78 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM. 
exposed oily surface. The face swells and blackens, but ultimately the tan skin 
peels off; and although the process necessitates rigid retirement for a fortnight, 
at the end of that time they emerge with a new skin and complexion as fair as a 
babe. It is also to be stated that the oil is found to be useful in leprosy, and that ~ 
the fruit is a cure for the disorder which causes the patient to become what is 
known as a dirt-eater. 
‘“The tree produces a beautiful clear gum, which makes a fine varnish, and is 
said to possess a special virtue in preserving woods from insects. The sap of the 
tree, like its congener, Semecarpus anacardium, produces an indelible stain on 
linen. Professor Lindley makes Martius responsible for a statement that the nut ~ 
has a wonderful effect upon chronic inf ammations of the eyes, especially such as 
are of scrofulous nature, when simply borne or carried by the persons affected. 
It is also a common belief in Trinidad that a necklace or collar of cashew nuts 
has a remarkable curative effect upon some of the diseases of the canine race. 
especially for coughs or distemper.”’ 
The wood is very hard and strong. It is much appreciated for making the 
hubs of carriage wheels, yokes. and other farm utensils. Its principal use in 
Porto Rico is for charcoal and fuel; specific gravity, 0.488. (Grosourdy, 2:404.) 
Aname. 
In the market of Ponce large nut-like seeds said to be derived from a tree were 
on sale. They are ground up and put into rum for the sake of the rather pleasant 
pungent flavor, and are also supposed to have medicinal properties. 
Anamu. See Pavonia typhalea. 
In the market of Ponce material with this common name was on sale as a medi- 
cine. It is boiled in water and the decoction used for the relief of pain in the 
stomach. 
Ananassa ananas. PINEAPPLE. PINA. 
The pineapple is the one fruit in the production of which Porto Rico already 
has a good reputation, one of the largest and best varieties being known as the 
‘Porto Rican.’? There can be little doubt that natural conditions, entirely 
favorable to this culture, exist in many parts of the island, but it is not on this 
account to be inferred that our markets will be flooded at once with cheap fruit 
from Porto Rico. In order to furnish a regular commercial supply it will first 
be necessary to bring into existence an organized productive industry. Thewild 
and half-wild pineapples brought in by the rural natives and sold in the town 
markets would not go far in supplying an export trade, and while many individ- 
ual high-grade fruits are secured the quality is, of course, extremely uneven and 
areas of one variety have seldom been planted. An initial difficulty, as in Flor- 
ida, will probably arise in the scarcity of cuttings of good varieties. In Florida 
this is by far the largest item of expense in new plantings, even in comparison 
with the frost sheds which cost between $300 and $500 per acre. But cuttings of 
good varieties bring from 10 to 20 cents apiece, and although this means between 
$2,000 and $3,000 per acre for plants, the grower has his returns in disposing of 
his own suckers at similar prices. Of course it is not to be expected that this 
rate can be indefinitely maintained. Such prices are possible only while the 
industry is rapidly expanding, and as soon as the normal demands of the market 
are once filled there will come an inevitable and probably a very rapid decline in 
the valuation of cuttings. 
Florida pineapple growers have found, however, that the partial shade of the 
frost sheds exerts a most beneficial influence upon the size and quality of the 
fruit, and the use of sheds for shade purposes is now being extended far below 
the frost line. The inference is natural that the production of high-grade fruits 
in Porto Rico will require the introduction of the Florida methods of culture, 
