CHAPTER XVL 



CITRUS FRUITS. 

 LIMES. 



Next after the orange and lemon, the lime ranks as the 

 most important member of the celebrated citrus family, and the 

 day is not far distant when the hitherto modest lime will step 

 forward and assert itself as the full equal of the lemon. 



The production of limes in quantity is one of the latent 

 interests that will spring up in the near future of Florida. 



The lime tree is an early and prolific bearer, and will bring 

 its owner a revenue more quickly than any other of the citrus 

 fruits. 



The lime, which is found scattered over the State, and known 

 as the " Florida lime," is in reality the Mexican lime, and is well 

 worthy of extended culture. It never " sports " like the lemon, 

 but is a quiet, steady-going t>ree, coming true to its seed always, 

 growing rapidly, and producing abundantly good fruit in poor 

 soil, when only three years old. 



Wherever the lime is introduced it receives a warm wel- 

 come ; its acid is more pleasant than that of the lemon; its juice far 

 more abundant in proportion to its size, and being smaller than 

 the lemon, is highly esteemed, and, in fact, preferred before the 

 latter for hotel, saloon, and culinary uses. 



Pickled and preserved limes are justly celebrated, and a 

 jelly made of limes is also delicious. 



With all these points in its favor, how is it that comparatively 

 so few limes are planted ? 



There are two reasons, we are told. First, because the lime 

 tree is the most delicate as regards cold, of the citrus family, 

 and is often touched by frosts. Second, because the fruit does 

 not ship well. And third, because the prices they bring in 

 market are not as groiat as those for oranges or lemons. 

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