* * * "And what is next, like an evergreen peach, shedding from the under side of every leaf a golden light - call it not shade? A Star Apple." - Kingsley.

A tropical fruit worthy of much greater attention than it has yet received in our Gulf States, is the star-apple of the West Indies. It is a sapotaceous tree, known as Chrysophyllum Cainito. Our illustration on page 205 is reproduced from Le Jardin, and presents the essential features of the plant and fruit. As will be seen from the cut fruit, the name is very appropriate. The late F. W. Reasoner gave the following account of it in Mr. Van Deman's bulletin No. 1, on tropical and semi-tropical fruits:

"The Star-apple tree ultimately attains a height of 30 feet, and is a profuse bearer. The fruit is of the size of an apple, though nearly as smooth and round as a billiard ball. It ripens in April and May. When cut into halves transversely the fruit discloses a greenish or purple pulp, with whitish star-shaped 'core,' containing from four to ten brown seeds as large as pumpkin seeds. * * * Star-apples are worth from 15 to 30 cents per dozen in Key West, and there is a good demand".

Bois and Mawry, in Le Jardin, distinguish three leading varieties of Star-apple: Jamaicense, with sub-oval, reddish-green fruit; Cwruleum, with a globular, small, blue fruit - this is known in Martinique as the Gros Bouts; Portoricence, with small leaves.

The Star-apple is cultivated in Brazil and Guiana, and has been introduced into India, while as may be noted from Mr. Reasoner's remarks, it is grown to some extent in southern Florida. Further attention to its culture will probably increase its range, and if it will "ship" or get to the great cities in good shape, it will be only another addition to the profitable resources of the flower state.