i-S WONDERS OF THE TROPICAL FORESTS, 
In the course of a year, young pimento plants are found 
springing up on all parts of the landj produced, it is 
supposed, in consequence of the ripe berries having been 
scattered there hy the birds, while the prostrate trees 
protect and shade the tender seedlings. At the end of 
two years the land is thoroughly cleared, and none but 
the most vigorous plants, which come to maturity in about 
seven years, are left standing." 
The berries are carefully picked while yet green, since, 
when suffered to ripen, they lose their pungency. One 
person on the tree gathers the small branches, and tliree 
others, nsually women and children, find full employment 
in picking the berries from them. The produce is then 
exposed to the sun for about a week, when the berries lose 
their gi'een hue and become of a reddish brown. When 
perfectly dry, they are in a fit state for exportation. In 
favourable seasons, which, however, seldom occur above 
once in five years, the pimento crop is enormous, a single 
tree having been known to yield one hundredweight of 
the dried spice. From it^ combining the flavour and 
properties of many of the Oriental aromatics, pimento has 
derived its popular name of allspice, and^ from its being 
cheaper than black pepper, its consumption is very great. 
THE END. 
ritlltTSO BV AALLAHTYNE, KANiiOH A^TD CO. 
