r 
314 
because it is believed in Surinam to be a stronger plant “ and less liable 
to led poe by rain and storms which are particularly severe on the 
plan The meal was obtained by slicing the fruit by machinery 
into yon pieces kid drying them in a fruit-drying apparatus. The dri 
slices were then ground into a meal in a mill and carefully sifted. ‘The 
analyses of various meals made in Surinam show that the meal P ee 
from both plantain and banana has almost the same compositio set 
of preparations has been forwarded to Kew by Mr. Asser, dads 
of the following articles. 'The list is given in full as it shows the 
numerous commercial uses to which the fruits of the plantain and banana 
may be put :— 
(1) Dried slices of the entire fruit (pulp and peel) in the epi 
state suitable for the preparation of alcohol or for making into 
in a dextrinous state for use in breweries or for making into nourishing 
soups, puddings, &c. These flakes are of à rich brown colour, and 
retain the banana flavour. Another preparation, very similar but sweet, 
liqueurs and for sweetening chat ; (10) banana meal n the 
manufacture of glucose and a tible s yrup aul i sugar pre 
it; (12) fibre of banana and plantain. prepared from the ‘discarded 
stems after fruiting, and intended for the manufacture of paper and 
cordage. 
he use of banana meal in the preparation of alcohol is no doubt 
borrowed from the example at St. Michael’s in the Azores, where since 
the failure of the orange cultivation sweet potatoes are largely grown, 
cut into thin slices, ground uA meal, and then converted into alcohol. 
During the year 1884 there was exported from the Azores goce 
of the value of 40,588/., perd eut t in this manner from the sweet 
potato. 
It is estimated by Mr. Asser that the cost of css gae Mese in 
Surinam will be at the rate of 27. 10s. for every ton of m The cost 
of gathering the crop and making the meal will be at the ae of 18s. to 
20s. per ton ; while the cost of freight to Europe will be about 25s. per 
The estimated net cost of delivery of banana meal in Europe is 
therefore planed at 4l. 15s. per ton. Considering the market value of 
the banana meal to be at the same rate as Indian wheat, viz., from 
5l. 10s. to 6Z. 10s. per ton, Mr. Asser claims there would be a margin 
of profit on banana — equal to about 15 per cent. on the capital 
invested. 
Erratum.—For “surface” (Kew Bulletin, No. 91, p. 224, 21st line), read 
“ Swedes.” 
