15 



into the composition of most of the Spanish dishes, and the number of 

 these, and onions, exposed in the markets excites surprise in the newly 

 arrived European. In the left hand corner are some of the long-shaped 

 Gourds, used by the Indians in extracting pulque from the Aloe, and 

 on the bottom a great variety of pears, quinces, &c. which in appear- 

 ance and size at least equal any produced in Europe. 



No. 31. — This Case contains several varieties of Pines (Anas ), but 

 the principal kind sold in the markets seems to be that known to us 

 by the name of the New Providence. They are very abundant and 

 cheap in the markets, but are produced on the declivity of the Table 

 Land, in situations not so elevated as the great plains. I could never 

 be persuaded that the flavour equalled those produced in our stoves. 



No. 32. — Gourds ; the Orange species of which is particularly fine* 



No. 33. — The left side is occupied by the Cacao ( Iniobroma ), whose 

 splendid crimson pods produce the nuts we call Cocoa, from which 

 Chocolate is prepared : the consumption of this article from the earliest 

 times has always been great ; it is now grown only in the warmer 

 parts, and great quantities are imported into Vera Cruz. 



On the other side are two kinds of the Guavas, of New Spain. 

 The bottom is occupied by Anonas, Cherrymoi, Pomegranates, 

 Pawpaws, Chennini, Egg Plants of various kinds, and the fruit of the 

 Calibash Tree. 



No. 34. — Melons from the markets. 



No. 35. — Gourds of different kinds. 



No. 36 — In the corner of this is the trunk of Coryottes Urens, from 

 a branch of which descends in the centre a bunch of its extraordinary 

 fruit, hanging, like traces of onions, to the length of six feet, and 

 containing nearly 800 fruits. On its right side is the Cactus Hex- 

 angularis, with its fine fruit. Also the Vine, the fruit of which 

 is remarkably large and luxuriant, while the leaves are particularly 

 small. Encircling the trunk of the Coryottes is the Passiflora Quad- 

 rangularis in fruit and flower. On the bottom is the Cactus Melocactus, 

 with one of the enormous frogs common to South America, and the 

 Fresh Water Tortoise of the Lake of Chalco. 



No. 37.— Fruits of the Bandanas, Bread Fruit, &c. &c. 



No. 38.— Shaddocks, Citrons, Limes, Lemons, and other varieties 

 of the Citrus, of extraordinary form and dimensions, are here exhibited 



