184 



THE OECHAED AlsT> FEUIT GAEDEN. 



CHAPTER XXXIV. 



THE PLATE. 



The Eugenia TJgni, a recent introduction, compared 

 'v\'itli most of om^ fruits, is a pretty, myrtle-like shrub, 

 more than two feet high, growing full and bushy when 

 well pinched back from a young plant, and bearing 

 plenty of small, round fruit, which are peculiarly rich hi 

 flavour. Some may not relish its powerful and peculiar 

 flavour, but in ices and other confectionery all would 

 find it unique and pleasant. The fragrance of tlie fruit 

 is aromatic and agreeable. Although not quite hardy 

 for our climate, it will bear almost anything but frost, 

 and so it might do out of doors in mild localities, and it 

 prospers almost anywhere if taken in for the winter. 



The fruit is small ; if careful cultivation could make 

 it larger, the improvement would be great. Give the 

 plant a rich soil, with plenty of air and moisture through 

 spring and summer. Increase by cuttings in the spring, 

 repot them in June, and again the following March, and 

 that year they will flower and produce. 



The Physalis edulis, JPhysalis pubescens, or Cape goose- 

 berry, is a perennial of most luxuriant growth. It was 

 a native of Peru, an exotic at the Cape, thence sent to 

 New South Wales and Tasmania, and so round to us. 

 It is hardy against anything but frost, should not be 

 pampered with heat, dies down in the winter, and bears 

 abundantly for many months in the year. The fruit is 

 peculiar in flavour, but very nice either raw or cooked. 

 The plants may be grown from either seed or cuttings, 

 and directly they are grown up they will begin to bear. 

 Unless more acclimatized than at present they must be 

 taken in for the winter, but any place safe from frost 

 will keep them alive. JPJiy salts Peruviana^ selected by 

 our artist, differs from this slightly. 



