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HORTI/sTjAMAICENSia

OB. A

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

(ACCORDING TO THE LiNNEAN SYSTEM)

AND AtT

ACCOUNT OF THE VIKTUES,,&G.

OP ITS

INDIGENOUS PLANTS HITHERTO KNOWN,

AS ALSO OF THE MOST USEFUL EXOTICS.
COMPILED FROM THE BEST AUTHORITIES, AND ALPHABETICALLY ARRANGEDj,

IN "fWi^VpllJRlES,

iNEVV YORK

BOTANICAL

OARDisN

Bij JOHN L UN'k'N.

^;

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JAMAICA ,

TRINTED AT THE OFFICE OF THE ^T. JAGO DE L\ VEGA GAZEfTE.

1814.

i-'.i

.:)

*'.J

TO THE SUBSCFiIBEri8.-

On the conclusiou 6f a work which lias l>een attended with verv cop>-
siderable labour and expence, the compiler would be ^^'antillg io
that respect due to the tew gentlemen \^ho hav^ patronised it, if he
failed to rtturn to them his sincere thanks. Although, at the com-
mencement, dnd on the cover of every number, he solicited assistance
and information, very lew indeed have been the contributions received.
The greatest assistance afforded has been the perusal of the manu-
scripts of the late Mr Anthony Hobinson, an; I several papers of the-
late Dr. Broughton and others, most obligingly communicatcf* to him
by Alexander Aikman^ I'sq. one of the representatives in assembly
for the parish ot St. George, iu v.'^hose posaessiou they now are. From
these papers several valuable extracts have been made:^ In addition to
which, although the original proposals only promised a compilation,
many new oi)senations atid descriptiotis will be found interspersetl, as-
they occurred to the compiler in the course of" his vaious reseaiches.
Upon the wh(jle, lie trusts, . h nvever imperfeet the attempt, that it^
will be found the most complete system of Jamaica botany extant.
Had encoufagement oHeredy it was the comjnler's intention not only
to have fiirnished plates, but to have extended the work to the animal
and mineral kmgdiims of Jamaica; and tlius. have formed an entire
natural history of the island, on the same plan. He has. however^,
performed, though at a loss, all he at first promised, and must leave
it to others, blessed with more leisure, or more able and indefatigable
than himself, to perfect the plan, and to correct the many errors and*
deficiencies he iscoascioi.s will be luund in every part ol what hcliae:-
aeconiplishedo

NEW YORK

BOTANiCAL

QARDfeN

PREFACE.

liiE many advantages which would result from a work of this na-
ture, properly executed, and supported by the assistance and contri-
butions of the well-informed part of the conuTiunity, must be so obvi-
ous as to require no observation. The ccnipiler has onl}^ to i egret,
that his abilities, and his opportuaities of acquiring knowledge on the
subject, are not adequate to the task of rendering it perfect: a task,
indeed, hardly to be perlbrmed by au individual.

The principal motive wlrlch induced to this collection was a consi-
deration of the great scarcity of almost every valuable work which
treated of the plants of Jamaica, and the little probability ot their re-
publication. Possessed of these books, as well as many others on the
science of botany, which he had studied as an amusement, a:*d hav-
ing occasionally leisure time, the compiler thought he could not bet-
ter employ such advantages, than by collecting together the observa-
tions of different authors on each particular plant, and comparing

them.

ij. PREFACE.

them, as far as in Iiis power, with the plant itself. In this way he
has gathered and arranged a considerable mass of materials, of which
the present humble specimen is offered, with ail due delerence, for
the opinion of tlie public. Should that opinion jjrove, lortunatelv,
favourable the publication will be continued, or, if otherwise, relin-
quished; and it may not, perhaps, be thought improper to state, in
this place, the general nature of the work, as now prejiared lor the
press, and the authors principally quoted from, that the public expec-
tation may not be dissappointed.

It claims no other merit than that of a careful compilation froni
Barham, Sloane, Browne, Long, Grainger, Wright, Swartz, the
Encyclopedia Britannica, Chambers's Cyclopedia, Marty n's Miller'3
Gardeners' Dictionary, (a work of inestiirxable \alue, and liom which
the greatest assistance has been derived in the scientific part), besides
many other valuable books, as, in its progress, the discerning reader
will easily perceive.

As Barhamhas treated of, and pointed out, more of the virtues of
the plants of this island than any other writer, and as the very limited
edition which was printed of his Hortus Americanus has long ago
been exhausted, the whole of that book will be iound interspersed
throughout this work. Dr. Barham came to this island earlv in tiie
last century, was a member in asiembly about the year 1731, and
returned to England in the year- 1740, He was a man of great pro-
bity, an able physician,, and a skilful naturalist. . He collected and
arranged a number of the plants of" Jamaica, which he presented to
Sir Hans Sloane, who acknowledges his obligations to him in several
parts of his Natural History, and made some communications to tha

ilovd

PREFACE; iu

Fvoval Society: he also published a Treatise on the Siik Worm, in the
year 1719, aad, in the same year, a Practical Kitchen Gardener, in two
octavo volumes, made its appearance, with the name of Barham as the
author, whxh most probably was his composition. Excepting some cx-
ti-acts published by Sloane and Long, no part of his Ilortus Americanus
was printed until the year 1794, the manuscript of which was rescued
from d-jstriiction bv a tbrtunate accident ; having, it is asserted, been
thrown, into an out-house, wliere it was discovered by a gentleman
uho kuf w how to estimate its value. A more complete copy is, in-
deed, mentioned to be in the possession of a gentleman in the parish
of St. Ann, which, if so, it is to be hoped he will no longer withhold
fi-omthe public eye. The compiler wouid rejoice in the opportunity
of enriching this publication by any extracts he might be fkvoured
with from so valuable a manuscript.

The celebrated naturalist. Sir Hans Sloane, arrived in this island
in December, 1687, in quality of physician to his grace the Duke of
Albemarle; but, owing to the death of his grace, his stay here was
onlv fifteen months; yet, in that short space of time, it has been
justly observed, he converted his minutes into hours, and brought to-
gether such a [jrodigious number of plants as astonished the learned
in Europe. These plants formed the materials for the greatest part
of his Natural History of Jamaica, in two folio volumes, the first of
Avliich was published in the year 1707, and the second not till eight-
een years altenvards.

From the preface of Dr. Patrick Browne we understand that he
resided several years in this island, during which time he practised as
a physician, and that all his leisure hours had been employed in col-
lecting

IV' r Pv E F A C E^

k'cting materiols for liis Civil and Natural History of Jamaica. IIg
was an expert botanist, contemporary witli tiie great Liuneus, witii
whom he corresponded, who is one of the subscribers to his book^
and who adopted most of iiis classifications of plants into his system.
His elegant work contains a more correct and scientific description,
of the indigenous plants of this isUiid, than any other book, previ-
ously published.

The very valuable observations of Dr. William Wright, formerly
surgeon-general ol this island, on its medicinal plants, were first and.
principaliy published in the London iMedieal Journal, and some have,
been gleaned from his other publications, as well astrom his notes u-
pon Grainger, who has likewise afforded some useiul information.
The Synopsis of Mc- Long has also furnished many extracts which
are of considerable value.

The learned and indefatigable professor Olob Swartz, lately libra-.-
rian to the King of Sweden, travelled through most of the West-In-
dia islands, in pursuit of botanical knowledge, between the years
1783 and 1787, and has published three able ^vorks, frequently re-
ferred to, containing an account of the discoveries and improvements
he made in his favourite science. In these he has very coireetly de-
scribed and arranged a vast number of the indigenous plants cf this,
and the other islands, which have been appi'oved, and his arrange-
ments adopted, by the most eminent modern botanists. ,

In quoting from the before-mentioned or other authors, care has
been taken to avoid repetition as much as possible, and where the.
descriptions are nearly the same the best has been preferred. Refer-
ences

P R E F A C- E, %

wntes are made, at the foot of each article, to every plant of the same'
genus, or family, v.hich may be described in the progress of the
work, as well as to the page and the plate of cv^vy autaority that
inay be quoted.

The popular mode of alphabetical arrangement, under familiar
names, has" been adopted, as the most agreeable to readers in general ;;,
but, for the benefit of the more scientific, a c!a!>sical table will be
given, at the conclusion of the work, according to tbe Linnean sys-
tem, M'hich has been strictly adhered to, with references to the page.
in wh.ch each j)]ant is described. Systematic ibrms certainly yield
^reat advantages to the professional student, but they only tend to
confuse and embarrass the general reader, though it was as easv, per-
iiaps more so, to have thrown the whole under a classical rather tnaa
aa alphabetical. arrangenjeat It is very diihcult, in a work ot this
nature, to steer a course that will please all. The few learned, who
may be judges of the science, will find fault with the least deviation
from system; , others will be inclined to condemn the work, bee luse
too much of it, is occupied by scientific and, to them, unintelligible
terms. In attempting to |)lease both, it may so hajjpen that neither
will be satisfied, and it is jwobable that a strictly popular form was the
most likely to succeed, lie this as it may, aii attempt has been made
Jo uuite both objects. .

Aware of the great difficulty of such an undertaking, so general
in its plan, so uncerLain in many of its minutia?, the compiler feels,
that, with all the attention in liis power, mistakes will be committed;
he, nevertheless, trusts to the liberality of the public for indulgence,
to the better iriibnncd for correction ; and let it be reiiieiiibered, that

his

VJ

PREFACE.

his main o1jec!: is to rouse attention to so interesting a sul ject, an3
thereby create a spirit ot enquiry. To attain this purpose, no mode
ot" jiuhlication can be better calculated than that ot distinct numbers
at distant intervals; and, to afford every opportunity of" communicar
tion, either for improvem.ent or correction, the articles to be contain-
ed in each succeeding number, vviih occasional oueries, will be enu-
merated on the cover of the one previously published.

Should the attempt, thus ushered before the public, be \vell sup
ported, it is not easy to antiei|)ate the benefical consequences that
mav arise therefrom; and it is presumed that no one will be so selfish
as to conceal fi'om his fellow-creatures any useful information, con-
( erniu';? the plants of this island, while so ready a channel is open
for its conveyance. No o!)ject can be more laudable than that of
contributing towards the improvement of the human understanding,
or of extending the common stock of useful knowledge, and thereby
iucreaiing the general comforts ot mankind.

Of all the branches of science none is of more importance or of
more universal utility, none more pleasing to the student, than bota-
ny-,* and none where the materials of study are so easily procured ;

for

, * 'Mr. Smilh, the prcsidont of the Linnrnn Society, very justly observes, in his Introduction to
Botany, that to medical grnlleimn a knowledge ot that scirnce is indisiKnsaldy mcissary, and
siiould form an essential part of tluir cducalion. The loUowing relation, <Mracied Ironi Ciirlis'
Lectures on Botany, evinces the necessity, and cannot be too gm. rally known; it was conuuu-
nicaled to Mr. Curtis, by Mr. Lowe, suryrijn at Preston, in the foUov. iu^ woids:

" On Thursday the 3lh ot June. Mr. I'r. ckletoii, a healihy strong man, about thirty-five years

of a?e, a publican in the town, eat a handful of fools pai-sley, with nearly the same qunntity of

young leltuce, about one o'clock at noon ; in about ten minutes he was all' cted with a [>ain and

iicirdness in his stomach and bowels, atieuded with a rumbling. lie walked out into the fielils,

but

PREFACE.

Vtt

for the delightful verdure of the fields is continually before our eyes,
continually inviting the researches of the curious naturalist,

Who, when young Spring protrudes the bursting gems,
Marks the first bud, and sucks the healthful galo
Into his freshen'd soul ; her genial hours
He full enjoys ; and not a beauty blows.

And not an op'ning blossom breathes, in vain. ~''

Thomson;

There is not a planter in the island but has some leisure time to cul-
tivate this agreeable study, and his very hours of business will att .rd

hiin

tut was feizcd with siicli langu'ir, wraiitiPss, nnd weakness, tluif it was with difficulty lie sud-
jjortoil liiniit'lf lill he got Iioiik' ; he uas much troubled with giddiuess in his luad, his vision w:is
confused, iind soiiu'tinns objects appraied double : at sev< n o'clock he took an emetic, wiiich
brouj;ht up, as he supposes, all ihu tools paisley he had eaten, but not any of the lettuce ; this
considerably relieved him iroin the uneasy sensations in l-.is boweis, but the other sjinptoms con-
tinued, and he passed a restless nii;ht. Next day ho had much pain in his head and eves, which
last were inllanied and bloodshot ; he had different circumscribed sweltinus in his (ace, which \vt>re
painful ami inllamed, but they were transient, and flew tioin place to place ; this night he took a
powder which made him sweat profusely. On Saturday his eyi.s were hi^hly inflamed, painful,
and entirely dozi d by the surroumlinj; inflammation ; this day he Wiis bled, which gave him much
ease in his head and eyes. Fn in this tim until JMoiuhiy he contmuvd to get better; but liad,.
even then, pain, heat, and inflammation in his eyes, with cedemaliu^ swellings of his cheeks ; his
remaining symptoms went otl' gradually, anil he is now well. He had been told that the j)laai he
Jia<l eaten was heml.ick ; to be satisfied I accompanied him into the garden where he had giilhered
''^ht^-p'tint-, and found it to be cclhusa cynii/nu?!/, or fools parsley. 'J'o be coniineed of this beyond
a "doubt, I compared a specimen of it wiih the ligure and description of the plant in the l^'lora
Londiiienais, wiih which 1 found it exactly to correspond."

" hidcpf ndeni of the singular salisfaclion (continues Mr. Smith) wdiirh Mr. Lnwo must feel .
from knowing the plant in question, an advantage has arisdi ii> ihe public ; llie poisonous (]Ualily
of the fools paisley is ascertained, which betore was only suspected, 'lime, and a tasti- for science,
which of lat'.' years have made such rapid a-ivances, and suck material improvements in every
branch of medicine; which has introduceil a rational practice, founded on an intimate knowledge
of the animal ceconomy, and an accurate history of diseases;- which has rescued sui^iery from the
hands of pretemlers, and taught mmkind to repose a confidence in those only who have laudably
(xrrted themselves in acquiring anatomical knowledge; which has redeemed chemistry from em-
pirics, and made it subservient to the practice of phyic ; will, it is presumed, in a few years^
place botany in a more favourable point of view, and cause its utility to be mure generally ac-
ktcwhdged."

