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KOLA ; THE BISSY NUT OF JAMAICA. 



By Fred. B. Kilmer, Pharmaceutical Chemist, New Brunswick, N. J., 



U. S. A. 



What the West Indian native calls the " Bissy Nut" is known as 

 "Kola" by the rest of the world. 



The tree from which the Bissy Nut is obtained is a native of Africa, 

 and has been transplanted and naturalised in many tropical countries ; 

 in the West Indies, in Cuba, Jamaica, Porto Rico, in the Leeward and 

 Windward Islands, as far as Trinidad, in Brazil, the Guianas about 

 Venezuela, on the islands and coasts of Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Hon- 

 duras. Wnile in Afr.ca there are several varieties of the Kola plant, in 

 the West Indies only the Cola acuminata appears to have found a home. 



Until recently, it has been propagated in the West Indies by self- 

 sowing or here and there planting by the natives. Since it has become 

 recognized as an article of commercial value, its cultivation has assumed 

 importance. Many West India Governments furnish seeds and young 

 plants in large quantities Some even give bounties for its cultivation. 



A few years ago, Bissy Nuts were a petty trade in the markets. Now 

 these islands consume and ship many tons during the season. Under 

 favourable conditions its yield is very large ; a tree will yield from one 

 hundred to one hundred and fifty pounds per year This yield at a low 

 market price would bring the owner £2 or £3 a year for each tree, 



It seems to grow on any kind of soil, except that which is marshy and 

 lands liable to be overflowed. Elevations above 3,000 feet are not fa- 

 vourable to it. No attention or care is given to its cultivation, nor does 

 it seem necessary. However, plenty of rain hastens the time of fruit- 

 ing, and this condition, together with ridding the ground of " bush 



