126 CALYCIFLOR/E. 



ally produced an abundant crop. The flowers of the 

 barren trees, differ in nothing from those of the fertile, 

 except that they are somewhat smaller, and that the sta- 

 mens are more fully developed, and more numerous, 

 whereas the different parts of the pistil are smaller. 

 The circumstance therefore of certain trees being 

 barren must be referred to some peculiarity in the 

 system, incapacitating for the due performance of the 

 reproductive function. Pimento-growers inform us that 

 this may be remedied, and that by cutting and pruning 

 close for two or three years, such trees may be rendered 

 fertile. 



The Pimento is a common tree in several districts of 

 this Island, more particularly in the parish of St. Ann* 

 and in hilly parts where the white limestone prevails. 

 The birds are very fond of the berries when ripe, and 

 thus become active agents in disseminating the tree. 

 Hence in a district where Pimento is grown, in order to 

 establish a Walk or Plantation, it is only necessary to 

 clear the trees and brush wood from a piece of land, when 

 young Pimento plants will spring up in every direction. 

 Very little care, with the exception of an occasional clean- 

 ing, is required, and in a few years, what has received 

 the name of a Pimento-Walk, is established. 



The crop is collected during the months of June, July, 

 and August, by breaking off, with the hand, the branches, 

 bearing fruit. It is said that the trees surfer less if the 

 branches are broken, than if they are removed by cutting 

 or pruning with a sharp instrument. The berries are 

 taken b3fore they ripen, when they are still green, and 

 are dried on barbicues by exposure to the sun. When 

 thoroughly dry, they are put into bags, each containing a 

 hundred pounds. The ripe berries, I may mention, are 

 rejected ; for when dry they are almost tasteless and 

 possess very little of the peculiar aromatic flavour. 



Pimento plantations, in productive years, are a source 

 of great wealth to their proprietors. A single tree has 

 been known to yield one hundred and fifty pounds of 

 cured Pimento. The crop, however, is very uncertain ; 

 for the trees seldom bear heavily oftener than once in 

 five years. 



Pimento has received the name of Jamaica pepper ; 

 from the circumstance that the supply is almost wholly 

 furnished by this Island. The name of Allspice has been 

 given to it because its flavour was considered to be a 



