Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-07-17

ness III all these places and the result is
that bananas are now cheaper than ever,
and the supply is large enough to meet
the rapid increase in demand. This in
crease has been very remarkable during
the past few seasons. 1t is probable that
this year between 15,OOO,OO and 2O,OOO,O 900
punches will be brought into this country.
OF this amount. nearly one-half comes by
way of New Orleans one-third by New
York. and the remainder through other
ports.
Twenty Million Bunches.
1t is only within the past few years that.
the handling of bananas has been worthy
the name of distinct trade. Previously
1t was only a part of the fruit trade and,
like most kinds of fruit, the banana was
counted on as good for it's season. The
banana season was ION" when apples, ber-
rieS and other native fruits were off" AS
time went on, however, and greater famil-
lar1ty with the banana taught people that
II was one of the most excellent and adapt
able OF fruits, steady demand grew up
which persists the year around Physf-
clans took up the banana and recommended
1t for its healtful and nourishing qualities,
and altogether the banana has come into
high favor. That Is briefly why the people
OF the United States will eat this year some
2oU0Uo0 punches of bananas, or roughly
one bunch averaging 200 bananas to every
FAMILY In the country. Aside from it's COM
merc1al Importance, the banana trade is
ior ltS picturesque feature.
From the dark-hued Jamaican or Mexican
who cuts the stalks where they grow
through the colored roustabouts and white
handlers who load and unload the vessels.
the wholesale and retail dealers, to the
Greek and Italian push-cart merchants who
sell the fruit upon our city streets there la
a range of thrift and shiftlessness, and a
variety of humankind that it would be
hard to match in any other industry
Inc boats engaged In the banana trade
are properly coasting vessels, light of draft.
to accommodate the shallow harbors of the
tropics, built for fair speed and great car
ry1ng capacity. Most of them belong to
the different firms that import the fruit
and carry from 10000 to 10000 punches at
each trip. This means from 2,OOO,OOO to
4.UO,UO bananas in every cargo. The
pertshable nature of their load requires
boats, and there Is no more lively or inter
eSt1ng scene than banana vessel taking
on or discharging cargo.
At the little West Indian ports where
the bananas are loaded there is apt 10 be
the greatest excitement during the day or
two while the vessel Is taking on its cargo
Carts Of the most wonderful construction
come pouring in from the plantations piled
high with the green fruit, fresh cut These
carts are hauled by bony cattle or sullen
mules. and are driven by lazy blacks, who
loll upon their loads and swear Justify at
their teams and at each other in the
musical tones of these southern Islands
The air Is full Of the cracking Of whips,
rich Spanish oaths and an occasional in
MIGRATING Anglo-Saxon Injunction to look
lively there"
Every Banana is Counted.
As the heavy punches of fruit go over
the ships side they are counted and packed
away In the hold in lots Of sevens, Fights
or hines, according to the number of