THE PINE-APPLE. 
133 
may be seen, each with a small yellow flower at 
its tip. 
9. '^The banana is indeed a handsome and 
wonderful plant. The plantain is very much like 
it, but is usually eaten as a vegetable or as meal, 
while the banana is greatly enjoyed as a ripe 
fruit, and is eaten uncooked." 
10. " The bananas which we saw on their way 
to the market just now were green," said Fred. 
They were not ripe." 
11. ''Oh, no!" said his uncle. ''Those that 
are sent to other countries have to be cut before 
they are ripe, lest they should spoil on the way. 
The men have to handle the fruit very gently, for 
the least bruise will cause it to decay. Most of 
the Jamaica bananas are sent to America. No 
doubt we shall see some put on board ship at 
Annotto Bay." 
THE PINE-APPLE. 
1. "What fruit do you like best, Uncle?" 
asked Fred one day. 
" Ah ! that question puzzles me," said Mr. 
Hill. " I could name many fruits that are very 
nice. Perhaps I enjoy the pine-apple as well as 
any of them, though I like the mango, and guava, 
and many other fruits too." 
