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G. P. W. Collection.

PLATE C

Olea Europea.

OLIVE.

The Olive, which is a native of Southwestern Asia, is not a tree of any great height, but is very longlived, and yields prolifically. Although not cultivated to any extent, the Olive has been growing in Hawaii for many years. However, it has fruited only in a few favorable localities, and nothing has ever been done to test its value commercially.

The tree thrives best in a warm, dry atmosphere, where the soil is rich and well drained. Long-continued droughts so detrimental to most plants will affect the Olive but slightly. The tree requires judicious pruning immediately after the fruit is gathered, when the sap is comparatively at rest. The small, thick leaves are lanceolate, opposite, and usually entire; they are dull green above and silvery beneath. The small white flowers, which come in panicles, are usually imperfect. The fruit is a small, ellipsoid drupe, which is bluish-black when ripe. Its oil is an important product. The Olive may be propagated from seeds, cuttings, layers, suckers and pieces of the old stumps. The seeds require some time to germinate, and the growth of the young plant is slow.

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This variety of grape was early introduced to these Islands, and has become very popular. It is a hardy vine, variable in productiveness, and is practically the only grape grown in any quantity in Hawaii. The leaves are of medium size, often roundish and thick; their upper surface is dark-green, the under surface is whitish-green. The Isabella is an attractive blue-black grape, bearing in large, well-formed clusters, having a thick bloom. The muskiness of the thick skin is somewhat objectionable.

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G. P. W. Collection.

Pyrus Sinense.

PLATE CH

SAND PEAR.

This tree is a vigorous and clean grower, having strong, thick shoots, beautiful foliage, and very ornamental fruit. The dark-green leaves are broadly ovate, and long-pointed, with their margins thickly furnished with very sharp, almost bristle-like teeth. The large white flowers appear rather in advance of the leaves. The fruit is hard and rough, about 21⁄2 inches in diameter, with generally a depression about the stem. The flesh is tough and gritty, but is very delicious when baked. Propagation is by cuttings.

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