243 
black mulberry, Morus nigra (tit in Maltese), has a large dark 
purple acidulous fruit, which ripens in summer and soon decays; it is 
consequently eaten within a few hours of its being pete The fruit 
is made into a preserve, Tenia ( saimi pleasant and c 
fully, as is evident from the te igo cultivated in some gardens. Its 
fruit attains the same degree of perfection as in Sicily. It is desire 
that this ie should be cultivated at least for local consumption. 
The stone-pine, Pinus Pinea (prinioli), grows vigorously in some 
gardens, paa produces abundant cones containing the edible seeds 
known as Pignons doux. 
Although palms grow here luxuriantly, and the date- palm especially, 
nevertheless dates seldom, if ever, come to perfect maturity. Protected 
from winds and placed in rich soil, and often watered, plantains (Jusa 
sapientum) grow here, and fruit remarkably well. 
The banana is especially cultivated in courtyards, where it produces 
rich bunches of first-rate fruit. The Abyssinian banana (Musa Ensete) 
and a decorative sort known as Musa ornata. are waiving wonderfully 
in the Botanic Garden, but as yet have not borne 
Of the Arotdee the Tornelia fragrans, also id own as — tera 
deliciosa, was introduced to the Botanie Gardens about three 0. 
The fruit in a- perfect state was much admired, both for its beautiful 
perfume and the delicate taste, and was many consi superior 
to the pine-apple. Though a slow grower the plant requires but little 
cultivation, and is easily propagated by IE s far as can 
earn, it has not fruited in Italy, where it was introduced some 10 years 
ith a view of Pov as Po our report, we annex herewith a table 
showing the kind, guni value, and derivation of fruits imported into 
this island in the yea eia 
Before concluding, w e may perhaps be allowed to su bmit another 
ts utility is. so apparent that we will not dwell on its merits, 
which we consider are alone sufficient to commend themselves to those 
on whom = adoption may depend. It would be of great advantage to 
institute experimental garden, where productive bon and shrubs 
could be ented in their climatic ‘adaptations, and their economic value 
accurately deterinin 
The Botanic Garden, having so small an area and teeming with plants, 
is insufficient for this purpose, nor is the locality adapted for such 
a li ul 
experiments. institution of such a garden free to the public would 
a most valuable source of information d » ue 
think, is a decisive step e taken at once. een vr in all 
civilized countries where new methods of ier ee 
plantations have been introduced. 
Gavino GULL, M.D., 
Director of th the Botanic Garden, Malta. 
