peculiar and disagreeable flavour ; the pulp itself has a flavour of its 
own, pleasantly oats not like the ordinary tomato, but more resembling 
“ hear they prove a success everywhere. So you have secured the 
“ thanks of many for the spore of this palate economic plant.” 
Having noticed than an unfavourable impression had been produced 
at ‘ors respecting the growth of the plant and character of the fruit, 
Mr. ris addressed the following letter to the Honorary Secretary, 
dated Eo 6th July 1886 :— 
“ I notice that in your Report you do not speak very favourably of 
“ the ‘Tree Tomato’ in Southern India. 
“It is quite possible that it may not be quite so good with you as it 
“ undoubtedly is in the West Indies, but, on the other hand, it may be 
“ found on ree knowledge and vos ter to possess qualities which 
“ may commend it to general appro 
“ The fruit should be allowed to fully ripen on the tree. This is an 
“ essential point as regards flavour and size. For cooking purposes 
« the seeds should be removed and the outer skin. Then cut the 
“ fleshy part into quarters, and stew or coo ok as you 
“« properties as regards liver disease ; and indeed my attention ie firs 
« drawn to it under the name of ‘ vegetable mercury. cannot say 
“ anything about its pan properties for I have had no opportunity 
“ to test them; but I can certainly speak highly of it as a fruit pre- 
= BE in a manner ae described.” 
the same effect was forwarded from Coonoor by 
Me. Charles Gay, dated August 1886 :— 
“T notice in the Annual Report for the past me that the‘ Tree Tomato’ 
“ is said to have proved a failure in Madras s regards the flavour of 
ve 
oy 
T Toks cast on the fruits on the tree after one has been given as a tr 
« are to be taken into account, I quite believe it. Unfort ately my 
“ supply is limited or I could have disposed eds, and if you 
“ have any surplus seed I should be glad of a supply, as I am continually 
“ asked for some write this, as I for one (and are many 
« others here too) am decidedly in favour of its propagation, it being a 
“ valuable addition to our limited list of really tasty fruits, as well as 
“« being most ornam ental.” 
In a letter dated 14th July 1886 DN Surgeon-General Shortt gives 
further information respecting the i : 
“ Of seeds and Bana geas the Tre Tomato, or ere 
" We REE has p eccess. 
€ 10 to 12 foot i in hapte sad are covered with fruits. I have not only 
