( ) 
it.but a few fhrivell’d Grains, which were not much 
larger than thofe of a Fig. 
- It is furprifing however, that the moft delicious 
Fruit of all the Indies , and which yields to none of 
the beft in Europe , is that which of all has been hi- 
therto leaft known. But as I have often eaten of it, 
and found it as excellent as it is reputed in the Gaun- 
tries where it is cultivated, I refolved to examine its 
Genus, to fettle its Characters, and to give a De- 
fcription of if, which might make it better known 
for the future to Botanifts, and other curious Per- 
fons. 
This Tree originally grows in the Molucca Elands, 
but for fome Years paft it has been tranfplanted into 
thelile of Java, and fome few at Malacca , in which 
Places it thrives very well. Its Tuft is fo fine, fo 
regular, fo equal, and the Appearance of its Leaves fo 
beautiful, that it is at prefent looked upon at Batavia 
as the moft proper for adorning a Garden, and afford* 
ing an agreeable Shade-, yet there have been but few 
Europeans in the Indies who have made ufe of it 
for this Purpofe, becaufe they were unacquainted 
with it. They employed other Trees which did not 
near come up to it as to Ufefulnefs and Beauty. 
Travellers who make mention of its Fruit, always 
fpeak of it with great Encomiums. Linfchooten is 
the only one who, after having given a Defcription 
of feveral Indian Fruits in his own way, thought it 
needlefs to deferibe the Mangojfans , as well as 
fome others, becaufe, fays he, they are little valued. 
Probably he never faw it, but upon Enquiry took 
upon Credit what fome Perfonor other told him, who 
I i knew 
