596 COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION OF the shell, and otherwise subject them to such pro- cesses as would destroy the powers of germination. These processes, as mentioned ah'eady, consist of a slow kiln-drying and smoking for three months, and immersion in a mixture of quick-lime and salt-water, with drying, which require near two months longer. This factitious system of curing the nutmegs is attended with the greatest waste and inconveni- ence. According to the old and natural process of curing the nuts in their shell, and which re- quires but a short and hasty kiln-drying, the fruit is effectually secured from the depredation of in- sects ; no tropical product is more hardy, and it is fit for stowage in bulk, without any package or protection, but its hard and impenetrable shell. On the other hand, the moment the fruit is extri- cated from the shell, it becomes one of the most perishable of productions. A peculiar insect, call- ed by Europeans the nutmeg fly, attacks it, and the immersion in caustic lime but imperfectly pro- tects it against its depredations. * Owing to the
- '» The history of the nutmeg insect^" says Mr Hopkins,
in the manuscript report formerly quoted, " if fully known, would be curious, and might probably afford the means of guarding the fruit against its depredations. '] his much is known with certainty, that so long as a nutmeg, after being well dried, is kept in its shell, it is secure against the insect, though length of time may occasion it to lose its flavour, or
