20 



cutting off the flower spikes, also sugar or " Jaggery " ; all 

 inferior sago is obtained from the stem and a spirit from the 

 outer covering of the seeds. Our plant is about 35 feet high, 

 but has not yet borne seeds." 



During the present year it flowered and was ripening 

 seeds, but the heavy gale on May 31st blew it over, but did not 

 quite dislodge it from the ground; it was got into position 

 again as soon as possible, and we hope to save it, but the young 

 seeds all fell off unripe. We have a small plant coming on, 

 but it will be many years before it reaches the size of the one 

 so unfortunately damaged. 



Caryophyllus aromaticus. "The Clove.' — This plant was 

 also alluded to in my last Annual Report, and it was stated 

 that the two plants that we had were removed to make room 

 for a new building, but did not survive the transplanting, since 

 then we have obtained several plants from Mauritius, which 

 will be planted out in the Spring. 



Myristica fragrans. "Nutmeg." — A plant has been in the 

 Gardens for many years, but it is in an unsuitable situation and 

 is a male plant, several plants have been obtained from Mauri- 

 tius and will shortly be planted out, and it is hoped that one 

 at least may prove to be a bearing plant. 



Averrhoa carambola. — This is a small tree belonging to the 

 Order Geraniacea?, it reaches to about 14 feet high, the "flowers 

 are in the East eaten with salad, and the fruits are cooked with 

 sugar and wine, and form a very agreeable dish." The r< ots 

 are used medicinally, aud the leaves are said to be very sensi- 

 tive. Plants have been received and will be put out shortly. 



Averrhoa bilimbi. — A plant closely related to the preceding 

 one. Hogg says of it : — " The iree is only eight feet high and 

 produces a beautiful green, smooth, fleshy fruit, of the size and 

 shape of a small cucumber. Rheede says that the fruit when 

 ripe is excellent to eat, but when unripe they are preserved 

 with sugar, or vinegar and brine, and although it should be of 

 an agreeable and acid flavour when ripe, yet before they are 

 ripe they are excessively sour. Burman says they contain a 

 grateful acid juice, from which a syrup is made, and a conserve 

 of flowers, which are esteemed excellent in fevers and bilious 

 disorders." 



A plant of this species has also been obtained from Mauri- 

 tius and will be put out in the Spring. 



Oichorium intybus. " Chicory." — These plants were found 

 to grow quite well even in the poor sandy soil of the Gardens, 

 but as we were given to understand that our plants were not of 



