( 27 ) 
if necessary, a hooked stick to pull down the higher 
branches. A good worker in the full fruiting season 
will collect from 1,000 to 1,500 fruits per day. 
The tree fruits throughout the year, but the heaviest 
crop is obtained usually in July and August. The 
whole fruit consists of three parts, (1) the husk, 
(2) the mace and (3) the seed or nutmeg of com- 
merce. 
The yield of nutmegs from individual trees varies 
considerably, but good trees should average 1,500 to 
2,000 fruits a year. A yield of 750 lbs. of nutmegs 
and 120 lbs. of mace per acre is, however, considered 
satisfactory under ordinary conditions. 
Preparation of Nutmegs and Mace . — A few days 
after collecting, the fruits burst open and the mace 
is detached from the seed by opening it from the 
top and turning it back. The fresh mace is of a 
brilliant red colour, rather tough £fnd leathery, and 
possessing a peculiar turpentine odour. After re- 
moval the mace is flattened out, either by hand or 
between boards. It is then placed in the sun for a 
few hours each day until dry, which takes from ten 
to fourteen days. 
The husk and mace having been removed, the seed, 
which is still in the shell, is dried in the sun in the 
same way as the mace. When the seeds are dry 
they rattle in the shell on shaking, and are stored 
in the shells. As soon as sufficient stocks have been 
obtained, the shell or seed coat is cracked, which is 
done either by striking one end with a wooden 
mallet, or more economically by machinery. After 
the seed is removed from the shell it is very liable 
to the attacks of insects, especially if stored for 
any length of time. 
6>'-f f/'lW 