Viii r R E F A C E.

him the means of improving his knowledge. To those whose occtt-
pations confine them to town, the pleasures of a ride or a walk wiU
be much enhanced by some acquaintaaee with the surrounding ob-
jects: besides the general landscape, their minds would be amused
by the indescribable beauties of nature in h(T minutest recesses, and
by studying how to rea|) the fruits of the wonderful vegetable trea-
sures which the bounteous hand of the Almighty has so abundantly
scattered around. Should so laudable a spirit of enquiry be aroused,
the compiler will icjoice in having undertaken the humble office of
pioneer to Jamaica botany, and hope to see, at no distant period, a
superstructure ra'sed, on the materials he has selected, that will be a
lasting memorial ol the good taste and discrimination ol this coinmu-
nity.

HOKTUS

HORTUS JAMAICENSIS,

i

Acacia 0)' AcACEE, ^ee Cashaw. .^U"-^ /

Acacia, FALSE, 5ct' Robin u. -ff^-,"

Acajou, see Cashew^. "^-'ii), : "'

No English Name. ACALYPHA.

Class 21, orders Monteciavwnodelphia. Natural order Tricoccar.

THE generic name of this plant is derived from a Greek word, vvhicii , gn.' es 'nofe
jjleasant to handle.'

Generic characters. Male calyx three or four leaved ; no corolla; staiiiina eight
to sixteen : Female calyx, throe leaved ; no corolla ; styles three; capsules three-
grained and three-celled ; seeds solitary. There are fourteen species, seven of
which are known to be natives of Jamaica, viz.

1. reptans.

Urtica viinor mers spicata folio suhrotunclo sotato fvuctu tricocco.
Sloane's Jam. v. 1, p. 125, t. 82. f. 3.

Sjjikes terminating erect, flowers mixed, females lower ; involucres cordate-
serrate; males leafless ; leaves ovate-serrate ; stem creeping.

This plant is described by Sloane as having a large brown root, sending out small
-stems along the surface of the earth ; the leaves small, mthout order, with short foot-
stalks, round, smootli, and serrated. The flowers come out in spikes terminal erect,
anil are purple intermixed with white ones, succeeded by capsules, which become red
and rough on the outside. In each of these are three roundish seeds, everj' one co-
vered with a membrane.

2. VIRGINICA.

Huviilior, foiiis cordato crenatis, spicis mi.vtis ; alaribus ct terminali-
hiis. Browne, p. 346, t. 36, f. 1.
Female involucres heart-shaped gashed; leaves ovate-lanceolate, longer than
the petiole.

This is a suiail twiggy shrub, seldom exceeding four or five feet in ii ight, the
-leaves and flowers are much like tliose of pellitory of the wall.

B 3. VIRC.iTA

2 liORTUS JAMAICENSIS aciiama

3. VIRGATA.

Erccia -jirguUiTsa, fcUis ovato acuminatis alqiie crenatis, spicis uniform
mibits alaribus. Browne, p. 346, t. 36, f. 2.

FfWialc ir.vol'.ici'cs heart-shaped, serrate; male spikes, distinct, naked; leaves
ianco-ovate

This grows in great plenty in Jamaica. Its leaves resemble those of the annual net-
tle and sting full us much when tosched.

4. TOMENTOSA.

Female spikes terminating solitary; involucres manj'-parted ; males erect;
leaves ovutc-lanccolute ; serrate scabrous, villous-tomentose underneath.

S. ANGUSTirOLIA.

Female flowers sub-sessile terminating, involucres serrate ; males in spikes 3
leaves linear serrate.

6. SCABROSA.

Female spikes with cordate gashed involucres : leaves oblong-lanceolate serrate -
scabrous.

7. betui..5:folia.

Fernale flowers axillary sessile, involucres cordate crer.ate ; males in spikes :
leaves roundish, crer.ate, smooth.
The above plants are easily propagated from their seeds, but are possessed of no
beauty. The last four species are from Swartz's Prodromus.

No English Name ACKANIA.

Cj.. 16, OR. 6 Monoddphia pnlyandria. Nat. or.- CoIumrJJcne.

The name is derived from a Greek word, signifying ' not to open,' as the corolla
docs not open.

Gejj. char. Calyx double, outer many-leaved, inner one-leafed; the corolla,
subclavate, convoluted, petals five; berry sub-globular, fleshy, five-ceiled, five-
seeded ; seetls solitary, convex on one side, angular on tiie otiicr. Tiiere are
three species, all natives of Jamaica.

1. MAI.VAVISCVS.

Frutefcen.", folii.': angulutis, cordato acuminatis, crenatis i petalis ab
uno latere auritis. Browne, p. 284.

Leaves somewhat scabrous, acuminate, leaflets of the outer calyx erect.

This plant is named scarlet achania, or l)astard hibiscus; it is common in the woods,
but seldom seen in the lowlands. Tiie stem is arboreous, about ten feet high, and is
branched. Leaves petioled, cordate, crenate, tomentose, sometimes sliglitiy three or
five lobed, the middle lobe most produced. Stipules bristle shaped, small, withering-.-^.
Flowers'avUary, solitary, on villous peduncles shorter tlian the petiole. Outer calyx '

eiiiht.

^CHiMEXES HORTUS JAMATCENSIS, j

cigbt-leaved, the leaflets coalesceing at the base; inner marked with ten streaks, five-
toothed at the tip. Corolla and tube scarlet, the latter twisted into a spiral, uprii>ht,
very long. Stigmas hisped, blackish.

2. MOLLIS.

Leaves tomentose, leaflets of the outer calyx spreading.
This is called the wcolhj achanta. Tiie brandies, petioles, and leaves, are covered
with a very thick nap. Tne leaves are sometimes cortlate-ovate acuminate, and some-
times angular, slightly three-lobed.

3. PIL03A.

Leaves'hairy, obtuse, acute. S-.v. Pr. p. 102.

The hairy achania has a very different appearance from the two formei . It is shrub-
by, as they are, but the stem and branches are smaller, thinner, and not downy. The
leaves are hairy, cordate-ovate, with broad irregular senatures about the edge ; some
of them blunt and even retuse, but others acute. The stipules are subulate. The leaf-
lets of tiie outer calyx spread out towartls the end and sjiatulate. The flowers are snial!,
convolute, and closed. These plants may be propagated by cuttings or seeds.

ACHIMENES. COLUMNEA.

Cl. 14, OR. 2.Dulynamia angiospermia. Nat. ok. Fersonat,c.

The name columnea was given by Plumier, in honour of Fabius Columna, or Co-
lonna, of Italy.

Gen. CfL\R. Calyx a large one-leafed perianthum, five-parted ; corolla laiTe,
one-petaled, ringent, gaping, tubular, upper lip three-parted, middle part vaulted,
emarginate ; the stamina in the upper lip ; anthers connected ; germen roundish;
capsule one or two-celled ; seeds numerous, small, nestling. Thel-e are six spe-
.cies, three of which are found in this island.

1. HIR.5UTA.

' Rapimcidus fruticcsiis, foliis oblongis, integris, rillosis, ex advcrso si-
tis, fore put pureoxillnso. Sloane, v. I,"p. 157, t. 100, f. 1. J/(7-
jor, herlnicca, siibhirmta, oblique assurgens, Kc. Browne, p. 270,
t. 30, f. 3.

T.eaves ovate, acuminate, serrate, roughlj- hairy on the upper surface, calycine
leaflets tooth-letted lanceolate ; they and the corollas hirsute, the uj^per lip
bifid.

The larger hairy achimenes. This beautiful vegetable is a native of tlie cooler moun-
"tains, and most commonly met with in the woods of New Liguanea and St. Ann's. It
is a ver^' succulent plant, and grov.s luxuriantly in every rich and shady soil ; tb-owin^
its branches frequently to the heigbt of four or five feet, and higher, "when supported
by some neighbouring shrub or stump. The stem is pretty thick, and tlie leaves op-
posite and alternately larger. Tlic flowers are large, beautifully variegated, and hairv
on the outside, like the other parts of the plant. Tiie divisions of the cup are of a siu'-

B 2 gxdar

4 HOllTUS JAMAICENSIS. ACirYRANTiiEa

gularsh-uctiire, and pinnated on the sides, somewiiat like tliosc of tlie garden rose. The
wliole plant iias an uncommon, but beautiful, appearance, and deserves to be cultivated
ill ail ilower gardens in tlie cooler parts of the island, where it is most likely to thrive.

2. HISPIDA.

Leaves ovate, obtuse, tooth-letted, hisjiid-hirsute, leaflets of the calyx lancco*
late, entire, hairy, stcna hair^ rugged. Sxi'. Fr.

3. RUTILANS

Leaves ovate-lanceolate, villose, denticulate, coloured underneath ; divisions
of the calyx jagged, villous; corolla villose, upper hp two-parted. Hw. I'r,

These plants are propagated from seeds.

No English Name. ACHYRANTHES.

Cl. 5, OR. 1. Pentandria monogyiiia Nat. or. Miscellanea.

This genus takes its name from two Greek words, signifying chaff and a flower.

Gen. char. Calyx a double perianthium, outer three-leaved persistent, inner-
five-leaved also persistent; no corolla or scaixely perceptible ; nectariuni five-
valved, surrounding the germen, bearded at the top, concave, and falling off; the'
perianthium is a roundish one-celled capsule ; the seed single and oblong. Tiie_
tbllowing sj)ecies are natives of Jamaica :

1. ASPERA.

Amarayxthus siculus spicatus radice perenyii boccone. Sloane, v. 1, p.
142. Caule geniculato erecto, foliis ovatis oppositis, &c. Browne^
p. 180.
Stem shrubby erect; calj'x reflex, pressed to the spike.

It rises three or four feet high, bv a square jointed .stalk, opposite branches; the
leaves are dark green, woolly on both sides, oblong, smooth, j^ointed. Tiie flowers
are in sjjikes at the end of the branches, appearing first like short reddish hairs, after
nhich follow rough, prickly, green, reflected, capsules, containing five seeds, oblong,
reddish. It grows in ditches.

C. ALTISSIMA.

Foliis ovatis, Jlorilms spicatis,Ctppcndicibus hisetis. Browne, 180. Bli->
turn album majus scandens. Sloane, v, 1, p. 142.

Stem suffruticose scandent, panicles terminating axillary, hranched.

This has a green stalk as thick as ones thumb, supported by shrubs and trees, on
which it leans, grows five or six feet high, putting out here and there branches, hav-
ing leaves about an inch and a half's distance, on inch-long footstalks, three inches
long and half s.s broad. The leaves are ovate, acute, smooth, soft, of a dark green co
lour, six inches long. The flowers grow in spikes, of a pale green or herbaceous co-
lour^ a great many together. The semuial ve;>seis or husks break horizontally, and

coiitaiii

(Contain small black, Siiiiiing, Qocn^iCs^ai, lainoy-shaped, sead*.
banks of the Rio-Cobre, and on t!;e read to Passage-Fort, very pieniiiuliy. ^lout,'.

iJi-ov.ne calls this bastard lio-op-rt'itiie. These [jiaats are raised irora tiio seeds, aa.l
grow commoniy among-,, low bushes.

No English Name. ACIDOTON.

Cl. 21, OR. 7. Monoccia pGJjjandria.

Gent. CHAR. Male calyx five-leaved, leaves ovate-lanceolate, refiex ; no corolla;'
stamina numerous, placed on a globular receptacle : Female calyx six-ieaved ;
leaflets linear, lanceolate, spreading ; no corolla ; style short, germen three-cleft ;
capsule three-grained, hirsute, three-celled; seeds solitary, ovate. There is only
one species, described as follows by Sloane : -

Urlicaurcns arborca, foliis oblong'ii, angustis. Sloane, v. 1, p. 124,
t. 83, f 1.
This shrub rises eight or nine feet high by a round straight woody trunk, of the big-
Bess of ones finger, covered with a smooth brownish bark. The leaves come out to-
wards the top alternately, tliey arc narrow, lanceolate, three or four incnes long, and
a cpiarter of an inch broad, with often a tooth near the top ; of a dark green colour,
several ribs on the under side, and on the surface and edges many long smallj prickles,
wliidi are said to be very burning. The petioles are short and ribbed.

See Adelia.

ACISANTHERA.'- RHEXIA ACISANTHERA.

Cl^S, or. 1. Octandria monpgynia. 'Nat. or. CalT/canthema.

The generic name is derived from a Greek word, signifying to break or burst.
Gen. char. Calyx one-leafed, four-cleft, permanent ; corolla four petals,
roundish and inserted into the calyx, spreading ; stamina filiform, anthers declin-

in Jamaica, viz.

1. ACISAirniERA.

Erecia ramosa, raviidis qiiadratis, Jolii.'! trinerviis ovato crejjaiis, oppO'-
sitis ;Jiorihus singularibusad alas alternas. Browne, 217, t. 22, f 1.

Flowers alternate, axillary, penduncled, five-cleft.

This plant grov.s in the pastures eastward of Luidas, and seldom rises above fourteen
or sixteen inches in height. The stem is pretty firm and square, and emits a good
many square branches towards the top ; the leaves are small, three nerved, ovate, ere-
Bate, and opposite. The flowers spring singly from tlie alternate axils or bosoms of
the leaves. Tl.e calyx is deeply five-cleft at the mouth. Petals five, obovate; inserted

into

' IIORTUS JAMAICENSIS. adeua

into the throat of the ralyx. Fi!a;neius ten, sliorter t'.iaii the corolla. Anthers oblon t,
suwitiite, and snh;irciuue, vcr.satiic. Germ crowdca with the calyx. Style short.
Stig-ma shaqi. Capsule two-cclleJ, tilleJ witii two little placentas. lirowne.

2. LEUCANTIIA.

Leaves op]>o.>itc, cartilaginous-tootii-letleci, coriaceous, shining, branchleti?
four-cornered ; flowei;; tcriiiinating-ten-stainened. Sxc. Pro. 61.

?j. PURPUREA.

Leaves opposite tooth-letted, coriaceous, branchlets round, flowers axillary ten-
stanicned. Sxv. Pro. 61.

The stamens in some phmts of this genus are inconstant, from seven to twelve, and.
there is a plain alliance between it and osbeckia and melastoma. The diH'erent species
are propagated bv seeds.

AcHROSTicuM See Fern.'!.
jIdam's Needle Sec Dagger Plant.

A'o English Name. ADELL\.

'i

Cl. 22, OR. II. Diccciamonodclphiu. Nat. OR. Tricocc.c.

The name is from a Greek word, signifying obscure.

Gen. char. Male calyx one-leafed three parted, leaflets oblong curved back ;
no corolla; the stamina consist of many capillary filaments, the length of the calyx,
vinited into a cylinder at the base ; the anthers roundisii : The female calyx is live-
parted ; no corolla; pistillum a rouniiish germen ; styles three, very short
and divaricated; the stigmata torn ; the .perianthium a three-grained, naindish,
three-celled, capsule ; seeds solitary and roundish. There are three species, ail
natives of Jamaica :

1. bernardia.

