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PA PAW. 
Polyandria Polygynia. Linn. Anonse. Juss. 
Anona triloba. A foliis glabriusculis, oblongè cuneato-obovalibus ; petalis 
exterioribus orbiculatis ; fructibus maximis , crassius carnosis. 
Although the Papaw most frequently presents itself in the form of a 
shrub, it sometimes exhibits such dimensions that it maybe ranked among 
trees of the third order; as it is sufficiently interesting in other respects to 
merit attention, I have therefore thought proper to describe it. 
By the French of Upper Louisiana, and of the two Canadas, the Anona 
triloba is called Assirninier, and by the Americans, Papaw. I have -not 
observed it north of the Schuylkill river, and it appears to be unknown, or 
extremely rare, in the low and maritime parts of the Southern States. It 
is not uncommon in the bottoms which stretch along the rivers of the 
Middle States; but it is most abundant in the rich valleys intersected by 
the western waters, where at intervals, it forms thickets exclusively .occu- 
pying several acres. In Kentucky and in the western part of Tennessee, 
it is sometimes seen also in forests where the soil is luxuriantly fertile ; of 
which its presence is an infallible proof.' In these forests it attains the 
height of 30 feet and the diameter of 6 or 8 inches, though it generally 
stops short of half this elevation. 
The leaves are borne on short petioles, and are alternate, 5 or 6 inches, 
in length, and of an elongated form, wideningfrom the base to the summit. 
They are of a fine texture, and the superior surface is smooth and brilliant. 
The flowers, which are attached by short peduncles are pendent and of a 
purple hue. 
When the fruit is ripe, which takes place toward the beginning of Au- 
gust, it is about 3 inches long and an inch and a half thick, of a yellowish 
color, and of an oval form, irregular and swelling into inequalities. Its 
pulp is soft and of an insipid taste, and it contains several large, triangular 
stones. It is never brought into the markets, and is sought in the woods 
only by children. At Pittsburg, some persons have succeeded in making 
from it a spirituous liquor ; but notwithstanding this experiment, very fee- 
ble hopes can be entertained of cultivating the tree with profit for this pur- 
pose. 
The trunk of the Papaw is covered with a silver-grey bark, which is 
smooth and even polished. The wood is spongy, extremely soft, destitute 
of strength, and applicable to no use in the mechanical arts. I have noticed 
