370 JOUKNAL OF THE EOYAL HOKTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



purposes, and as an embrocation for rheumatic ailments it is of high 

 value, while for a cold on the chest there is nothing to beat a mustard 

 plaster. 



We find the largest areas under mustard in this country in Yorkshire, 

 Lincoln, Cambridge, and Essex. The annual export of mustard seed 

 from India is about 1,500 tons, and Holland is also a large exporter 

 to the United Kingdom. 



Myrrh. 



More than one species of Balsamodendron is said to produce the 

 commercial Myrrh. They are small-sized trees of the Arabian deserts, and 

 are widely cultivated in the tropics. 



Gilead Balsam is furnished by Balsamodendron Opobalsamum, a small 

 tree of Arabia. Two closely allied congeners are B. capense, of tropical 

 South Africa, and B. Muhul, of Northern India, both producing a highly 

 scented substance. 



The oily, aromatic, resinous substances, Myrrh and Gilead Balsam, are 

 mentioned in the earliest writings of the Egyptians and Arabians. 



Allspice. 



The cultivation of Pimenta officinalis has extended from Central 

 America and the West Indies into all tropical countries. 



It is an ornamental evergreen tree, preferring rich soil, and can be 

 grown to about 3,000 feet elevation to advantage, ripening its fruit readily. 

 A pleasant aromatic spice is obtained from the berry. It is supposed 

 to contain the flavour of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, and hence the 

 name. 



Jamaica supplies the world's requirements, and the Pimento walks are 

 to be seen on the mountains on the north side. An average yield from a 

 tree is 150 lb. The berries ripen in July. The total returns are given 

 at seven million pounds, value £30,000. 



In 1906 the shipments of Pimento from Jamaica are given at £78,900, 

 the maximum yield of any year. 



Pimenta citrifolia is a pretty evergreen tree widely distributed in 

 the tropics : from the flowers and leaf buds an agreeable spirit, which 

 is extensively used in perfumery, is distilled. The leaves are also used 

 as a condiment for the same purpose as the Sweet Bay (Laurus nobilis). 



Cloves. 



Two species of " cloves " are generally cultivated throughout the tropics 

 (fig. 127). They form pretty evergreen trees, easily grown, prefer shade, 

 and flower freely up to 2,000 feet elevation. Where they succeed their 

 cultivation is highly profitable. The unexpanded flower bud is the article 

 of commerce. After being gathered the buds are toasted over a wood fire, 

 smoked and partially dried, and then finished in the sun. The world's 

 consumption of cloves is limited, and in some seasons the production 

 is double the demand. Owing to its very pungent flavour small quantities 

 are sufficient in condiments and decoctions. Zanzibar and Pemba produce 

 about seven million pounds annually, valued at £98,000. The entire trade 

 is in native hands, and the cloves are shipped to Bombay and afterwards 