Frulicosa, foUis tamentosis oralis scrratis alternis. Erov.ne, 3G1.
Leaves oblong tomentose, serrate.
This Browne calls the shrubby bernardia with villous leaves.

2. ricinella.

Friificosa, foliis subrotundis nitidis confertis Jioi-ibiis associalis.
Browne, 361.
Leaves oblong-ovate, quite entire.
The smooth leaved bernardia has slender flower stalks, and is common in all the low-
lands about Kingston, it rises to the height of eight or ten feet. Browne.

3. ACIDOTON.

. Frufeaceiis accuieatim et difusuvi, ramidis ffracilihus terrtihus,foUolis
confertis flare unico vel-altero associatis. Browne, 35 J.

Braricfacs fiexuose, spines gemmaceous.

The

jtoRUK HORTUS JAMAICENSIS. 7

The small shnibhy acidoton is pretty common in the savannas about Ne-.v-Greenwirb,
where it seldom rist-s above four feet in heiglit. The brandies are very slender i.nj
flexile, and the leaves small and delicate, and shoot with the tiovvers early in Apni or
May. The whole plant has a good deal ot the appearance ot" a young chon^. Biowiie.

These plants are nearly allied to the croton. Dr. Houston constituted a genus of the
two first by the title of beniardia, in honour of Dr. Bernaixi de Jussieu. They are pro-
"jjagated from seeds.

No English Name. ADENANTHERA.

Cl. 10, OR. \.Decandriamonogi/nia. N.^T. ok. Loinentace^.

This name is derived from two Greek words, signifying a glandulous anther.

Gen. CHAR. Calyx small, one-leafed, five-toothed; corolla fivepetalled, bell-
shaped; stamina shorter than the* corolla ; anthers roundish, incumbent, bearing
a globose gland at the outer' tip ; ^ermsn oblong and gibbous belov.- ; style suba-
late and tlie length of the stamina ; stigma simple ; the pericarpium a long com-
])ressed membranaceous legumen ; seeds many, round, remote. This is un East-
India tree, of which three species are known, the most remarkable is noticetl in
the Hortus Eastensis as having been introduced into tliat garden by Mr. Wiles, in
the year 1S02. The following account of it is quoted froniGaertner and Forster, iu
J)r. Martyn's dictionary :

PAVOXINA.

Leaves sm.ootb -on both si Jos.

A tree with prodigious decompound or doubly pinnate leaves, leaflets ovate, obtuse,'
fjuite entire, on very short petioles, sometimes alternate, sometimes o]inosite. Panicle
of sini]ile thick racemes, with the flosjules on equal pedicels. Flowers coniparatively
Very small, and yellow. Legume nearly a foot in length, repand at the sutures and
obscurely torulose at the seeds, smooth, one-celled, two-vaived. The valves after liiey
open are loosely and spirally tuisted. Seeds from eight to twelve, obuvate-rouiJed,
convexly lens-shaped, highly polished, of i^vivid scarlet colour, wuii a circuh.r streak
in the middle on each side. This is one of the largest trees in tue Eust-Indies, a:ul the
timber is in common use, on account of its solidity. It flowers in September, bears
Iruit at the beginning and end of the year, and is never without leaves. The duration
is two hundred years. The natives use the powder of the leaf in their ceremonies. The
seeds, besides being eaten by the common people, are of gre; t use to tne ieweliers
and goldsmiths, on account of their equality, for weights, eacn or tiiem weigiiing f.jur
grains : They also make a cement, iiy beating them up witii water an,, boras. Of the
bruiicd leaves tiiey make a drink which they esteem good ag.uust pains of ine loins.

ADRUE. CYPERUS:

Ci.. 3, OR. 1. Triandvia mcnogijnia. Nat. o.n. Calamaria.
G EN. CHAR. The glumes are cha%, imbricate in two rows ; scaies ovate, keeled, flat-
. . iiiii^ctedj.

8 HORTUS JAMAICEXSIS. adjiub

inflectecl, separating the flowers; no corolla; stamina three, short, nnthers oh-
4ong anil furrowed; gernicn small; style long-; stigmis three tiipil!arv : Seed
single, three -sided, aciuiiinato, destitute of villus. There are many species of
this genus, for which see sedges, the specific name of adrue or jointed stalked
cyperus is

AUTICULATUS.

Jinicuf eijperoides creberrimc geniculatua, medullafarchis, aquaticus,
radice rubra, tiiberosa, odorata. Sloane, v. 1, p. 121, t. 81, f. 1.

This rush has a tuberous, red, knobbed root, having a very grateful smell, like that
cf calamus aromaticus, covered with brown withered leaves, as well as the under part
of the stalk, like other rushes, and having severa' red strings going from the root of one
to that of another. The stalk is round, green, three feet high, smooth, having within
it very strong and frequent transverse partitions or membranes, making it jointed with
a pith between. At the top stand several brown chafty panicles, like those of cyperus
grasses, the small, long, spikes, being made up of several reddish scales, lying over
another on the same footstalks, all coming from the rushes top, as from a common
centre. This having a very graceful scented root, I question not but that it may bevery
successfully used in jjlace oi calamus aromaticus.'''' Sloane also mentions another plant,
j'uncus, cypernides. cuimo coinpresso striata, radice odorata tuherosa, capitulo rotunda
rompacto, a variety of the adrue, which he received from the Bay of Honiiuras; and
Jie was informed it grew upon the sand near Truxillo, where the Indians used it as a
cure for the belly-ache. Sloane.

The roots arc esteemed cordial, diuretic, and cephalic, serviceable in the first stages
of the dropsy, resistors of poison, and expcllets of wind. They cure ill-scented
breaths, and are good in nephritic dicorders and colics.

The roots, aromatic and stimulant, may be used in the place of Virginian snake root.
Infusion sfood in vomitings, fluxes, &c. Dancer, p. 387.

The following account of therirtues of the adrue or anti-emetic grass is from the ma-
nuscript of Wr. Robert Cowan, member of the royal college of physicians in London :
" The discovery of itssurprising properties was made by Dr. Howell of Jamaica, in
ch.ecking and restraining black vomit in yellow tever. A strong decoction or infusion
of this plant is as much a specific in restraining vomiting in yello-iV fever, as the^Peru-
vian bark in cure of remittents. It gives out its virtues in water in decoction, or warni
infusion, to be taken when cold, when it assumes the colour of Madeira wine. It grows
by rivers and marshy lands, rises two and a half feet high, resembles the sedge or bull-
rush, the leaflike gi'ass or sedge of a large coarse kind, and has a ridge on the back,
which, when dry, cracks into two parts. Tlie rootc are much like the serpentaria or
snake root, fibrous, bushj-, and matted. The seeds are like grass, but placed in little
bushes or clusters at tlietop of the stalk. 'The first tea-cupful of the decoction represses
the vomiting, and the second or third cures. By experiments made on the use of the
different parts of the plant, it is foimd that the strongest is made b}' boiling the whole
plant, cut or sliced, roots, see Is, leaves, and stem, altogether. The quantity two
liandfuls in three pints boiled to the evaporation of one-third."

The

,^KE5 HOPtTUS JAMAICENSIS. 9

The effjoacy of the adrue deaoction in repressinq continued vomiting was lately es-
peiiericed by a gentienian in Spanish-Town. Tiiero are several specie:; of the cyperus,
not unlike the adrue, which may be mistaken for it ; and it is worthy of experiment to
ascertain whether these other kinds possess the same virtues.

See Sedgks.

AESCflYNOMENE SeC BASTARD SEN'SiTIVE.

Acrimony See Hemp Aguijiony.
Aizoox Sec Samphire.

AKEE. Genus doublfiil.

Cl. 8, OR. 1. Octandria moiingi/nia.

This plant was hrought to Jamaica in a slave ship from the coast of Africa, and, hav-
ing thriven well, has been generally propagated, and succeeds in most parts of the island.
The late Dr. Broughton described it particularly in the Hortus Eastensis, from which
the following characters are taken :

Gen. char. Calyx five-leaved and inferior, with concave, acute, ovate, small
leaves, persistent and hairy; corolla hve-petaled, oblong-lanceolated, acute, hairy,
bent at the base, and pressed to the receptacle, alternate with the calyx, and longer ;
stamina eight short filaments, hair}', inserted at die base of tlie glandulous recept-
acle of the gcrmen ; antherte oblong, disposed in an orb, and almost of the same
length, round the germen ; geruaen sub-ovate, three- sided and hairy ; the
styli the length of the germen, cylindrical and hairy; the stigma obtuse; pcri-
carpium, a fleshy capsule, oblong, obtuse on both sides, triangulai-, trilocular,
trivalved, and gaping from the apex ; semina, three, orbicular, and glossy, having
a rising appendice.

This tree often rises to the height of fifty feet. The trunk is covered with a rou"-h,
somewhat brown, bark, hath many long, thick, irregular branches, the lower inclinin"-
to the earth. The leaves are pinnated, ovate, lanceolated, full of veins, entire, op-
posite, smooth, and bright above, about a span long, four or five on each side, with
short turgid footstalks. The branches are simply spread, the twigs have many flowers,
with each its stalks, spike fashion. The flowers are small, white, and scentless. The
fruit is as large as a goose's egg, of a yellow, red, orange, or mixed, colour. The seeds
arc three, black, as large as a nutmeg, one of which is often abortive. To each seed
grows a white substance, exceeding the size of the seed, of the consistence of beef- fat,
and which, gently boiled with water, scarce differs from marrow. This, by the inha-
bitants of Guinea, is .served at table alone or mixed with broth or pottage.

The delicacy of the white lobes of this, fruit when fried o/- boiled, and eat as marrovi',
or sweet-breads, or in soups, renders it well worthy of cultivation. It thrives best in
the lowlands. In the mountains it seldom bears fruit, and the north winds are extremely
injurious to it. If die tops be blasted or broken off it throws out new and vigorous
shoots from the root and stem. When in bearing it has a most beautiful appearance
from the contnist of colour in the different parts of tiie fructification. This plant is
easily propagated from the seeds.

e ALDEH

10 IIORTUS JAMAICENSIS. n.vm

ALDER OR BUTTON TREE. CONOCARPUS.

Cl. .5, OR. I. Fenlandria monogi/nia. Nat. oR. xlggregattc.
This tal;cs its name from two words, signifyinc; cone-fiiiited.

Gkn. ctiar. Calyx onc-lcafed, very small, five-parted; corolla five-petalled, con-
verginij, or none; stamina five or ten, .subulate, erect, anthers ojobose ; germen
larsT'', stvle short ; no pericarpium ; seeds solitary, ohovatc, with a menihranace-
ous thi('k maroin, on fiicii side. The flowers, are aggregate. Tiierc are tiiree
Bpecie.s, two of wi.ich are natives of Jamaica.

1. ERECn'.V.

Jlvifruc'v. laurlfoUa arhor viarilima. Rlpnne, v. 2, p. IR. t. 16!,
f ?. Foliis oblovgis, petiolis brevrbus, Jioribus in caput conicum
tollectis. Erowne, p. 159.

Tills tree grows erect, nearly thirty feet ; with lanceolate leaves,- v.liich are greasy
'to the touch. The younger branches are angular. It is esteemed a. good fire-wood.
'Slonne de=;rribes it as foUo.vs : " It has a ti'unk as thick as one's thigh, having a smooth
'whitish or cjrey bark. The leaves are nlmost oval, onl}- somewhat broader towards their
cnci ; towards the tops of the branches, among the flowers, they are narrow and pointed,
of a vellow'sh green colour. The tops of the twigs re branched, sustaining at first
some small rovmdish heads, no Wgifer than those of pins, grawing larger, hairy, do'.rnv,
or mu'^osp, of a yellowish green or rod colour. They augment to so many round red
Vn'U, like alder cones or i)Uttons, sticking to tlie branch by a quarter of an in'-h lonor
footstalk, each of wliich is made up of a great many reddisli cornered seeds, sticking
o'l a fnne uis matter on its outside, and regarding its centre, so that by their means it
is rough or erhinated. It grows near the sea-side by Passage-Fort and Old-Harbour^
among the mangroves. ; Butterflies swarm very much about this tree."

2. RACEMOSA.

Man.<T}!'foilix rir'pficis ex adverso nascevfibus. Sloane, v. 2, p. GG. t.
lS7,f. 1. Foliis elliptico-ovaiis, petiolis biglandulatis, racemis la.vis^
frdctihus sejtmctis. Browne, , 159.

Leaves lanceolate-ovate bluntish ; fruits segregate.

This is a lofty and branching tree, growing from thirty to forty feet high, sometimes
di'i ling into three or four trunks, close to the ground. T'he younger branches are
shining, re', and opposite. Leaves quite entire, shining, thickish, greasy to the touch,
deep green, opposite, three inches long, on a red petiole, with two glands at the top

-of it. Racemes simple, terminating, commonly by threes. The flowers are small and
sessile, and have a shght net unpleasant smell. Tiie petals are whitish. Stamens ten,
five alternately shorter, prob^hlv s jmetimes overlooked ; (hence Browne only attributes

fivpstame-is to the flower). The seed inclosed witiiin a coriaceous pericarp, is composed
of tw^ greeni'ih ovate lamel'>, wrapped up into a round body, and involved in a very
thin memkrane. The Irmir^; rr in the ha5e of the pericarp become a round olitnsc, shin-
ing boily. for ning the a^is of the seed, destined to put forth the roots : for, when the
capsule falls to the ground, it penetrates the crowned apex, and, when the fibres take
possession of the soil, it constitutes the ruJiment of the future trunk ; then the lamellae
increasing in bulk, burst the capsule, and become thv radical leaves. Sometimes there

are

iiAicvTOTl HORTUS JAMAICENSIS. u

are two seeds inciosed in the same pericarp. From the above description it appears .
that tiiis tree, altliough it agrees in many respects, yet differs very much from the for-
mer si>ecies. The Spaniards call it viunglt bobc, ur I'oolish mangle. Sloane calls it .
the white mangrove.

These trees have no great beauty. They grow in most of the sandy bays and marshes
about the island, and may be propagated by seeds, slips, or cuttings. The fruit is
drying, binding, and healing; and the bark tans leather well.

All-heal Sec Self-heal.

ALLIGATOR APPLE OR CORKWOOD ANNONA

Cl. 13, Oft. 7. Pvlyandria polygynia. Nat. Oil. Coadunatte.

