We never see this in the United States. It is a fruit of the tropics, especially of the Oriental tropics. They are of about the shape and size of the orange, and have a broad, peltate, lobed stigma. The rind is like that of the pome-granate; it is also something like the pomegranate in structure. It is at first green, and changes to dark brown. It is said to be the most luscious of fruits, the pulp and juice a mingling of the strawberry and grape. It is absolutely healthy, and can be eaten with safety in the tropics in great quantities by both the sick and the well.

The Durian is another of the oriental tropical fruits. It is a most delicious fruit. The tree bearing it is known as the Durio, of the family Ster-culiaceoe, the only known species of its genus, Durio Zibethinus. The fruit is round or oval and nearly a foot long. It has a hard rind, with prickles. It has five cells, each with several seeds. The pulp is of light yellow, with a delicious flavor, and an odor not at all inviting. The seeds are cooked and eaten like nuts.

We are beginning to see the Cactus Fig in our markets. It is rather a mean thing in fruits and sticks your fingers more than it tickles your palate.

Papaw

This fruit grows wild in many parts of the United States, especially in the Southwest. It doubtless has some power of helping the digestion of the albuminoids. It is somewhat on the order of the fig and is eaten when very ripe.

Pomegranate

This is more of a tropical fruit and to me tastes something like syrup of squill, which I remember with sorrow as having been poured down me when a child suffering from a cold. It probably is about as good a fruit as squill is a medicine. This is the best I can say of it.

Figs (Fruit Of Ficus Carica)

The fresh fig is very sweet and we are probably all familiar with them, especially with the dried ones. They are cured by artificial heat and by sun and air. They have a reputation as an aperient; this is probably on account of the peristalsis produced by the physical action of the seeds.

Guava (From The Fruit Of The Psidium Guaiava)

The fruit is bright yellow and very fragrant; indeed, so fragrant is it that the taste appears insipid after the delightful odor. It comes to us chiefly from Florida and the West Indies. The jelly made from it is delightful.

Alligator Pear (Persea Gratessima)

This fruit is a native of the West Indies and of tropical America. The leaves and the bark have some reputation as an antiperiodic. I have eaten them on the western coast of Mexico, where they are highly esteemed as a breakfast course.

Alligator Apple (Fruit Of The West Indian Tree Anona Palustris)

I give it here merely to distinguish it from the Alligator pear. It is used medicinally as an astringent, chiefly in Mexico. It is known as the Custard Apple.