154 



"WEST INDIAN FRUITS AND ESCULENTS. 



GUIANA. 



I am obliged to restrict myself to such fruit-trees as are within 

 reach of the colonists. A number of others peculiar to the inte- 

 rior could only be procured by sending a qualified person for 

 such a purpose into the equatorial forests. 



The Missel, or Medlar of Guiana. (Blakea quinque- 

 nervia, Aubl.) 



A tree of moderate size. The fruit is of a white colour 

 and globular, but as the calyx is persistent, it resembles the 

 hip of a wild rose. The fruit is very delicate, and has been 

 compared to raspberry cream ; but it will not keep beyond a 

 couple of days. It is very abundant in the forests of the in- 

 terior, and is much cultivated by the settlers along the Esse- 

 quibo, chiefly at Post Ampa. The flowers are highly orna- 

 mental. 



The Marmalade Box. ( Genipa Meriance, Rich. ; Cacao 

 sylvestris, Aubl.) 

 The fruit is of a globular form, and where the soil suits the 

 tree, it reaches the size of a small orange. It is of a brownish 

 colour, and covered with hair. The outer skin encloses a 

 brownish pulp of a delicious taste, equal to the best mar- 

 malade. It is cultivated at the gardens of the colonists ; e. g. 

 at the late Mr. Bach's estate, in Canal No. 1. I have found 

 it frequently in the interior. 



The Alibertia edulis (Genipa edulis), which is found on the 

 savannahs of the Rupununi, would be highly recommendable for 

 cultivation if it could be procured from thence. 



A Guttiferous plant, apparently a Garcinia, abounds in the 

 forests of the interior, chiefly near the Carawaimi mountains 

 (lat. 2° north), which vies in delicacy with the Mangosteen. 

 Another species is cultivated on the estate of Mr. Lambert 

 (Providence), near New Amsterdam, in Berbice, from whence 

 it might be easily procured. 



I have already alluded to different species of Mimusops, which 

 go under the name of Burruwe, or Bully trees. These grow 

 within reach of the colonists, and could be procured if the 

 Governor of Guiana applied to a wood-cutter. 



TOIiTOLA. 



There are two species which I would advise should be pro- 

 cured from Tortola ; namely, " The Guava-berry," which, when 

 ripe, forms an excellent fruit for the dessert-table, and is likewise 

 used for preparing an excellent preserve, and a favourite cordial. 

 The plants grow abundantly on Sage Mountain, in Tortola. 

 There is a variety with red fruits like a cherry, and another with 