This plant has also been termed the shining leaved custard apple. The name of t':e ge- ,
nus can boast of no learned derivation, Linnens having adoptej it fronian jVnierican term
fdr a mess, on account of the fruit of some of the species being so called b, tiie natives. '

Gen. CHAR. Calyx a small three-ieaA'ed perianthium ; corolla six- petalled, cordate,
and sessile, the three alternate interior ones less ; the stamina have scarcely any fila-
ments, the anthers numerous and placed on the receptacit- ; gern.en roundish, and
placed on a roumlisli receptacio, no styles ; . numerous obtuse stigmas covering the
whole germ ; the pericarpium a large roundish berry, one-celleJ, witli a scaly bark ;
seeds many, hai J, ovate-oblong, [)laced in a ring, nestling. I'licre are several spe-
cies indigcnoas to this island, referred to below ; the alligator appie is the

FALUSTRL^;.

Annona aquatica foliis lauririis atravirentibus, fruclu rainore conou'e
luten, cortice glabro in area/as distincto. Sloane. v 2, p. 169, t. 228,
f. 1. Uliginosa, Joliis nitidis oiaiis, Jractibiis arcclatus odoratis,
Browne, 256.

Leaves oblong, rather obtuse, smooth ; fruits ai'eolatc.
This tree rises thirty or forty feet, the trunk as thick as one's middle ; the leaves are
shaped like those of the bav, smooth, dark green, and hard. The truit is as big as
cole's fist, turbinated like a sour sop, hanging by an inch-long foot-stalk, wh;ci; .briogs
out some of the pnip with it, when ripe, leaving a hole in the fruit. Taeoucvvdid
i.kin is first sreen, thtn jellow, smooth, only it bath some checqutred lines on its sur-
face, as the custard apj)le. The seeds lie from the centre to the circumference ot cne
fruit, and are as large as a betm, oblong, almost round, of an ash colour, having a ci- st'
running their lengths, lying in an orange-coioured pulp, of an unsavouiy laste, but
has something of the smell and relish of an orange. Sloane.

It grows in great abundance about the south side lagoons, and on the banks of spve- '
ral ii\( rs. The fruit or E{.'ples are large, and of a cold watery quality, esUca ed hijjhly
narcotic, and even poisonous ; but of the latter we have no ctrtaiu proof. Wnen tiiey
are ripe, and drop into the .v;,;-. r. the a.ligators watch their tailing, and, at tise projir
Sicasoa of the year, are sui lit thietiy upon them, They have a sweetish Uis'.o '

"' C 3 ' and*

12 HORTUS JAMAICENSiS. aloes

and smell ; but, pcrhn])s, the crudity and coldness of their juice might make them a
sort of poison to the stomach ill this climate, where even melons and cucumbers^ not
duly corrected, will sonietimes convulse it. The wood of this tree is so extremely lighi
that it is commonly used by way of cork to stop jugs, bottles, and casks ; and it makes
excellent lloats for fishing nets.^ -Long, p. 832.

See CiiERiMOLA Custard-apple Soltv and sweet sops,

AlLTGATOR-WOOD -yC(? MUSKWOOD.

Allspice See Plwenta.

ALOES. ALOE.

Cl. 6, OR. \. Hexandriamonogi/nia. Nat. or. Liliacccvl
The derivation of this name is uncertain.

Gen. CHAR. No cdlyx ; corolla one-petalled, six-cleft, erect- and oblong, the -tube
gibbous, the border spreading and small, with a nectary-bearing bottom ; the sta-
mens are subulaled filaments, rather surpassing the corolla in length, and inserted
into the receptacle; the anthers are oblong and incumbent; the pistillum has an o-
vate germen, style simple the length of the stamens, stigma obtuse trifid; the peri,
carpium is an oblong capsule, three-furrowed, three-celled, and three-vah'ed ; the
seeds are many and angular. There are a great number of species and varieties of the
aloe, and it is said the perfoliata, the most useful, was brought here from Bermudas.
The medical substance known by the name of aloes is the inspissated juice of the
barbadensis and succotrina, which are varieties of the species

PERFOLL\TA,

Aloe dioscorid. et alicrum, ^c. Sloane, v. 1, p. 2-I-5. Fcliis turgidis
ciliato dentatis purpurascentibus, scapo Jiorifero assurgenti spicato.
Browne, 197. Sempervive. Barham, 172.

1 Var. the barbadensis, has toothed upright succulent subulate leaves, flowers
yellow, hanging down in a thyrse.

2 Var. the succotrina, has leaves very long and narro^v, thorny at the edge, the
flowers in spikes.

1. The leaves of the Barbadoes aloe are about four inches broad at their base, and
nearly two inches thick, they have a few indentures on their edges, are of a sea-green
colour, and, when young, are spotted with wliite. The flower stem risci near three
feet high, and the flowers stand in a slender loose spike, with very short peduncles,
and hang downwards; they are of a binght yellow colour, and tlie stamens stand out
beyond the tube.

Of the cultivation and preparation of hepatic or Barbadoes aloes we have the follow-
ing account, by Millington, in the London Medical Journal, vol. 8. art. S.

The lands in the vicinity of the sea, that is, from two to three miles, which are ra-
ther subject to drought than otherwise, and are so strong and shallovv as not to admit of
the planting of sugar canes with any prospect of success, are generally found to answer

best

JlLOESf

HORTUS JAMATCENSIS!. 13

best for the aloe plant. The stoTies, at least the greater ones, are Rrst piclvcd up, and
cither packed in hc.nps, upon the most shallow barren spots, or laid round the field as
a dry wall. The land is then lightly ploughed and very carefully cleared of all noxious
weeds, lined at one fool distance from row to row, and the young plants set like cab-
bages, about five or six inches from each other. This regular mode of lining and set-
ting the plants is practised only by the most exact planters, in order to facilitate the
Tvecding of them by the hand very frequently ; because, if they are not kept perfectly
clean and free from weeds, the produce will be but very small. They will bear being
planted in any .season of the year, even in the driest, as they will live on the surface
of the earth for many weeks without a crop of rain. The most general time, however,

of planting them is from April to June. In the March following, the labourers carry a
parcel of tulis and jars into the field, and each takes a slip or breaddi of it, and begins
by laying hokl of a bunch of the blades, as much as he can conveniently grasp with one
hand, while, v\ith the other, he cuts it just above the surface of the earth, as quickly
6 possible, that the jnice may nob be wasted, and then places the blades in the tub,
bunch by bunch. When the first tub is thus packed quite full, a second is begun,
(each labourer having two) and, by the time the second is filled, all the juice is gene-
rally drained out of tlie blades in the first tub. The blades are then lightly taken out,
and thrown over the land by way of manure, and the juice is poured into a jar. The
tub is then filled again with blades, and so alternately until the labourer has produced
his jar full, or about four gallons and a half of juice, which is often done in six or se-
ven hours, and he has then the remainder of the day to himself^ it being his emploj'er's
interest to fret each day's operation as quickly done as possible. It may be observed,
that, although aloes are often cut in nine, ten, or twelve, months after being planted,
they are notin perfection till the second or third year, and that they will be productive
for a length of time, say ten or twelve years, or even for a much longer time, if good
dung, or manure of any kind, is strewed over the field once in three or four years, or
oftener, if convenient.

The aloe juice will keep for .several weeks without injury. It is therefore not boiled
-until a sufficient quantity is procured to make it an object for the boiling-house. In
the large way three boilers, either of iron or of copper, are placed to one fire ; though
some have but two, and the small planters only one. The boilers arc filled with the
^aice ; and, as it ripens, or becomes more inspissated, by a constant bat regular fire,
It- is ladled forward from boiler to boiler, and fresh juice is added to that farthest from
the fire, till the juice in that nearest to the fire, (by much the smallest of the three, and
commonly called by the name oi tache, as in the manufactory of sugar) becomes of a
proper consistency to be skipped or ladled out into gourds, or other small vessels, used
for its fii.al reception. The proper time to skip or ladle it out of the tache is when it
is arrived at what is termed a resin height, or when it cuts freely, or in thin flakes, from
the edges of a small wooden slice, that is dipped from time to time into the tache for
that purpose. A little lime water is used by some aloe boilers, during the process,

^when the ebullition is too great.

As to the sun-dried aloes (which are most approved for medicinal purposes) very
little is made in Barbadoes. The process is however very simple, tliough extremely
tedious. The raw juice is either put into bladders, left quite open at top, and suspended
in the sun, or in broad shallow trap's of wood, pewter, or tin, exposed also to the sun,
every drv day, until all the fluid parts are exhaled, and a perfect resin formed, which
is then packed up for use, or for exportation.

The

IJ HORTUS JAMAICENSrS. ^t.oi:&

Tlie following accoiml of preparing aloes in J;iuiaica is given, by Di". Wright, in tlie--
sarne volume of the Me<!icai Jomiial, art. 1: " Tlie pkiat is pulled up by the roots,
;m:l carefully cleaned from the earth or other impurities. It is then sfieed or cut in
j)iecea into small hand-baskets or nets. These nets or baskets are [;ut into large iron
boilers with water, and boiled for ten minntes, when they are tal.en out, and fresh
parcels supplied till the liquor is strong and black. At tins pcritAl the licjuor is thrown
through a strainer into a deep vat, narrow at bottom, to coo), and to deposit its foecu-
Jent parts. Next day the clear liquor is drawn off by a cock, and again committed to
the large iron vessel. At first it is boiled briskly ; but, towards tie end, evaporation is'
slow, and requires constantly stirring to px-cvent burning. When it becomes of the con-
sistence of hone^,' it is poured into gourds or cahi'vasneslbr sale. Tins hardens by age."

2. The leaves of the true succotrine aloe, from whence ths best sort for use in medi-
cine is prociu'ed, are long, narrow, and succulent, coming out without any ortler,
and form large heads. Tlie stalks grov>f three or four feet high, and have two, three,
and sometimes four, of these heads, branching out from it : tiie lower leaves spread out
on every side, but the upper leaves turn inward toward the centre ; the flowers grow in
long spikes, upon stalks about two feet high, each jtaading on a pretty long foot-
stalk ; they are of a bright red colour, tipped with green. 1 he island of Zocatra or
Socotora, in the Straights of Babelmandel, being formerly most tani(jus for the prepar-
ation of the extract, that of tlic best quality has tlie name of Succotrnie aioe. It is of
a yellowish brown colour, approaching to purple, and, when reduced to powder, is a
sort of gold colour. The hepatic aioe of Barbadoes is darker than tne succotrine, and
more bitter and nauseous.

Aloe cahallina, fetid caballine, or horse aloes, is supposed to be a coarser sort, ol)-
tained from the same spe;;ies with the foregoing ; acc(jrding to others it is the produce
of the. disticha... It is chieriy chstinguished by its strong rank smell.

All the different kinds- are gum resins, which contain more gummous than resinon.'s
parts. Water, when of a boiling lieat, dissolves ail tlie soluble parts of aloes; but, if
lot stand till it grows cold, it lets drop most of its resm. A strong spirit dissolves and
keeps suspended almost the whole of aloss, though it- contains such a large proportion
of giimmous parts; hence it is evident that aloes contain some principle, saline
or other, which renders water capable of dissolving resin, and spirit capable of dissolv-
in<c ouni.

Aloes IS a stimulatmg stomachic purge, which, given in a small quantity, operates .
mikily by stool; but, in l;;rge doses, acts roughly, and often occasions an irritation about
the anus, and sometimes a discharge of blood. It is a good opening medicine to people
of a lax habit, or who live a sedentary life ; and to those whose stomach or bowels are
loaded with phlegm or mucus, or who are troubled with worms, or are debilitated, be-
cause at the same time that it carries off those viscid hutnours which pall the appetite,
and overload the intestines, it sen'es as a strcngthener and bracer. In small doses, re- .
peated from time to time, it not only cleanses the pn'nue viu-, but li!;ewise tends to
promote the menstrual discharge in women ; and therefore it is frequently employed in '
chlorosis, or where the menstrua are obstructed. It is a good stomachic purge, and is
given in all cases where such a one is wanted, but it is looked upon as a heating medi-
cine, and not proper in bilious habits, or where tlu re is much heat or fever; and its
continued use is apt to bring on the piles. It is given in substance from five grains to. .

ALOES IIORTUS JAMArCT* XSIS. 'i^

-a scrapie, larger doses soinetiraes bring on troublesome svmptoms. As ii i- , '
working- purge it is c;cnerally taken at bed-time, and it operates next day.

With regard to this, as well as all other resinous purges, it ought to be observed,
that, when they are given in substance, without any mixture, they are apt to adhere
to the coats of the intestines, and to occasion grijjing and imeasi;iess. The snbstanct s
which are most used for this purpose f.re, a small quantity of the fixed alkaline salts;
soap ; the yolk of an egg ; and gunur.ous vegctabic extrac ts. I\Ir Barton aliedges, in his
treatise on the manufacture of drugs, that, by triturating aloes with a small quantity of
alkaline salts, its tenacity was more elfectually destroyed than by any other thing he tried":
that castile soap and the yolk of an egg answered best, next to it; that manna, sugar,
and honey, were far inferior to them ; and that gununons or nnicous vegetable extracts,
snch as the extracts of gentian or of liquorice root, triturated witli the aices, in the pro-
))Oriion of one part of the extract to two of the aloes, and then made uj) mto pills, wkh
a suSicient quantity of syrup, destroyed the viscidity of the aloes, and rcnd(^^ed its ope-
ration mild. Ency. Brit.

Purgatives are imdoubtedly useful in the expulsion of worms; and among them the
"luice of aloes, says Grainger, justly claims the pre-ciiiinence. On this passage Dr.
\\'rijlit observes that a tea-spoonful of the juice of the fresh leiives of the common aloes
is very good ; but, as oil is poisonous to all insects, especially to hnnbricales, or earth-
worm, the castor-oil is to be preferred.

This is the common aloetic plant which aloes is made from, and is so ell known
in America,- where it grows in great plenty, that there needs no particular descrip-
tion of it. It is common for planters to give their children of its thick slimy juice, for
worms. Aloes, which is only the condensed or inspissated juice of this plant, purges
tind fortifies the stomach, and is gool against crude humours, opens obstructions, and
cures surfeits from o\cx eating and drinking; and, if disso.ved '\v. v/ater, and inspissated
again, it fortifies more and purges less. It preserves dead bodies, heals and cleanses
ioid sores. The Indians have a medicine, made of myrrh rnd aloes, called mcceher,
which I have used with wonderful success in cleansing old ulcers, and it will also in-
carnate and heal them if the very bones were bare, wnereas other greasy medicines
would foul the bone ; it also destroys maggots or worms in sores, which are very apt to
breed in these hot climates. The juice, drank with milk, heals uh-ere in the kidnies
or bladder, and kills worms in man or beast. You must forbear giving aloetic medicines
--to those troubled with the bleeding piles, or overflowing of the menses, to those that
spit or vomit blood, or to women v.-ith chil.l. Aloe consists of two parts, resin and sa-
line; the one dissolves in common water, the other will not but in spirit of wine.
IDiirham, 172.

