Page 326 - Travels in Arabis (Vol I)

XIX.] TRAVELS IN OMAN. 289

flavour. Of limes, there are the Citrus acida,
and three or four other species, also well

known in India by the designation of sweet
limes. Lemons are scarce and small; but
the citron attains a very large size. The

lemon-tree is said to be a native of Persia ;
but from its Arabian name, Limon, it would

appear to have been brought to Europe by
the Arabs. From the juice of limes, they

make sherbet, a very cooling beverage, drank
in large quantities during febrile disor­
ders. Of tamarinds and mangoes there are

also several kinds, differing considerably in
size, flavour, and appearance ; but the best

are considered inferior to those obtained in
India. In the spring, when this tree puts

forth its blossom, the whole of its foliage ap­
pears of a golden hue, which, with its wide-

spreading branches, and umbrageous foliage,
entitles it to rank as the most noble among
the vegetable productions of the oases.

Quinces (Pyrus cydoma and Pyrus mains') are

found on the Jebel Akhdar—the latter on
the plains. A considerable quantity of
this fruit is shipped off to India. Custard

apples, Anana reticulata. Grapes are row a
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