THE ISLAND OF CEYLON. 313 
The mango is of an oblong cylindrical form, in shape 
and size resembling an egg. Its taste and flavour are pe- 
culiar, and it is reckoned one of the most delicious fruits 
in India. One remarkable circumstance is, that no one 
mango resembles another plucked from the same tree in 
taste or flavour. The pulp, which is extremely juicy and of 
a stringy texture, is covered with a coat like a peach, but 
larger and thicker, and easily peeled off. The kernel is 
very large, and of the same shape as the fruit. In smell 
the mango resembles the melon, although at times it smells 
not unlike turpentine. The fruit when ripe is extremely 
wholesome to eat ; and when plucked before arriving at 
maturity it makes the best pickles and preserves known in 
that quarter of the world. The mango-tree grows to a 
vast size, and extends its large and beautiful branches 
like our oak ; but the timber is not applied to any use- 
ful purpose. 
The mangusteen is a fruit very highly esteemed, but 
one of the rarest in Ceylon, being only found in one or two 
gardens belonging to Dutch gentlemen. In appearance this 
fruit resembles the pomegranate, but the pulp is more like 
that of the mango, and consists of fibres full of juice. 
It is esteemed an excellent remedy in fluxes. 
The shaddock or pumpelmose often grows to the size of 
a mans head. In shape it resembles the orange, and is 
covered with a coat of the same texture, although much 
-softer and thicker. The pulp also resembles that of the 
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