578 
Vanilla. 
Am.  Jour.  Pharm- 
Dec,  1893. 
that  has  been  gathered  each  crop  has  been  above  15,000,000 
with  the  exception  of  a  small  quantity  gathered  on  the  southern 
coast  of  Vera  Cruz,  some  100,000.  The  remainder  comes  from  the 
cantons  of  Papantla  and  Misantla,  mostly  from  Papantla.  The 
prices  which  it  has  attained  during  that  time  have  varied  much, 
ranging  from  $22  to  $125  a  thousand.  According  to  the  data 
in  my  possession  it  averages  $60  to  $70,  and  produces  over  $  1 ,000,000. 
The  smallest  unripe  Vanilla  weighs  20  pounds  to  the  thousand,  and 
the  largest  65  pounds  to  the  thousand,  and  the  average  about  45  to 
40  pounds.  The  average  loss  of  weight  in  curing  is  about  9  pounds 
to  the  thousand.  The  length  of  the  Bean  varies  as  much  as  its 
weight,  measuring  from  4^4  to  10  inches ;  the  greater  part  ranging 
from  7  to  8)4  inches.  The  plant  (Vanilla  Planifolia)  grows  a  few 
yards  in  length  each  year,  some  portions  of  it  clinging  to  the  tree 
which  supports  it,  and  some  remaining  loose  and  hanging  wave-like. 
Its  thickness  is  about  ^  to  ]/2  inch.  It  is  very  juicy,  round,  and  oi 
a  green  color,  knotty  at  intervals,  leaves  alternate  shaped  like  spear 
and  plump.  The  flower  is  yellow,  and  has  a  sweet,  agreeable  smell. 
The  plant  grows  in  length  only.  It  does  not  grow  anything  like  a 
grape  vine,  it  only  bears  fruit  upon  the  new  portion  that  grows  each 
year.  The  thickness  of  the  Vanilla  Bean  decreases  gradually  from 
two-thirds  of  the  lower  portion  to  the  tip.  Its  shape  is  almost 
round,  somewhat  flattened  on  one  side,  curving  up  to  the  neck 
which  generally  terminates  in  an  arc.  Its  circumference  varies,, 
measuring  when  green  from  two  to  three  inches,  although  the 
greater  part  measures  three-fourths  inches  in  diameter.  It  has  a 
thin,  smooth  cuticle,  with  two  superficial  lines  on  either  side.  When 
thoroughly  ripe  its  color  varies  from  dark  green  to  light  yellow. 
Its  lower  portion  is  filled  with  small  seeds,  and  after  being  treated 
its  thickness  is  reduced  to  one-fourth  of  its  original  size.  It  remains 
black,  oily,  and  has  an  agreeable  perfume. 
Around  Misantla  there  are  often  several  varieties,  these  are  known 
as  Misantla  Bean,  having  thick  skins.  They  are  not  packed  as  well7 
and  are  not  considered  as  valuable  as  the  Papantla  curing.  These 
varieties  are  designated  by  the  natives  as  Cimarrona,  Mestiza,  Manza. 
When  cured  only  an  expert  can  tell  the  different  goods.  The  wild 
or  Pompoma  Bean,  Segne  Xante,  or  sometimes  called  banana  vanilla 
by  the  Totonaca  Indians  who  eat  them,  is  to  be  found  here.  This 
plant  differs  from  that  of  the  Vanilla  Planifolia,  in  that  it  is  much 
