In India, the roots and leaves are used medicinally. Bael gum is a sticky, astringent substance soluble in water. The fruit contains several large, flat, woolly seeds, which germinate readily, and the plant is also very easily propagated from root cuttings. [Illustration: PLATE LXXXII.--_Bhel or Bael Fruit._ One third natural size.] _G. P. W. Collection._ PLATE LXXXIII _Diospyros decandra._ BROWN PERSIMMON. This is an evergreen tree rarely found in Hawaii. It has alternate, irregular, long, narrow leaves, shiny dark-green on the upper side, a velvety light-green on the underside, and has a long petiole. The branches are brittle, light-green, smooth and shiny when young, and after the leaves shed become woody and inclined to dry back. The trunk and bark of the tree is covered with warty excresences. The solitary flowers are four-petaled. The edible fruit ripens in December, is round, depressed, about 2½ inches in diameter, in color light-green dotted with numerous white spots. When quite ripe the thin skin turns to a shiny-brown. The soft chocolate colored pulp is sweet and contains from 1 to 8 large flat seeds. [Illustration: PLATE LXXXIII.--_Brown Persimmon._ Natural size.] _G. P. W. Collection._ PLATE LXXXIV _Lucuma Rivicoa._ EGG FRUIT. This small evergreen tree, which is a native of Brazil, is found only in one or two gardens in Honolulu. Its leaves are elliptic-obovate, resembling those of the mango. The yellow flowers are single, the fruit is the size and shape of a hen's egg, and has the flavor of the yolk of an egg sweetened with sugar. It has from one to three large seeds, which are easily germinated. [Illustration: PLATE LXXXIV.--_Egg Fruit._ One third natural size.] _G. P. W. Collection._ PLATE LXXXV _Eriobotrya Japonica._ LOQUAT. The Loquat has been for many years a familiar fruit in our gardens, and is a native of China and Japan. It is a low evergreen tree with thick foliage, and in congenial climates is a profuse bearer. Its leaves are thick, oblong, and remotely toothed and grow near the ends of the branches. The white flowers grow in clusters, are very fragrant, and the fruit, which also ripens in clusters, about Christmas time, is pear-shaped, and has an agreeable acid flavor. The seeds are large, and germinate readily. Fine grafted and budded varieties have been introduced by local horticulturalists. [Illustration: PLATE LXXXV.--_Loquat._ One fourth natural size.] _G. P. W. Collection._ PLATE LXXXVI _Litchi Chinensis._ "LICHEE." This tree, with its dense foliage, is a native of Southern China. The first tree of this variety was brought to Hawaii by Mr. Afong, and planted at his residence in Nuuanu avenue, Honolulu, in the year 1870.