ECONOMIC VALUE OF CACTI. 



17 



FRUITS. 



The fruits of a great many species of cacti are very agreeable to 

 the taste, as well as refreshing and nourishing. This is especially 

 true of many species of Opuntia known as tunas. (Pis. IV and V.) 

 In certain parts of Mexico the tuna forms a considerable part of 

 the diet of the poorer natives. In many places it is grown for the 

 market and finds ready sale among all classes. The outer part is 

 peeled away in the same manner as in paring an apple or peach for 

 consumption raw. The inner pulp, containing the seeds, not only 

 possesses a pleasant flavor, but it also creates the impression of being 

 cool even in the hottest weather. Forms of tuna have as wide a 

 range in color, flavor, and size as many of our northern fruits. 



Numerous smaller fruits are gathered from wild plants, either for 

 home consumption or for sale in the market. Among these may be 

 mentioned the small, globose, red fruit of Cereus geometrizans and 

 kindred species, which is very sweet. It is called " garambullo " by the 

 Mexicans. A number of species of Mamillaria produce an abundance 

 of smaller club-shaped red fruits which have a very pleasant, sweet 

 taste, combined with a slightly acid tang, and are eaten by the na- 

 tives, who call them " chilitos." The above-mentioned fruits, and also 

 that of Cereus giganteus, are quite commonly used in the preparation 

 of preserves, jams, and cakes of somewhat jellylike consistency. 

 These preparations represent some of the choice delicacies of the 

 natives and are to be found on sale in the markets and on the streets 

 of Mexican cities. The fleshy interior of certain species of Echino- 

 cactus is used in the production of the so-called cactus candy. The 

 flesh is cut into layers and cured in sugar sirup and allowed to dry, 

 similar to the manner in which citron is prepared for market. The 

 cactus flesh merely forms a foundation, adding perhaps a little flavor. 



WOOD. 



For the most part all cactus plants are composed of soft, water- 

 laden tissue, but the axis of the plant is composed of a woody core, 

 which in some species makes a considerable development, especially 

 in Opuntia and the large species of Cereus. This woody portion is 

 always more or less porous and usually of an open, lacelike structure, 

 so that it is of little value as compared with other woods. Neverthe- 

 less, it is used to some extent in the manufacture of ornaments and 

 rustic work, but more for its curious structure than for any real value 

 the wood may possess. Some of the cylindrical forms of Opuntia 

 yield rather grotesque and ornamental walking canes, as do also a 

 few of the slender-growing columnar species of Cereus. These forms 



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