As the drossy resinous parts oF aloes is not soluble in water, it has l)een found, v.heii
Combined witii other mixtures, an excellent preservative to ships' bottoms against the
worm, and was first applied to tiiis use by the Indians. The shijis trading in the East
and Wcst-I idles are particularly subject to the annoyance of this worm, whicli i're-
quenilv I;urrnvs through all the planks that lie below the surface, especially in harbours.
The result of several experiments, tried by a person at Bermudas, upon difiVrent sorts
of woo 1, proves, tliat a mixture of one ounce of aloes, allowed to two superficial square
ffcit of plank, is the just projjortion. There are various coats with which it may lie, in-
corporated :

IS H OUT us ja:',iaici:nsis.

ALOES

ccrporated: One of t!ic best is sik pounds of pitchj one pound of Spanish Lrown or whitinr,
ar;d one part of oil; or the like proportioas of turpentine, Spanish brjivn, airl tallow,
may be uscJ. Such a coat, incorporated with aloes, will jjreserve a ship's bottom for
eiglit moftths, proviJcd it h made tenacious and binding, and is not rubbed off by any
accident. About twelve pounds are suiEcient for a ves'tel uf fifty tens burthen, and sa-
in j)roportion ; according to which, about three-hundred ])ouad will be found enough
for a first-rate man of war.

In preparing the aloes to be more effectual for this purpose, a large proportion of
water may be mixed \-/ith the juice when set on to boil, viz. t.vo quarts of water to every
gallon of juice; and, after suffijient boiling, or when the water is thoroughly impreg-
nated, it should be shifted into any coinmodious vessel ; suffered to stand for twelve
hours, and the water then poured off : by this process the soluble part or gum, which
is of no use in the operation, will be extracted, and what remains in sediment is the
dross and resin, which, bting left to remain until it is pretty well d-ried and brought to
consistence, exposed to the air and sun, will be fit for use.

It is but justice to this commodity to recite the effects of one experiment, tried by the
person before-mentioned. He took several piecemjf oak, cedar, and mahogany, plank,
of two feet in breadth, and four feet in lengdi, and, with particular distinct marks, to
prevent mistakes, put on different coats or compositions, some with and some without
aloes mixture : these were suffered to lie under the sea-water for eight months; and,
upon taking them up, he found that, where the aloes had made part of the composi-
tion, there were few impressions made ; one piece, in particular, was as fresh, sound,
and untouched, as on tlie day when it was put in ; this had been besmeared with tur-
pentine, tallow, Spanish brown, and aloes ; but the other pieces, which had none of
the aloctic mixture, were perforated and eaten into a honeycomb. The use, tlierefore,
cjf this ingredient would certainly produce a saving of many thousand pounds per an-
num, borh to the merchants and the crown. It is the bitter, nauseous, acrimou}-, which
resides in the resinous part, that renders it a verv proper defence against every species
of insects; and this part, being indissoluble in water, will adhere to the plank unim-
paired, so long as the composition lasts with which it is blended. Neither an extrava-
gance of price, nor apprehension of a scarcity, need be any objection to the general
iise of it. The savannas and other barren places in Jamaica, are capable of pruducinT
much more than could be employed by all the shiping belonging to the British domi-
nions ; and, was it encouraged by a regular demand,. Bermudas and other colonies
wordd enter upon the cultivation, so that the price would probably never rise high.

The same composition may be used with great advantage in Jamaica, for preserving
the rafters and other timbers belonging to the floors and roofs of buildings, from that
destructive insect the wood-ant ; nor would a prepanaion of the aloes be less efficacioiis
in securing books from the depredations of the scarabaeus, which, in its reptile state, is
a great enemy to all that are newly bound. If,, in binding books intended for this island,
and other parts of the West-Indies, a small quantity of the aloes tincture, made by a
solution in spirits of winej was mixed up with the binder's paste, it would effectually
prevent the attacks of this insect. Long, p. 708.

An aquatic solution of hepatic aloes presen-es young plants from d-estruction by in-
sects, and also dead animals and vegetables from putrefaction ; which renders it of great -
use in the cabinets of naturalists. The spirituous extract, however, is best for the ])ur-
pose, though, in this respect, it is inferior to that of cantharides, prepared by infusing
two grains in one ounce of spirits, which has been found to be so effectual in the extir-
pation.

ALYSsoN HORTUS JAMAICENSIS. 17

pation of bugs.* Prerner asserts, that a simple decoction of aloes communicates a fine
brovva colour" to wool. Fabroni, of Florence, h is extracteJ a beautiful violet colour,
which resists the acids and alkalis, from the juice of tlie fresh leaves of the aloe exposed
to the air by degrees. The liquid first becomes red, and, at the end of a certain period,
turns to a beaulTful purple violet, which adheres to silk by simple immersion, without
the aid of acids.

Upon the whole, as the aloe is so useful and so hardy a plant, growing in the poorest
soils and in the driest seasons, while the manufacture is so simple and so cheap, it is to
be regretted that its cultivation has not been more attended to m this island.

See Bastard Aloe.

Ai.PiNiA See Wild Ginger..
Alsines See Chickweed.

ALYS30N ALYSSUM.

Cl. 15, OR. 1. Tetradynamia siliculosa. NaT. or. Siliqiiosa.

This name comes from a Greek word, signifying madness, as the herb was believed
tahave the virtue of curing madness-.

Gen. Char. Calyx oblong, four-leaved; corolla four-petalled, cruciform, with the
clavvs the length of the calyx; the stamens are six, tne length of the calyx, two
rather shorter and denticulated ; anthers erect and expanding; the pistilium has
a sub-ovate germen, style simple; the peritarpiuni a sub-globular emarginate
siiUcle, with a biiocular stylus, having an elliptic partition; the seeds are fewj
orbicular, ana afHxed to fililorm receptacles. Two species of this genus have been
introduced.

I . INCANUM.

Stem erect, leaves lanceolate, hoary, entire, flowers in corymbs, petals bifid.
Hoary madwort grows to the height of two feet, having woody stalks, which divide
into several branches toward the top. At the extremit , of every slioot the dowers are
pi-oduced in round bunches, which are small and white. Tiie silicie is entire, oval, and
full of brown seeds.

2. IIALI.MIFOLIUM.

Stems procumbent, perennial, leaves luncedinear, acute, quite entire.
Sweet madwort spreads itself upon the ground. The root is long, wane, and woody ;
stalks numerous, seven or eight inches long, rougn, anU or a gL;_yiiu green colour.
The leaves are oblong, narrow, punctated, and very rougii to tiie loucu. At the ex-
tremities of Its branches it produces very pretty tufts ot small yciio-visli while flowers.
Both these plants are propagated from seeds. The nanimlonum grovvs very luxuriant-
ly in this island in almost any soil or situation.

D AMBROMA.

* M. S"cnl(ff, in tlip Trnnaactinns of l!ie Imperial AcaHemj of Sciences at PftersbnrL'li, saji, th:it he has repeat-
dlv eipeneci td tiat ioliaint; more fpvedil^' or elfcctuallj ileiltuys bugs tlijii llie uilj pi>,Kle luul reuwiu; tu wska lu
>bicb htiraigs tuvc been packed.

13 11 OUT US JAMAICENSIS. ammaxnu

AMBROMA. ABROrJA

Cl. 18. OR. 2.' Polj/iuh'lphia dndccandria Nat. 0!t. Colinnnifow.

This takes its name from a Creek word signiiying not fit for food.

Gex. CTIAR. Calyx five- leaved; corolla five-petalled, claws ol)-cvRtc, .irched, in-
serted into the base of the nect;iry, wliich is short, pitcher sli;iped, and divided
into five seo'ments ; stamina five, menibranaccons, very small, growinp; on the
nectary; anthers on each filament tiirce, twin, kidney-form; the pislilium has
sub-cylindrical n;ermen, styles five, subulate, approximating, with acutt;. stigmas;
tapsule ovate, membranaceo-us, veined, five-winged, iive-beaked, five-celled,
gapin<T at the top into five parts ; partitions folded ; seeds many, sub-o^ate; no
receptacle. There are two species, one of which, the following, was iuifuduced
by Mr. East, in 1791, but is at present in u very sickly state.

ANCUSTA.

Leaves cordate orangular, sharply serrulate.

The maple leaded amhroma is a ti-ee with a straight trunk, yielding a gum ^^lien rut,
an;l filled with a white pith like the elder. Some of th.e leaves are hcart-sliapod and
acuminate ; others angular, having five or seven lobes, wliich are acute, and the an-
terior ones most produced ; they are ail veined, alternate, green on both sides, but
paler underneath, and tlie petioles arc round. The whole plant is covered with stiff^
whitish, shining, decumbent, bristles, scarcely visible to the naked eye, easily sepc-
rating, and stieking to the hands, but harmless. The peduncles arc generaily bifi;i
and bear two flowers. There is one stipule on each side to everj- petiole, but four at
the division of the peduncles, lanceolate and acute. The flower nods, is elegant, bui
ha.s little smell, and is dark purple. I-t is ])ropagated by cuttings.

AiMnRO?:iA A'ei? Oak of Cappadocia.
Amfxlus Sec Star-wort.
American honeysuckf-e See Honeysuckle.
American nutmeg See Nutmeg.
Amekimnon --Jfe Jamaica ebony.

i\^o English Name. AMMANNIA

Cl. 4. OR. 1. Tetrandria movogynia Nat. or. Calycanthem<^.

This was so named by Houston, in honour of John Ammann, professor of botany at
Petersburgh.

Gen. ciLAK. The calyx is an oblong, erect, ])ell-shaped, perianthium, with eight
stri^, quadrangulated, eight toothed, and persistent; the corolla is eiilier want-
ing or consists of four ovate expanding petals, inserted in the calyx ; the stamina
are four bristly filaments the length of the calyx ; the anthera; are didymoij.s ; the
pistiUnm has a large ovate germen al)Ove ; the styles simple and very short, the
.stigma headed ; the pericarpiuni is a roundish four celled capsule, covered by the
calyx ; the seeds ai'e numerous and small. There are two species both natives of
Jamaica:

I. LATIFOLU,

JiKCHOVY HORTUS JAMAICENSIS. 19

1. 1.ATIFOLIA.

Aparines folio anov}alaxas:cido scminaU ro'umlo midia semir.a viuiu-
tissinm contininie. Sloanc, v. 1, p- !-!, t. 7, f. 4. Fcliis sessildms
lanceohitis cntritis quasi aniple.iantitus, cppositis seu -jsrticiiiatis ;
Jloribus icvnatis ad alas. Brov.nc, p. 118.

Leaves half-stem-clasping, stalk square, branches erect.

The root is amuial; stem obtn.se-angleu, tiie alternsto sides convex. Flower rerti-
ciilate, three on each side, sessile. Alternate teeth of tlie calyx convergent; tliestvle.
shorter than the germ ; the petals four white ones or none. It gro\vs in moist pkices.
Sioane says the branches are wood}- with smooth bark, about a foot and a nali long, cor-
nered. The leaves placed at the joints, two always ojiposite, abtnit an inch and a half-
long, one-eighth of an inch broad at the base, decreasing to a point, tiiey are smooth,
equal on the edges, and carinated ; e.v alis Jalicruvh comes a roundish sir.aii body, a
httle prickly or hairy at the top, which augments till it is as oig as a pepper corn, as
it were crowned on top, containing a capsule full of small seed, sticking to a body in.
tlie centre.

This plant is Browne's Ifnartlia, which, he saj's is pretty common about the Ferry,,
and that it grows generally by a simple stalk when young, but t!iro\vs out a few bran-
ches the second year, and seldom pises above twenty-four or thirty inches in height;
the stem is commonly quadrangular, and fnrnishetl with long lanceolated leaves, with-
out footstalks, whose lobes shoot obtusely backwards on cither side, by \il)ich tlie}' seem
to encompass the main stalk ; they are disposed in an opposite or ternate order, and
embrace the flowers at their insertions, but there arc seldom more than three together,
and always joined bv short footstallis to a common pedestal, fixed close to the stalk in.
tiie bosoni of every leaf.

2. -SAKGUINOLENTA. .

Leaves half-stern-clasping, cordate at the base, flowers sub-peduncled, eight*
stamened, petal bearing. Sn:. Pro. 33.

Both species are propagated from seeds.

See Hedyotis.

Anacampsekos Sec Purslane.-
Anana SVc Pine-apple.
Anchoaca See Mallows.

AKCHOVY PEAP. GPJAS.

Cl. 13, on. 1. Poijjandria monn<ri/nia Nat. ou. Doubtful.
Tlie generic name is taken from a plant in Apuleius^

Gen. char. Calyx a one-leafed coriaceous perianthium, cup-shaped, the montc
having four blunt clefts, finally lacerated ; coxoUa tbur-petaled, roundish, con-
cave, coriaceous; the stamina are numerous setaceous hluments, longer than the
corolla, and inserted into the square recejitacle, united at the base in a five-fold
row, bent in, inner ones sliortcst, roundish anthers ; the pistiliuni has a somewhat

D 2 depressed

iO HORTU.S JAMAICENSIS.

AKDROWEPA

depressed gei-mcn, immersed in the calyx, no siylc, tho stigmn thickish, four-
eonicred, l.olLowed out crosswise ; the pericarpiu in a large drupe, oiie-colied, a-
cuuiinate at the base and tip, crowned with the cal_yx ; the seed is a nucleus scored
with eight furrows. There is only one species, which is a native of Jamaica :

CAULIFLORA.

Pal mi.'; a (fin is mains persica maxima caitcJice non ramnso, foliis lon^
ffissimis, J/orc tclrapctalo puUide liitco, J ruciu ex arboris trunco
prodeioitc Sloanc, v. i:, p. 122, t. 216&"217. Foliis tripcdalibus
obovalis, Jloribus per cau/ciii et ramos sparsis. Browne, p. 245.

