166 



FLOEIDA FRUITS. 



to color in July, it is not fit to use until it ripens upon the tree, 

 two months later. 



LOQUAT, OR JAPAK PLUM. 



This valuable fruit is generally known in Florida under the 

 latter title, which is an entire misnomer. There is a true Japan 

 plum, but it is not an evergreen, as is the Loquat. 



This tree is not only a very ornamental one, with large, 

 evergreen leaves, but it is destined to become one of the leading 

 fruits of Florida; it has been introduced into California, but 

 rarely fruits there, as the early blossoms are almost invariably 

 nipped by severe frosts. 



In Florida the fruit matures without danger of loss, and 

 wherever the orange tree flourishes, there the so-called Japan 

 plum flourishes also. 



It grows slowly at first, but after the first three years, in- 

 creases in size more rapidly, and by its eighth year frequently 

 attains a height of twelve or fourteen feet, and is covered with 

 fruit and bloom ; the ultimate height of the Loquat is about 

 twenty feet. 



The fruit ripens from January to March, and is of good 

 quality, sub-acid, and a general favorite ; excellent j^reserves 

 are made of it ; and as for its jelly, it has no superior among 

 the many jellies ofiered for sale in the markets. 



The fruit, resembling an ordinary plum in size and shape, 

 carries as well, and in fact better, than the peach. It has been 

 shipped to the Northern markets in perfect order, selling there 

 from twenty -five to forty cents a quart-basket. 



In the Florida local markets it sells readily at twenty- 

 five to fifty cents a quart. 



The tree, if well cared for, commences to bear in its fifth 

 year, and when covered with bloom, fills the air with a delicious 

 fragrance. 



