TREES VALUABLE FOR VARIOUS PRODUCTS. 33 



The u arbol de la eera," or wax tree, grows naturally, particularly in 

 the plains and on the shores of rivers. It is about the size of the olive 

 tree, or sometimes smaller. The fruit is similar to the pimienta of 

 Castile. It has been proved by experience that each large tree, well 

 filled, will produce 2 bushels of fruit. There are two crops per year, 

 the first more abundant than the second, the former harvest continuing 

 from March to May. From each half bushel may be extracted about 1 

 pound of wax. This wax, which is used by the natives for making 

 candles, is brittle, and no method of rendering it flexible has been dis- 

 covered; hence, it is worked with difficulty, and the candles made 

 from it are liable to break. 



Among the most useful of the plants found is the "emajagua," or 

 " majagua." This is a small tree, or rather a shrub, from the short 

 trunk of which sprout forth many long, straight twigs. From the fiber 

 of these twigs ropes are made for all uses, especially for the rigging of 

 native boats. Formerly this was the only cordage employed for the 

 latter purpose, as it is very durable, although rough and difficult to 

 handle. 



Ko less useful and common is another small tree known as the higue- 

 reta (Ricinus communis Linn.), also called the Palma-Ghristi, which 

 abounds on the coast. This tree is smaller than the last mentioned 

 and has many knotty and twisted twigs, the leaves being divided into 

 five lobes. It produces a bunch of berries similar to the coffee, which, 

 when boiled, yields very clear oil. This serves as an illuminating oil, 

 giving a clear light without odor and without smoke. It is also much 

 used as a purgative, as a remedy for fevers, and the Indians apply the 

 leaves for relief from headache. Only the negroes make any use of it 

 in Porto Eico. In some gardens of Europe this plaut is cultivated as 

 an ornament. 



The tamarind is found in the plains and in the forests. It grows 

 equally well on the warm coasts and in the cool mountains. The tree 

 is very large and spreading. Its trunk reaches 10 feet in circumfer- 

 ence. The wood is hard and red in color. The fruit has a pleasant 

 taste, neither sweet nor sour. Diluted with water it forms a delicate 

 and wholesome beverage like that of the lemon, and is considered by 

 some even more agreeable. Sweetmeats are made of the fruit; also 

 remedies for fevers, vicious humors, scurvy, etc. 



The papaya, or "papaw tree," is found in the mountains and is grown 

 near the houses, because the islanders enjoy the fruit as well raw as 

 cooked in the u olla." The tree is small, reaching 3 or 4 yards in height 

 and less than a foot in diameter. It is straight, and has no branches; 

 from the middle of the trunk to the top it throws out leaves. The 

 fruit grows in the angle of the leaf where it is joined to the trunk, and 

 covers the entire circumference of the latter in such a manner that it 

 can not be seen from its middle to its top, being covered by papaws. 

 The fruit is green at first, afterwards turning yellow within and without^ 

 22170— Bull. 25 3 