Tins has an undivided trunk, no bigger than one's leg, covered witir a grey hark,
tapering towards the top, rising to twenty feet high, having near its top the vestigia of
several leaves which have formerly dropped otf The leaves come out only round near
the top for half a foot in length, they have no foot-staUvs, are two and a lialf I'eet long
and six inches broa 1 in the nnddle, where broadest; beginning very narrow, they grow
v\'ider in the middie, and thence decrease, ending biuntiy. Ttiey have one iiiidiUe rib
and several transverse ones, they shine, and are smooth and tiiin. Two or three feet
below the top, along the trunk, come out the flowers, without almost any footstalk,
sometimes singly sometimes in tufts; they are at first a round knob or button, vvhicii
afterwards opens into a teti-apetalons flower, ttie petala being thick, pale yellow, and
full of a great many stamina, smelling very sweet, to winch follows a fruit hke to the
mammee saj>oia in bigness, shape, colour, &c. It grows going to Sixteea-Mile-Walk,
on the river-side, and in several other places. Sluane.

This tree fr<!quently grows to the height of fifty feet. Branches at the toj) simple,
short, or none. The upi igiitness of tiie growth, and the largeness of the leaves give
it a very elegant appearance. The fruit is about the size of an alligator's egg, and hke
itinshaj3e, only a little more acute at one end, and of a brown russet colour ; when
pickled it resembles the mango. This tree is frequent in many parts of Jamaica, and
grows generahy in low moi;it bottoms, or shallow waters. The seeds grow \cvy readily
wherever they meet with a sufticient quantity of moisture, and propagate so thick that
they are frequently found formed into thickets or large clusters. Barluim is Bnxcne,

Yo English Name. ANDROMEDA.

Cl. 10, OR. 1. Decandria monogi/nia. Nat. or. Uncertain.

This plant is named from the daughter of Cepheus and Cassiope, who was rescued
from a sea-monster by Perseus.

Gen. CHAR. Calyx five-parted, acute, small, coloured, permanent; corolla mono-
petalans, campannlate, fi\e-cleftcd, clefts reflex ; stauiina shorter than the co-
rolla and scarcely fixed to it ; anthers two-horned, nodding ; the pistillum has a
roundish germen, style cylindric, longer than the stamens, permanent; stigma
obtuse; capsule roundish, five-cornered, five-celled, five-valved, opening at the
corners, partitions contrary ; seeds very nianv, roundish, shining. Ther are
tiiree species noticed by Swartz as natives of Jamaica, as follow-;

1. JAMAICENSIS.

ilXISEES 11 OUT US JAMAICENSII5, '

1. .TAMAICENSIS,

Peduncles aggregate, corollas ovate transparent, leaves alternate broad- lanceo
late, obtuse, entire, beneath ash-coloured and membranaceous.

2. FASCICULATA.

Peduncles aggregate, leaves alternate, ovate-lanceolate, obtuse, slightly cre-
nulate, coriaceous,

3. OCTANDRA.

Peduncles aggregate, corollas cylindrical, having four clefts, with only eight
stamina, leaves alternate, ovate lanceolate, very entire, membranace-
ous.

Angelica tree See Galapee.
Angola pea See Pigeon pea.

ANISEED. PIMPINELLA,

Cl. 5, OR. 2. Pentandria digi/nia. Nat. or. Umhellifera.

Gen. char. The general umbel is thin and piano-patent, the partial ones similar,
neither has anv involucrum ; the perianthia are scarcely observable ; the general
corolla is uniform ; the single flowers consist each of five oval inflex petals; the
stamina are simple fiiamcnts, antliers roundisli ; germen under the cup, stjles re-
flex, stigmata (jbtuse; fruit naked, of a roundish figure, striated, and separable
into two parts ; tlie seeds are twoj roundisii, convex, striated on one side, and
plane on the other.

JINISUSI.

Root leaves trifid gashed.

The root is oblong, slender, and white ; the radical leaves stand on long pedicles,
and are simple, small, roundish, foliola, crenated at the extremities, of a pale green,
and strong smell; the stalk is round, hairy, striated, ramose, and so weak that it is
scarcely able to support itself erect ; the leaves on it are narrower and more deeply cut
in all the edges; tlie umbels are verv large, the flowers of a yellowish white. It is a
native of Egypt and Syria, and was introduced into the botanic garden at Bath many
years ago. The roots have a grateful, warm, pungent, taste, and are considered an
excellent stomachic. The seeds have an aromatic smell, and a pleasant warm taste,
accompanied with a degree of sweetness. They are useful in cold flatulent disorders,
where tenacious phlegm abounds, and in the gripes to which children are subject, by
boiling them in a small qiumtity of water, which aifords a stronger infusion than by de-
coction, and giving it in tea-spoon-fii!ls. Frederic Hofihian strongly recommends
them in weakness of the st(;macii, diarriiaas, and for strengthening the tone of the vis-
cera in general.

Infused in water the seeds impart a little of their smell, but scarcely any taste. In
distillation they give out the whole of their taste. Along with the water there arises an

essential

>?t! ri^OKTUS JAMAICKNSIS'. amtidote

essential oil, to the quantity of an ounce or more from three pounds. They also yield
on oil upon expression.

The essential oil obtained from a-niseeds is the only ofHcinal preparation in the Pliar-
macoott'ia; it is grateful to the stomach, and may be taken in a dose of t\venty drops.
In ui-eases of tiie i^reast the oil is prcfei'red, but in flatulcniics and colics the seeds itl
substance are said to be more effectual. It is asserted that the oil is a poison to pigeons,

Anthemis See Ox-eye.

AxTHOLYZA S'ee Ethiopian antholvza,

AnTIDESM.A .Jte MAJOE-BlXrER.

ANTIDOTE COCOON. . FEUILLEA.

Cl. 22, OR. 5. Dicecia pcnlandria. NaT. OR. Cuciirbitacetc,

This is named in Iioaour of Lewis Feuillee,, a French Franciscan monk, who travel*
led in Peru.

Gf.x. CHAR. The male calyx is bell-shaped, half five-cleft ; the corolla is also half
five-cleft and wlieel-shaped ; there are five stamina with twin roundish anthers,
and the nectarium consists of five filaments, connivcnt or closing,, placed alter-
nately v^ith the stamina : the female calyx and corolla as in the male, but with a
green geiTn at the base ; stigmas heart-shajjed, styles three or Aac, and the fruit
is a large trilocular apple, wiili a hard bark; the seeds generally twelve, flatted,
and orbicular. Tliere are two species, one a native of tlie East the other of the?
West Indies, but it is doubtful whetlier they be distinct, Swartz aJhrms that they
are not as much as varieties^

COREiFOLTA.

Ghandiroha rel nhandiroba brasiliensihiis. Sloane, v. 1, p. 200..
Foliis crassiorihus gtabris, quandoque cordatis, qiunidoquc trilnbts,.
Browne, p. 374.

Leaves heart-shaped angular..

The stem is sufFrutcscent at bottom,, divided at top, with herbaceous. branches,.
Climbing frequently to the tops of trees, roundish and very smooth. Leaves petioled,
idternate, usuall}' cordate, when more adult, cordate iobed, the lower ones three-iobed,,
the lobes angular, thick, nerved, vety smooth on both sides. Flowers racemc.l, dusky,
yellow. Racemes in the male divaricating,, loose, the subdivisions almost upright, yU
ternatc, many-flowered; flowers pcdicelled. Caly.K five-parted, the parts are con\ex^,.
spreading, ovate, dusky. Filaments converging at the base, refie.v, club-shaped,,
gibbous, with a sort of head at the end to which the anthers are fastened ; these are
ovate, open longitudinally in the middle, and are whitish. 'i'he five other threads '
forming the nectary are yellow.

Barbara gives this plant its old name o'i nhandiroba, or f^handiroha, and says, " The
first time I met with this jilant was in St. Thomas in tiie Vale, in that part called Six-
teen-Mile ^Valk, in Jamaica; where I saw it climbing and running u;i to the to])s of
very high trees. It happened to have its fruit upon it. Its leaf \ cry much resembles

the

ANTIDOTE HORTUS JAMAICENSIS. 25

the English ivy leaf; but its fruit is like p. gr^en calabash, only it has a circular black
line round it, and t\vo or three warts, or little knobs; the inside of the shell is full of
white flattish beans, inclosed in a white membranous substance; and, wlfen thorou',di
ripe, the fruit turns brownish as a ripe calabash, and tlie beans or nuls are then of ;i
lightish-brown colour, and have a thin hard crust, in which is a whitish kernel, full of
oil, and excessive bitter. The nuts or beans, which arc generally ten or twelve in a
shell, are so close and conijiressed, that when I have taken them out, I never could
place them so -again as to make the shell contain them.

" Piso saith, that he has seen whole families in Brazil, that have had violent aches
.and pains, got by the night-air, who have been cured with the oil of these nuts, wiiich
they may easily have growing in great plenty in most parts of America. It cannot be
used in victuals," Iieing so excessive bitter. A Fi'ench gentleman some years past,
brought me from Peru some of these nuts, and asked me if I knew what they were r I
did not saiisfy him whether I knew them, ))ut asked him what tlie Spaniards called
tliem, and what use they i)ut them to ? He told me, that the Spaniards called thcni
avilta ; and that they were worth their weight in gold to expel poison, and wished I
could find them growing in Jamaica; v^1iicll they do in great plenty, and the negroes
i employed to get them for me called them suho.''' Barhcan, p. 113.

This ])lant is frequent in the moimtains, and generally found c!iml)ing among tlie
'tallest trees in the woods. It bears a ])od \>l)ich contains several broad. Hat, seeds, of
a reddish colour, when ripe. The seeds are largely impregnated with an oil, which is
extracted by pressing, and burnt in lamps. The negroes burn the seeds themselves.
They fasten a number of them upon a skewer, and, setting fire to the uppermost, it
^descends very gTadaally to tlie bottom. They aire extremelv bitter, and. when grated
. and infused in rum, or other spirits, a small dose opens the body and provokes an ap-
petite. The infusion is also made with Madeira wine, and taken to relieve pains in the
stomach. The oil gi'^es a clear fine light when burnt in lamps, and emits no disagree-
-able smell. It is easily cultivated, by planting the seed at the foot of a tree or pole, it
'bears very luxuriantly. Long, p. 718.

The kernel sliced and infused with orange-peel and a little wild cinnamon, in rum,
-,sn excellent bitter and opening medicine : Infused in water and rum, good in all cold
poisons. Dancer, p. 387, 391.

The seeds are said to be good for a person going into a dropsy, or a swelling of the
face, feet, &c. and the following is the receipt : Take eight or ten of tlie kernels,
scrape and bruise them fine in a mortar; put the same into a bottle, pouring thereon a
pint of old rum or brandy and the like quantity of water : let it remain in the sun two
<)r three days, shaking the bottle frequently : take a wine-glass full every morning,
fasting, and u'sing moderate exercise before breakfast.

An anonymous writer, in tiie Columbian Magazine, for .July, 1793, who gives the
foregoing receipt, states " that a young girl had been pronounced by the medic ;d
gentlemen in Spanish-Town in a drojisicai state, and evcrv thing administered as they
thought nefess.iry in such a case, but all in vain ; for, on my subsequent removnl U')
Kingston, I found the sucliing much increased in her face, legs, jmd thighs, with a
puthness in her belly. A planter from Above-Rocks breakfasted with me ; 1 called the
girl to get some water ; he was alarmed on seeing her condition, and advised the use

of

24 HORTUS JAMAICENSIS. - arbor

of the cocoon or antidote, observing that he had made a perfect cure of a girl in the
same state. I jjroceeded according to his directions, and with the hke success ; it is-
now eighteen months since, and, thanks be to God, she is now in perfect health. I
therefore think myself in duty bound to publish the same for the benefit of ray feiiow-
creatures."

APPLE. PYRUS.

Cl. 12, OR. 4. Icosandria, pentagynia. Nat. OR. Pomaceie.

The generic name is from a Greek word for fire, as the pear or fruit draws up to 3.
point like a flame.

Gen. char. The calyx is quinquefid ; there are five petals ; the fruit is inferior,
quinquelocular, and polyspermous. The tree grows twenty or tliirty feet high,
having oval serrated leaves, and sessile umbels of whitish red flowers, succeeded
by large roundish and oblong fruit, concave at the base. There are a great many
species and varieties, but none yet introduced tlirive well in Jamaica; they dege-
nerate and become dwarfish and sour. The best grows in St. Andrew's and Port-
Royal mountains, but the trees do not bear many fruit, shooting too much iut
wood. The fruit has seldom any seeds.

See Quince.

Apricot Sec under Cherry, Bird.
A Arabian Costus See CardamoiS.

ARBOR VIT^. THUJA.

Cl. 21, OR. 8. Monoscia monoielpMa. Nat. or. Connifcrie.

Gen. char. ^The calyx of the male flower is a squammse of an amentum ; there is
no corolla ; the stamina are four, scarcely manifest In the female flower the calyx
is a squammse of the strobilus, and contains two flowers; there is no corolla; the
pistil has a small germen, awl-shaped style, simple stigma ; and the seed is sur-
rounded with a membranaceous ala. Two species have been introduced.

1. OCCIDENTALIS.

Strobiles smooth with blunt scales, branches spreading.

This, the common arbor vitEc, has a spreading root, and the tree grows to a moderate,
height, it was introduced and planted in the botanic garden, Bath, by Dr. Clarke. Jt
has a strong woody trunk, erect, and knotty, rising forty feet or more ; the bark,
while young, is smooth, and of a dark brown colour, but, as it advances in age, it be-
comes cracked. The wood is reddish, firm, and resinous. The branches are ])roduced
irregularly on every side, spreading nearly horizontal, and the young slender shoots
frequently hang downward, thinly garnished with leaves ; so that when the trees are
growl large they make but an indifferent appearance. Tiie young branches are flat,,
and their small leaves lie imbricated over each other like the scales of a fish ; the flowers
are produced from the sides of the young branches, pretty near to the foot-stalk, they

are

ARDisiA HORTUS JAMAICENSIS. 2^

are small and yellowish ; the male flowers grow in oblong catkins, and between these
the female flowers are collected in form of cones. When the former have shed their
farina, thej' soon after drop off; but the female flowers are succeeded by oblong cones,
having obtuse smooth scales, containing (Mie or two oblong seeds. Tiie leaves of this
tree, which is a native of North-America, are divided into many parts, oblong, com-
pressed, and s(]uamir.osc, they are of a bright green, and ha%e a rank ody scent, when
bruised. There are three other s])ecies of this genus, orientalis, aphi/lia-, and dolohrata.
All of them are propagated by seetls, layers, and cuttings.

This plant grows naturally in Canada in swamps and marshes, and is used, according
to professor Kalm., for many medicinal j)urposes. It is much extolleil for rheumatic
j);iins. Thefresh lea^es are pounded in a mortar, and mixed with hog's grease, or
any other; this is boiled together, till it becomes a salve, which is spread on linen,
and applied to the ])art where the ])ain is. This salve gives certain relief in a short time.

