82 



half an hour each day, on the application of the principles underlying 

 practical agriculture. 



They are expected to purchase books which are recommended to them, 

 and to study in their spare time.' 



They must be steady, punctual, diligent and painstaking, and any 

 breach of discipline may be punished by a fine, or by instant dismis- 

 sal. 



At present there are no vacancies, but names may be sent to the 

 Director with full particulars of age, place of education, attainments, &c] 



;nuts.— i. 



Cheroonjie 



(Buchanania latifolia, Roxb.) 



As nuts are considered now to be of dietetic value, it may be useful 

 to indicate from time to time such as are growing in the Botanic Gar- 

 dens, or are already found wild in the island. 



fc* Oheroonjie is the name given in parts of India to the fruit and the 

 kernel of a tree known to botanists as Buchanania latifolia. The fruit 

 is said to be sweet and laxative, and is used to relieve thirst, burning 

 of the body, and fever. The flavour of the kernel is described as 

 between that of the pistachio and the almond. The kernels are eaten 

 roas'ed with milk, or made up into native sweetmeats. They yield 

 50 per cent of oil, but this is scarcely ever prepared. 



This tree is allied to the Cashew, but io the latter the top of the 

 stalk becomes enlarged into a fleshy fruit. Both belong to the family 

 Anacardiaceoe. 



Sotjari or Butter Nut, 



(Caryocar nuciferum, Linn.) 



The Butter Nut Tree is a native of British Guiana where it grows 

 in the forests along the banks of rivers, attaining a height of 100 feet. 

 Its nuts are kidney-shaped with a very hard woody shell, of a brown 

 colour and covered with wart-like protuberances. The kernel is 

 large and white with a very pleasant taste, and yielding by pressure a 

 bland oil. 



The wood is hard and durable, and is used for ship-building, mill 

 work, &c. The plant belongs to the same family as Tea, viz. : 

 Ternstronemiaceae. 



A DWARF WEST INDIAN PALM. 



In December, 1890, Dr. Morris discovered in Anguilla an interest- 

 ing little palm " growing on broken limestone rocks. It was present 

 in fairly large quantities, and the fan-shaped leaves were used for 

 thatching native huts. The chief interest attached to this palm is con- 

 nected with its dwarf habit. The largest and apparently most 

 matured specimen did not measure more than about 30 to 35 inches 

 in height, and the stem was about 2J inches in diameter." This palm 

 hitherto unknown to science was named Thrinax Morrisii. 



