WEST INDIAN FRUITS AND ESCULENTS. 



151 



Chereeze, or Barbados Cherry. (Malpighia punicifolia, L.) 

 The fruits resemble the former. They are much inferior 

 in taste to the European Cherry, which they resemble more in 

 appearance. There is something in the taste which reminds 

 rather of the raspberry than the cherry. 



The Jack-fruit, or Jacca. {Artocarpus integrifolia, 

 Linn, fil.) 



There are only a few specimens of that interesting tree in 

 the island ; and it is seldom to be met with in the other 

 islands. The taste of the fruit has been compared to the pine- 

 apple and melon combined. The smell, however, is anything 

 but inviting. 



There is a tree of it in the Parish of St. Thomas (at Far- 

 mer's, if I am not mistaken). 



The Bread-nut {Artocarpus incisa, Linn, fil.), and its variety, 

 the Bread-fruit, are much more common. 



Granadilla Vine. {Passiflora quadrangularis, Linn.) 



The arillus which surrounds the numerous seeds is of a 

 sweet vinous flavour. They are prepared with sugar and 

 Madeira wine, and considered a great delicacy. The size of 

 the fruit is that of a small melon. 



The Water Onion, or Belle Apple. {Passiflora lau- 

 rifolia, L.) 



The fruit of this species is of the size of a lemon. It is 

 much sweeter, and more delicious. It is, like the former, 

 cultivated in arbours, by which means the fruit is much im- 

 proved. 



Conch Apple ; Conch Nut. {Passiflora maliformis^ L.) 

 The pulp resembles that of the water-lemon ; but it is in- 

 ferior in flavour. 



Wild Water-Lemon, or Love in a Mist. {Passiflora 

 fcetida, Cav.) 



The fruit is of the size of a small cherry, and surrounded 

 by the involucre. The pulp is very delicate, but the smell of 

 the leaves unpleasant. 



The Gooseberry Shrub ; Barbados Gooseberry. (Pe- 

 reskia aculeata.) 

 The large bunches of white flowers are very ornamental, 

 and the fruits are used for preserves and tarts. 



I have not alluded to the Plantains and Bananas ; however, 

 Sir Bowcher Clarke, the Chief Justice of Barbados, possesses 

 a variety, which is of a very small size, and of an exquisite 

 flavour. I am not acquainted with its specific name. It is, 

 perhaps, the Fig-Plantain of Surinam. I would recommend 