Against violent pains which mn\e up aivd dowu, and sometimes spread ail over the
body, thej' recommend four-fifths of the leaves of (polypody fpolvpodium frondc pin~
natti, i<c.J and one-fifth of the cones of the thuju occUlcntalis, reduced sejierately to
a coarse powder, and afterwards mixed. With this j^owder, and milk-warm water, a
poultice is made, spread upon linen, and wrapt round the body; but a cloth is com-
monly laid betweei! it and the body, otherwise it would burn and scorch the skin.

The deroction of the leaves is used as a remedy for the cough ; and tliey use this at
Saratoga for the intermitting fever. The wood is very durable, and used in buildings
of all kinds, as well as cabinet-makers work.

2. ORIENT.^LIS.

Strobdes squairosc with sharp scales, branches erect.

This is a native of China, and rises to a considerable height. Its branche-s "rovf
closer together than the other, and are miu:h better adorned witii leaves, which are of
a brighter green colour, so make a much better appearance than the other, and beinw
very hardy, it is esteemed preferable to mast of tlie evergreen trees with small leaves
in gardens. The branches of this tree cross each other at right angles. The leaves are
flat ; but their divisions are slender, and the scales are smaller and lie closer over each
other than those of the occidtntalis. The cones are alo much larger, and of a beauti-
ful grey colour; their scales end in acute reflexed points. These trees are pro])a gated
by seeds, layers, or cuttings. One oi t\ie orientalis, it is believed the only one in Ja-
jnaica, grox^s oa Mr. Wiles's mountain, in Liguanea.

'AuCH.iNGEL See Hemp- AGRIMONY.

Arctotis See Marigold.

No English Ntime. ARDISTA.

Cl. 5, OR. I. Pentandria monogi/nia.
Gex. char. Calyx a one-leafed perianthium, five-cleft, clefts subulate, upriHit,
coloured, permanent; corolla one-petailed, five-parted, tube short; filaments
subulate, upright; anthers acute, bifid at the base, converging at top round
the stjde; germen superior, ovate, very small; style sulndate and lonn-cr
tlian the stamens, stigma simple ; the pericarpium a roundish berry ; seed single,

E rouiicliiii.

26- HORTUS JAMAICENSIS.

AnGYTHAMNlA

rounilish, covered with a hard brittle bark, like a luit. There are several species,
two of which have been found in tliis island.

1. TIMrOUA.

Jasmiuum forte, arboreiiw, foliis lanrinis, oh/usis latioriliii.<! atrovi-
rciitihus, Jiore pcntapetalo racemosa purpurea rcficvo. - Stoane, v. 2,.
}). 98.

Flowers panicled, leaves elliptir, entire, neiTcd, stem arboreous.
This rises about thirty feet high, having a clay or ash coloured smooth baric ; its t'^ igs .
are set with smooth duvk-green leaves, four inclies long and two broad in the middle,
haviaj an eminent midrib and footstalks a quarter of an inch long. The flowers are
pnrple and rcflexed. It grows in Liguanca mountains. Sloane.

2. CORI.\CEA.

Flowers panicled, leaves oblong, entire, veinless coriaceous. S:c Pr. 4S.-

No English Name.- AHGYTHA.MNIA."

Cl. 2], OR. 4. Monoecia tctrandrla. Nat. or. Trieocciv.-

The name is derived from two Greek words, signifying a little' white shrub.

Gek. char. Male calyx fom- lanceolate leaves ; corolla four petals lanceolate-ovate',
ciliate on the m.argin, shorter than the calyx ; nectary i'our glands between the
jietals, roundish, depressed; filaments four, longer than the petals, approximat-
ed at the base, dilated, anthers simple; the pistilhnn the rudiment of the style : .
tiie female in the same raceme under the male, calyx a five-leafed perianthium,
leaflets lanceolate ; no corolla; gernien ovate, somewhat three-cornered; styles ^
three, spreading, half two-cleft, each of the clefts bind; stigmas lacerate ; "tJic
pericarpium a tricoccoas capsule, three-celled,. six- vah cd ; the seeds sohtary and.
rov'ndish. Tiiere is only one species :

CAXDICANS.

liicino (iff.nis odorifera frulicosu viinor, tencrii folio, fructu tricocco
dilute purpiireo. Sloane, v. I, p. 1:33, t. 86, f. 3. I'rutivosa, io-
ta (tlhida ; foliis ol)'o7igisy7iertis paucioribus nrcuatis. Browne, 338.
This shrub seldom rises above five feet in height, and the trunk and branches are co-
vered with a whitish bark. The branches are four or five feet long, sometimes risin"-
upward, and at other times lying along the surface of the earth. The twigs have leaves
at their ends, standing. round them, about an inch in breadth, oval, senate, and of a
\ery dark green colour, something like germander. Plovvers axilinry^on very short pe-
tluncles. Calyx five-leaved ; stamens six, greenish ; seed-vessel tricocccus, green,
becoming as big as that of heliotropium tricoccon, only it is smooth, and of a very
pleasant pale purple colour. The leaves, when bruised, are very odoriferoiis. This
plant grovi's chiefly in the lower hills of this island, in dry gravelly soil. SI. &' Broxcne.
The (itcraniruis of Browne has been referred to this gejius, and boUi united to. the
order of euphorbias.

jlRNOTTO HORTUS JAMAICENSIS. 7

j\';> English Name. ARISTEA,

Cl. 3, OR. 1, Triandria mo)wgynia. Nat. or. Ensatte.

Gen. CHAR. "Calyx sexpartite ; corolla hexapetalous ; style declining ; stigma s';-n-
pie anJ bell-shaped; capsule oblong trigonal ; seeds many. 'V\\c. capitatsiwis,'x\^
troducedby Mr. W'allen, and is the monea cerulea of JNjliller,

c.vriTATA.
Scape round, leaves distich, hcails of flowers alternate, spathes nicnibraaa-
ccoiis entire.
This is a large and ornamental plant, the stem three or four feet high, nearly twice
ihc length of tlic leaves round, somewhat wingeil by the alternate, decurrent, cauline
.leaves, Upright, subiignesccnt. Leaves linear, ensiforni, stiihsh, finely striated, wiiii-
ont any prominent rib-likc nerve, polished, dark green. Spathes and involucre;
meinbranous, scariose, and acute. Corolla blue, the segments obovate, equal, tvv'ist-
ing round each oiher in a spiral form, when they close. Jtbears an aljundance of seed,
of which there are two or thre<: in each cell, and by which it is easily ]:)ropagated, as al-
;SO l)y the otYsers or suckers, which it throws up, but i.otin j^reat numbers. This only
.-thrives in the coldest mountainous situations in Jamaica.

See MOUJ5A.

ARNOTTO OR ROCOU. BIXA.

Cl. 13, OK. \.Poii/andi'iamonogynia Nat. OR. Cvlumnifertv.

The generic name was adopted from the Indian name used by Oviedo in his Histoiy
of I-iidia or Spanish Ameuca.

Gen. CHAE. The calyx is pcrinancnt, five-parted, obtuse, flat; the corolla double,
the exterior five ol)long thick petals dropping oil as they expand, the interior like
but thinner ; the stamina are numerous setaceous filaments, half the length of the
corolla ;. the anthers erect, roundish, and purple; stigma bifid comjiressed ; the
fruit an heai't-shaped compressed capsule, surrounded with hairs, formed of two
valves, opening at the angles, containing only one cell, but with an interior bivalve
membrane; the seeds are numerous, turbinated and truncated at the undjilicus ;
tlie receptacle is linear, longitudinal, and grows to the middle of the valves.
There is only one species known.

ORELLANA.

JJriicu. Sloane, v. 2, p. 52, i. IS I, f. 1. Foliis cordatis cum acumi-
nc, floribus i-acemcsis terininalibus. Browne, p. 254.

Tliis rises vvith an upright stem to the height of ten or twelve feet, sending out ma-
ny branches at the top, formiug a regular head, garnished with heart-shaped leaves,
cndinfT in a point, and having long footstalks. The flowers are produced in ]oo.';e pa-
nicles at the ends of t!ie branches, of a pale peach-colour, having large petals and a
great number of bristly stamina of the same colour m the centre. After the flower is

E 2 passett

.28 11 OUT US JAMA IC EN SIS, auxotto

passed the germon becoincs a heart-shaped, or rather a mitre-shaped, vessel, covered
Oil the outside with bristles, openinj^ with two valves and tilled with angular seeds, co-
vered with a re<l waxen pulj) or pellicle, from which the c(jiour called arnotto is prc-
])ared. These plants thrive best in a cool rich soil, ajid shoot most luxuriantly near
springs and rivulets. They are easily propagated from seed.

This plant hath many names, as vrucii, mucou, rocavr, orleana sen o-rellana, our'
oucoii. Tournefort calls it mitellu ^Imcricuna maxima linctoria, and so doth Piumicr.
Hernandez and the Indians call it achhtl, seu vicdicina tingendo upta.

The figure of the plant, w ith Us flower and fruit, is extraordinary well desigited in Piso.

The leaves are cordatcd, or in the figure of an heart, about four inches long and about
two broad, coming out alternately from the stalks and branches, having a sort of foot-
stalk, and a nerve running through the whole leaf, with transverse or oblique veins on
each side ; at the ends of the branches come out, upon a short foot-stalk, many flowers
in clusters, every flower the bignes.; of a small rose, with five leaves of a carnation co-
lour, with a great many yellow stamina, or thrums, with purple tips ; after the flower
follows the fruit, or cotl, which is in the shape of the leaf, but not so broad, covered
with a very rough coat, like the chesmit, which is first green, and, as it ripens, grows
of a dark brown, and then opens of itself. Every cod contains about thuty or forty
seeds, about the bigness and shape of buck wheat, having a splendid red colour, and a
little oily ; so that it tinges or paints the fingers of a reddish colour, not easily got out
with washing ; and it is what sticks to the outside of the seed which makes the paste
called anotto ; which the}- get hy washing it off with water, and after separate the water
a.nd make the paste up into balls. This the dyers use to make a colour they call aurora.
I have known it sold in America for nine shilhngs per pound, but now of low price, and
much out of use.

There is a magisterj' prepared with the paste, as foUoweth : Take fine flour of cas-
sada, orange-flower water, white sugar, Brazil pepper, and the flowers of nhambi, all
finely mixed. (See more of the preparation in Piso, p. 116.) This uiagistery is given
to persons that are poisoned, in wastings and consumptions, hectic fevers, and imfno-
derate sweatings ; it stops bloody fluxes, strengthens the stomach, and provokes urine
and the gravel ; there is also an extract to be m.ade out of the roots, which is of the
same nature as the paste. Anotto is commonly put in chocolate; and the Spaniards
mix it with their sauces, and broths, or soups, which gives them a saffron colour, and
a pleasant taste. Barhani, p. 4, 5.

When a sufficient number of seeds are collected they are thrown into any convenient
vessel, and as much hot water poured upon them as is necessary to suspend the red fa-
rina, which is gradually washed olf the seeds by the hand or a spoon. When the seeds
appear quite naked, they are taken out, an 1 the wash left to settle ; after which the
water is gently poured away, and the sediment put into shallow vessels, to be dried by
degrees in tlie shade ; . and, after acquiring, by this means, a due consistence, it is
made into balls or calies, and set to dry thoroughly in any airy place, until it is joer-
fectly firm, in which state it is fit for market. Long, p. 7 14.

Another mode is to pound the contents of the fruit vnth wooden pestles ; thert cover
them with water and leave them to steep for six days. This liquor being passed
Shroagh a coarse sieve, and afterwards through three finer ones ; it is again put into
tii^ yittor wooden vessel, and left to fenacutti week. It is then boiled uutii it becomes

pretty

ARiiPvr-i!CA9 H OUT US JAMAICEJS!3iS, 29

pretty thick, and, when cool, is spread out to dry, and then made up into balls, which
are usvialiy wrapped up in leaves. Arnotto ol" a good quality is of the colour of fire,
bright within, soft to tiie touch, and dissolves entirely in water.

The arnotto is said to be an antidote to the poisonous juice of manioc or cassada.
Labat informs us that the Indians prepare an arnotto greatly superior to ours, of a bright
shining red colour, almost equal to carmine. For this purpose, instead of steeping and
fermenting the seeds in water, they rub them witli the hands previously dipped in oil,
till the pellicles come off, and are reduced into a clear paste ; which is scraped off from
the hands with a knife, and laid on a clean leaf in the shade to dry.

It is sometimes used to give a riciiness of colour to butter, cheese, and soups, in
small quantities. Hughes tells us that the wood of this tree, being rubbed, produces
fire, and that th^ bark makes long durable lines. The root is of a grateful taste and is
used as sallron ; they have much the same properties as the wax, but are said to work
more powerfully by the urinary passages. Tiie Indians paint themselves with the ber-
ries, mixed with lemon-juice and rum. The arnotto was formerly used by dyers^
but at present it is not held in such estimation as a dye, though it still maintains its
ground with painters.

ARROW-HEAD. SAGITTARIA.

Cl. 21, OR. 7. Monwcia polyandria. Nat. ob. Tripetaloidice.

This plant takes its name from the form of the leaves resembling the head of an
atrow.

Gen. char. ^The calyx of the male flower is three-leaved, the leaves ovate, coacave,
permanent ; corolla three-petalled, petals roundish, blunt, flat, spreading, three
times as large as the calyx ; the stamina numerous, often twenty-four, awl-shaped,
collected into a head, anthers erect : the female calyx has three leaves, and the
corolla three petals, as in the male ; there are no pistils but numerous genuens,
collected into a head, gibbous outward, ending in very short styles, with acute
stigmas; the receptacle globular ; seeds numerous and naked. There are two
species which grow plentifully in Jamaica.

1. SAGITTIFOLIA.

Sagitta. Sloane, v. 1. p. 188.

Leaves arrow-shaped acute.

This grows in great plenty in Jamaica. Sir Hans Sloane saith, he hath seen the same,"
ptant sent from Fort St. George, in the East-Indies, by the name of coolette yella. It
grows much like our European arrow-head, and hath its name from its shape ; viz.
sagilta si\'e sagittaria. Tournefort calls it ranunculus palustris folio sagittato maximo.
It generally grows in standing waters, and is counted a peculiar wound herb, whether
inwardly taken or outwardly applied ; the root, bruised and apphed to the feet, helps
the crab-yaws in negroes. Barham, p. 6.

2. :lancifolia.

Plantago aquatictt. Sloane, v. 1, p. 187. Foliis maximis, smph'ci-
bis, ohlongis, utringne produces ; ramidU xxrti.cillatis ; caule glu"
kro, Browne, p. 345,

Leaves.

