On the Averrhoa Carambola. 



31 



Lee of the Hammersmith Nursery has attained the height of about 

 five feet, with a naked stem for four fifths of the distance ; this as 

 well as all the older branches became covered in July with countless 

 clusters of elegant though minute rosy flowers, a succession of which 

 continued for upwards of three months and I doubt not, that had 

 the plant been allowed more pot room, instead of setting only six 

 fruit it would have borne as many dozens. The fruit, from the time 

 of their setting, steadily advanced in size, never having had (like 

 peaches and most other fruits) any period, during which they were 

 stationary. 



Nothing could be more beautiful or singular than their appear- 

 ance as they approached maturity ; their colour was intensely golden, 

 and they diffused too a rich aromatic perfume ; but the most re- 

 markable feature in the fruit is the five excessively prominent 

 angles, which present, as far as I am aware, an unique form among 

 edible fruits. Upon trial it was found that this fruit possessed 

 qualities of the first order when made into a preserve. 



