Are There No Important Fruits, Other Than What You Have Discussed?

"Yes, dates and figs. The dried dates and figs of commerce are the richest of all the fruits."

What Is The Average Composition Of Them?

"They contain more than two-thirds solid matter, about four per cent of flesh-forming substances; and nearly fifty per cent sugar, considerable waste material, and mineral matter. The date contains very nearly the same properties as the fig, with the addition of pectose or gum. These fruits dried contain nearly the same proportion of. heat-producing and tissue-forming substances as rice, and will therefore support life for a considerable length of time."

Are They Used Extensively As Food?

"Not so extensively as they should be, for figs are quite laxative, which is due, partly, to the seeds, and partly to the fact that figs, especially green figs, have a digestive agent similar to that of a pineapple, only less pronounced. They are used more by vegetarians than others, and deserve a favorable place in our dietaries, but should always be cooked."