167 



It is possible that some of the above may be the same under differ- 

 ent names On the other hand there are some varieties not included 

 for example theTrinidad of the English hot houses is not mentioned. 

 Possibly the compilers considered it identical with the Porto Rico an 

 error I think, though it may be a seedling or selection of that variety, 

 nor does the list include a sub-variety of the Smooth Cayenne — the 

 "Variegated Smooth Cayenne" bearing the same fruit but noticeable 

 chiefly for its beautiful variegeted leaves, of green, white and red 

 stripes. But onp Ripley is mentioned, whereas in Jamaica we know 

 that the Red and the Green Ripleys are very distinct. Still I men- 

 tion in this connection the curious fact that a Green Ripley plant 

 often throws out a red sucker or bears a fruit having a red crown and 

 vice versa. 



There are several varieties in the above list with which I am not ac- 

 quainted. Probably some of these are known only in hot houses and 

 have not been successful for open air cultivation. You are probably as 

 familiar with the Jamaican sorts as I am, perhaps more so, as my culti- 

 vation consists mostly of Smooth Cayennes and Ripleys. 



The Red Spanish [ think is identical with our Bull-Head, though I 

 know many will differ with me. Certain it is that I have often 

 shipped Bull-Heads under the name of " Jamaica Pines" and my 

 Agents in New York have reported "your Red Spanish have sold for 

 &c, &c." The Black Jamaica is desirable because of its size. It is 

 also a very fair shipper. The " Sam Clark" (which, of course, is not 

 included in the list I have quoted, and which, I believe is not known 

 outside of Jamaica), has always been an interesting native variety to 

 me, as I believe it has considerable possibilities. It is of a good shape 

 packing out nicely, and has a most showy and attractive crown. To 

 a cultivated taste its flavour is inferior, and its acid distinctly " raw." 

 If this can be modified by some generations ot cultivation, the variety 

 will prove an acquisition. Trie Sugar Loaf, as largely grown in Cuba 

 as here, is so b idly affected with " black heart" as to be of little value 

 for shipping. While I believe there is a great field in the selection of 

 our native pines, yet speaking from a purely commercial point of view, 

 and considering the rapidity with which the planting of this fruit is 

 being extended in other countries, I can but feel that the time must 

 come in the near future when only the choicer varieties can find a 

 market. The Porto Rico was at one time very popular for open air 

 cultivation in Florida, especially along the East Coast, because of its 

 large size. I had one in Bog Walk, in this Island, weighing 14f lbs. 

 Its size, however, is its one and only merit. It is a shy bearer, re- 

 quires double the room of other sorts, and in quality is no better than 

 our Bull-Head or Black Jamaica. I do not think it is being planted 

 largely now, better kinds having succeeded it. 



The Abbaka somewhat resembles a very large red Ripley though 

 more conical at the base. It is much above the average size of pines 

 and is of delicious flavour— none finer for home use. In dry weather 

 it ships very well (though this is equally true of nearly all sorts) but 

 during the rains it is extremely uncertain. Probably no other pin s 

 is so productive of slips. 



