The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1875-06-16
Concerning JIangOes.

This fruit has become quite abundant in
Honolulu, Lahaina and perhaps other places,
so as to be literally a drug. There are in
this city probably not less than one thousand
mango trees, which bear on an average at least
barrelfull apiece, many bearing several
barrels full. The fruit was originally brought
here some fifty years ago, as is said, from South
1 America, and one Of the oldest trees now grow
ing is to be found in the garden of the late
I Captain Adams at Kalihi Its trunk measures
between eight and nine feet in circumference,
though its height is about the same as other
! full grown mango trees. This is the mother Of
all the common mango fruit on the islands.
There was a very old tree in Manini's garden,
which is probably still living; but it is gen.
orally conceded that the one in Captain Adams
premises is the parent tree.
Some twenty-five years ago, Captain Harvey,
commanding an English war vessel, brought
few seeds Of the Mazzagong mango from Bonn
bay, India and gave them to Mr.. Wylie, then
Minister of foreign affairs. One of these seeds
was planted by Capt Adams, and another by
Mr.. W. Jarrett, both Of which have attained ma
turity, and are now loaded with fine fruit, which
differs from the common in size, favor, and
appearance. 1t is much larger, measuring
usually from nine to twelve inches in circum-
ference. The favor is much superior to the
common kind, the skin quite thin and the meat
very thick and sweet. The shape is different
generally short and more round, while the tip
has peculiar curling termination.
Seven years ago we met native fruit ped
der in Nuuanu street, who had some unusually
large mangoes, which we bought expressly for
the seeds. These we planted and have now six
trees growing from them, one of which has
borne fruit two years, nearly all of which have
been of enormous size for mangoes, measuring
from tea 10 thirteen inches, the largest weighing
a pound each. Where these fruits came from
we do not know, but, judging from the shape,
size and taste, we suppose they are from the
Adzzlg0ng seeds. There are two other trees
like ours, and of about the same age
one is in DR.. Hoffmann's garden, and the other
in the premises lately owned by Dr. Hutchinson,
and now by Mr.. Roth. These are all probably
one variety, and descended from the seeds
brought by Captain Harvey.
But the main thing to which we wish to call
the attention Of our readers is the fact that
this fruit, like apples, peaches, sc, may be i'm
proved by cultivation, and probably by grating.
By care in selecting only the largest and finest
fruit for planting, larger mangoes may be
raised, as is clearly shown in our own expert
ence If slips from these choice trees are grated
into the common stalk, improved fruit will be
the result. What may be the best season for
this operation we cannot say; this must be
determined by experiment, and all who have
the opportunity should test it. The common
mango is now hardly worth the picking while
such fruit as that to which we have referredis
luxury anywhere. One thing is quite certain,
that those who wish choice mangoes can readily
secure them by care in selecting the best seed
obtainable.
There is also growing here a sour or sub
acid mango, known as the Chimney, which some
relish, and which doubtless was brought here
from the East Indies. 1t is small in size, but
may be improved by selecting only the seeds of
large mangOes for planting. Mr.. Coan informs
US that the first tree was raised in Hilo by Mr..
Goodrich, who planted the seed about the year
ISIS, or fifty years ago. This tree is now
hourishing In Mr.. C's garden. Many of the
trees of this variety at Hilo do not bear fruit,
owing, as is supposed, to the blight on them.
We have been informed by gentleman living
at Kalihi, that on the suggestion of French
naturalist, he drove iron spikes into his
mango tree. the result Of which has been that
the quality Of the fruit is entirely changed for
the better, and there is none of the turpentine