12b 
CALYCIFLORAE. 
ally produced an abundant crop. The flowers of the 
barren trees, differ in nothing from those of the fertile, 
except that they are somewhat smaller, and that the sta- 
mens are more fully developed, and more numerous, 
whereas the different parts of the pistil are smaller. 
The circumstance therefore of certain trees being 
barren must be referred to some peculiarity in the 
system, incapacitating for the due performance of the 
reproductive function. Pimento-growers inform us that 
this may be remedied, and that by cutting and pruning 
close for two or three years, such trees may be rendered 
fertile. 
The Pimento is a common tree in several districts of 
this Island, more particularly in the parish of St. Ann, 
and in hilly parts where the white limestone prevails. 
The birds are very fond of the berries when ripe, and 
thus become active agents in disseminating the tree. 
Hence in a district where Pimento is grown, in order to 
establish a Walk or Plantation, it is only necessary to 
clear the trees and brush wood from a piece of land, when 
young Pimento plants will spring up in every direction. 
Very little care, with the exception of an occasional clean- 
ing, is required, and in a few years, what has received 
the name of a Pimento-Walk , is established. 
The crop is collected during the months of June, July, 
and August, by breaking off, with the hand, the branches, 
bearing fruit. It is said that the trees sufler less if the 
branches arc broken, than if they are removed by cutting 
or pruning with a sharp instrument. The berries are 
taken before they ripen, when they are still green, and 
are dried on barbicues by exposure to the sun. When 
thoroughly dry, they are put into bags, each containing a 
hundred pounds. The ripe berries, I may mention, are 
rejected ; for when dry they are almost tasteless and 
possess very little of the peculiar aromatic flavour. 
Pimento plantations, in productive years, are a source 
of great wealth to their proprietors. A single tree has 
been known to yield one hundred and fifty pounds of 
cured Pimento. The crop, however, is very uncertain ; 
for the trees seldom bear heavily oftener than once in 
five years. 
Pimento has received the name of Jamaica pepper; 
from the circumstance that the supply is almost wholly 
furnished by this Island. The name of Allspice has been 
given to it because its flavour was considered to bo a 
