the lips and gums. 

 For export to Europe it is gathered before it is quite ripe, 

 and usually reaches England in pretty good condition. The 



