By Joseph Sabine, Esq. 



105 



The pulp is not equally agreeable to all tastes ; to many 

 it is particularly pleasant : it is acid, and is thought by some 

 to have a slight resemblance to the flavour of the orange ; but 

 I think, it is so peculiar, as not to be capable of description, 

 by means of comparison. As the seeds do not readily sepa- 

 rate, the whole contents of the fruit are usually eaten, either 

 alone, or with wine and sugar. The pulp, made into a mar- 

 malade, is a most excellent and rich sweetmeat, retaining, in 

 that state, its own particular flavour, and acidity. The fruit 

 is improved by being kept for a few days, after it is gathered, 

 on the shelf of the stove, until it begins to appear withered. 



I have already stated, that this Passion Flower may be 

 propagated both by seeds and cuttings. The leaves of the 

 seedlings are at first entire, and not three-lobed ; but in what- 

 ever way young plants are obtained, they very soon produce 

 flowers and fruit, even in the first year. It is, however, ad- 

 visable, to prevent the exhaustion which this early produc- 

 tion may occasion, by thinning the fruit, until the plant is 

 more advanced in strength. They will grow well in large 

 pots, but the best method is, to plant them in an angle of the 

 bark bed, which has been parted off, either by boards, or nine- 

 inch brick-work, as low as the pit goes. At the bottom of the 

 cavity, formed by this division, should be laid some brick rub- 

 bish, over which may be thrown a little dead tan, and the 

 whole be then filled with equal parts of very old tan, and a 

 compost of leaf mould and rotten dung. Herein the roots 

 will strike freely, and will even spread through the partition 

 into the pit, growing into the fresh tan. Such roots may be 

 trimmed, and reduced, whenever the tan is changed: but 

 should the plant have been some time in its station, it will be 