^ HORTUS JAMAlCENSia ARKOW-root

Leaves lanceolate orate.
It grows near Biack-lliver bridge, going to 01d-H;ul)0ur, and in many other places.
It is tliougiit to have tiie same qualities with land plantain, the seed to be astringent,
and tlae leaves good against burns, and to be applied to hydropic legs. The juice ap-
plied to i)reasts is a great secret in clearing tiiem of milk. Sloane.

Great quantities of this plant grow near the Ferry-Tavern, on the i*oad between
Kingston and Sp,iiiish-Town, wiierc the stem grows very luxuriantly, and rises fre-
q'aently to the height of two or three feet above the foliage. The branches of the low-
er verticiilre seiJotu exceed three in number, and are generally sub-divided in the same
manner themselves ; but those of the higher orders consist of chiefly five long siuqjle
flovver-staiks, and those about the top of three only. The flowers that grow about the
cxtreniilies of the stem and i)ranches are generally male, and adorned with a great ma-
ny filaments, which are always observed to stand on longer footstalks than tlie icniale
flowers, which commonly occupy the lovvci part of the main as well as of the luteritl
flower-spikes. Both the stalk and branches are smootii and roundLsh. Browne.

ARRO W-RO OT. M AR ANTA .

Ci.. 1, OR. 1. Monandria monogynia. Nat. ok. Scilamimtr,

The generic name was given by Plumier, in honour of Bartolommco Maranta, vAlO
Tvrote three books on simj^le medicines, and was esteemed a man of considerable geni-
us, who died in 1.).3 1-.

Gf.n. ciiAPi. Calvx a r.mall, three-leaved, lanceolate, pcrianthiun; ; corolla or.e-
petaliccl, rlngent, with an oijlong compressed tube, bent in, border six- cleft, al-
ternate outer segments ovate, equal, smaller, two alternate lateral very large and
roundish, representing tjie lower lip ; iippermost stnall,- two-parted ; the stamen
a mcriibranaceous filament, resembling a segment of the corolla, with a htvear an-
ther fastened to its edge ; the pistillum a rountiish germcn, inferior ; style siniple,
the length of the corolla ; stigma obsolctely three-cornered, bent in ; j)eri(uijji-
um roundish, obscurely three-sided, three-ceiled, three- valved; seed single, -
vatc, wrinkled, and hard. Five or six species have been reierred to this gcims,
init all ilouhtiul, (some of them indeed now diliorently classed), except the Indiau
arrow-root, or

_ ... AUUNDINACEA.

Camui Indicamdice alba lile.fipharmaca. Sloane, v. 1, p. 253, t*149./
f. 2. Fidiis ianccoluto cvatis, peliolis superne gangUonosis JnictK,
glabra. Browne, p. Ii2.

Culm brandied, -Jierbaceous, leaves ovate-lanceolate, somewliat hairy below.

This plant has thick, knottv, creeping, perennial roots, Imving annular protuberan-
ces or rings, crowned with long, broad, arundinaceous, le'aves, ending iii points, and
upright stalks, terminated by bimches of white fl.iwers Tiic plant is propagated by
cuttings <jf the roots, which spring at the joints, and in about twelve, monviis is fit t j
be dug. It is very generally cultivated in Jamaica, where it was intrcuuccd from ti;o
island of Earbadoes.

Ti;is

ARROW- HOOT HORTUS jAMAICENSIS. 3t'

This root is so call-'d from its curing and expelling the poisoii which Indians put to
their arrows when they shoot at their enemies, which, ii' the\- make but a slight wound,
certainly kills the person if the poison he not expelled; and that this ]-;!a;";t doth, bv
takini- the juice iawardl}-, and applying the bruised root as a poultice outwardly : This
ivas discovered by an Indian, taken after he had wounded an European with one of these-
poisoned arrows, whom they tortured until he promised to cure him, which he did c<-
fcctually with the I'oot of this plant. It hath a stalk and leaf exactl}- like Indian shot,
only that hath a bfMutiful scarlet Hower, and this hath a milk-white one. The leaves of
it fall in Deceniber, and the root is fit to dig in January. Sir Hans Sloane calls it canna.
Jndica rddice alba alexipharmaca, from its known virtues in e:;petling poison. I knew
a gentlewoman ia .Jamaica that was bit or stung with a black spider (which is venomous
liere) upon one of the fingers, which immediately inflamed and pained her up to tlie
elbow and shoulder, and threw her into a fever, wit.h symptoms of fits; and all this
happened in less than an hour. They sent away for this root, which they took and
bruised, and having applied it to the par: aiTecte 1, in half an hour's time she found
much ease: in two hours afterwards chevtook that away, and applied afresh root, which
still brought more ease and quietness of her spirits > her fever abated,, and ira twenty-
four hours she was perfectly well. 1 knew another person that was cured in the same
manner, that was bit by one of these spiders, at the nccessar^'-house, upon the but-
tock ; And about three miles from St. Jago de la Vega, happened an accident of.poison
not designed, which was done by an ignorant- rregro slave, by stopping a jar of rum
with a weed, which wilt be described hereafter*. The rum stood siojjped all night, and
some of the leaves had fallen inio it : In the morning, a negro drank of it, and gave
some to two o: three more of his ccantry ; and in less than two hours they were all verv
sick v/ith vlole: it vomiting and tremblings. This alarmed the plantation, and the master
of it was sent ft>r, letting him know that some of his negroes were poisoned, but how
they could not tell, lie took a surgeon with him. ; but before he got there two or three of
them were dead, and another just expiring. The surgeon was at a stand what to do ;' but
somebody advised Indian' arrow-rtiot, which they got immediately, and bruiscfl it, being
a very juicy root, and pressed out the juice, and g:we it to tlie'Tiegro, who was secmingl-v
adyirig" : The fiist glass revived him, the second brouglit him to himself, so thai? he said
he f^jund his heart honn, and desired more of it; upon which he mended, and in a little
time recovered. - T'his is-Lopezcle Gomara's counter-poison, and is one of the ingve-
dierits of Hernandez's grand elixir, or great antidote. I have seen this root frequent])?
priven in malignant fevers with great sr.ccCss,- when all other tiviu2:s have failed, ^\'he^^
i make up idpis cnntraijerva f<)r vcij own practice, I always put i-n a good quantity of ibl.
I have given it decocted, but it is best in powder, w hich causes sweat ; the dose is
from a draclmi or two. I have observed, that altliough this is a very flowery root, jet,
if vou keep it ';even years, no vermin will meddle uilh it, when all other roots in this
countrv are very subje'ct to be destroyed uith vi^:>rros and Weevils. It luith no mani!c:
of ill taste or smell ; it works by sweat and uriiie, and yet is a great cordial ; it pwivokcji
the terms, and clears lying in women ; it drives out tlie t>mall-pox or measles ; and if
it was candied as eringo-root, it woidd make a pleasant preserve, for it possesses thtj
iike prolific virtue. Barhani, p. T, 8.

Prepared as follows, this root makes excellent starch, and i's frcq'.-.entlv used instead
of the common sort. The roots, when a year old, are dug up, well washed in uater,^

atid-

See Savanna Flouer,

32 HORTUS JAMAICENSIS. ap^smart

and beaten to a pulp, which is thrown iato a large tub of clean water. The whole is
then well stirred, and tlic fibrous part wrung out by the hands and thrown away. The
milky liquor being passed tlirough a hair-sieve, or coarse cloth, is left to settle, when
the water is drai;ied off, leaving a white mass, wiiich is again mixed with clean water
and drained ; the mass is then spread out and dried in the sun, and becomes a pure
white flour, v/hich will answer all the purposes of starch. Boiled with miik and water,
it is a most nourishing and extremely palateabie food, which m^ay be retained by the
weakest stomach. It is, for many domestic purposes, preferable to the best wheaten
flour, especially in making puddings.

Dr. Wright says a decoction of the fresh roots makes an excellent ptisan in acute
diseases. Its juice is also said to stop a gangrene, if applied in tinae, and tliat with wa-
ter it is good against all acrid poisons. The Indians call it touloUt.

ARSMART. POLYGONUM.

Cl, 8, OR. 3. Octandria trigynia. Nat. or. Holoraceie.

Tlie generic name is derived from two Greek words signifying very knotty', on ac-
count of the many knots on the stalks.

Gen. CHAR. ^There is no calyx ; tiie corolla is five-parted and calycine, or serving
iustead of a calyx ; the stamens eight short filaments, .\\ ith roundish incumbent an-
thers; germen triquetrous, st3'ies short, stigmas simple ; there is no pericarpium,
but the corolla remains, and surrounds the seed, which is single, triquetrous, and
acute. There are many species, three of wiiich grow in this island, tiie following,
. and the scandeiis, coimnonly called buck- wheat

1. PERSIC ARIA.

'Perskaria urem; she hydropipev. Sloane, v. 1, p. 140. Glabrunty
Jiorihus hexandris, afj/l/s hifidis, vas'inis siil)mittifi.<i. Browne, 212.
Flowers hexandrous semidigynous, spikes ovate oblong erect, peduncles even,
stipules ciliate

This grows very commonly on the muddy banks of (he Rio Cobre, and sends out
from every joint, touching the water or mud, a grert mauy fibrils. Tiie stalk is round,
jointed at every incli and a half, each joint incUning a little downwards, and about two
feet long. At every joint there is a protuberance, and at it upwards is a half-inch long
membrane covering the stalk. The leaves come out at each joint akernatively, on
inch-long footstalks, they are eight inches long and two broad where broadest, smooth,
and in every thing like English arsmart leaves. The flowers stand on the tops of the
branches, spike-lhshioned, like in colour to the ordinar}- persicarias, and to them fol-
lows a black, fiat, roundish, shining, smooth, seed, having two small prickles or points
at eacii end. It grows bv river sides and in moist grounds all over the island, and comes
very near, if not altogether the same, as our common Eun^pean persicaria. Sloane,
alter gi\ iiig the foregoing description, cites various aiUhorilies for the following virtues
which this vegetable is reputed to possess: A fomentation of the leaves tjikes away old
aches and colds of the joints. It is a good caustic, and used in putrid and wormy ulcers
for that cause. It takes away hardened tumours, and dissolves congealed blood. The
Juice kills worms in the ear. Boiled in water, and applied, it carries away bad humours

fiona

AitsMA-RT H OUT US JAMAICENSIS. SU

from the c^-es. If beaten luul applieJ with the juice, it helps jjuriilent eye. It takes off.
spots from the hod}-, if its juice 'jo rubhed on them aioniing aiid evening. T'tie juice
*)f the whole plant, except the roof, boiled iu sergelini oil, u a cephalic liniment, even
to be a])plied to bleedings of the nose. This is iiiso a liiiinient for the gout. Tlie root,
taken with hot water, loosens the bellv ; and the leaves, given in sour milk, assuage the
sweliing's of the beilyand gripings. Flics, gnats, or lleas, come not near this lierb
or its juice, and, tiiercfore, it is good f;r ulcers, and keeps these vermin fr(;m rooms
strewed with it. Suioe of it put under th.e sadalc, and rubbed on a horse's back, re-
frcKhes hiai- when tired. Stoune.

V/e have twa sorts of arsmart in America, the same as grow in England, one without
spots, the other With. It is known, as the great and learned Boylt; commends it, as a
specific to break the stone and expel the gravel in the reins or bladder, and that by a
.simple water distilled from this plant ; but its juice or essence, in mv opinion, is imirli
better, sweetened with a little syrup of marsh-mallows. The root, Lruised and applied
to an aching to(jtb, takes away the pain ; the iuice or essence, mixed with equal quanti-
ties of ox-ga!!, oil of spike, and mustard, well niixedj discusses all cold swellings, scro-
fulous and schirrous tumors, and whitlows or felons ; the essential <jil is good for knotty
gouts ; or this : Take the oil of arsmart (made by infusion), Jovage,. and shepherd's
purse, of each a handful ; the heads of five sheep and fifteen frogs ; boil all together
in two or three quarts of oil, until the flesh is consumed, and then strain, 'i'iiis is
excellent for knotty or chalky gouts, rubbing it well into the parts. Barham, p. 8.

Dr. Dancer says the dose of the fresh plant, fpersicariaj in decoction, isa wine-o-lass
full, as a diuretic ;, and, on the authority of the late ingenious Mr. Samuel Feinted, that
an infusion of the dried plant is powerfully diuretic, and very useful in gravtdly com-
i^laints. Mtdical Jlasistant,* p. 383. Tlie following is copied from Mi-. l<elsted's ma-
nuscript : " A decoction of the stalks of this plant, fresh gathered, drank, a wine glass-
full at a time, at short inteiTals, has very speedily removed a dangerous suppression of
urine, of two days continuance, after all the medicines which were used had failed.
Also a decoction of the dried stalks and leaves has afforded relief in an arthritic com-
plaint, by evacuating sand and gravel."

2. BARBATUM. BKARDED.

Persicaria procuinbens longisslma, ungustifvlia, non maculosa, spica
longiori, la.viuri et graciliori. Sloane, v. 1, p. 17, t. 3, f. 1. i)ub~
hirsntuvi yvaginis setosis, Jioribus octandris, sti^lis ir/fidis. Browne,
p. 212.

Flowers hexandrous trigynous, spikes rod-like, stipules truncate setaceous-
ciliate, leaves lanceolate.

Sloane says the root of the barbatum has several protuberances, and great numbers of
xeddish brown strings. The stalks are spread round, trailing on the surface of the
earth for about four feet iiv length, round, reddish, smootli, jointed at every inch.

F Tiie

" The compiler lias to apologise to the learned autlior of the Medical Assistant, for having oraitled, in his preface,,
to acknowledge the aisistance lie has derived I'roifl tbat vry usel'ui work, whitli ought to be ia the pusacjjiou of
icrj{ fainilj: liiroughout the VYcJt ludiu.

e* KOKTUS JAMAICENSf?: ARTicKeKB

"^I'lic floweiN stand on footstalks at tlie tops of the branches, iikc those of orclijiain- ars-
nr.irt, hut more hix and slender, followed bj- sniall sliining black seeds in green husks,
seed.< an^idiir, witli two 2)ricki_y eiid>. It frrows in moist and muddy places. Sioanc.

See Buckwheat.

ARTICHOKE. CYXARA.

Cl.. 1.9, Olt. 1. S_yugenesia polygamia (rqualis. Nat. on. Compesitee.

This generic name is said by sonic to be derived from the word ciiierc, becanse, ar?-
^'ording to Columella, land for artichokes should be manured wkh ashes. Parkinson
says, it is so calletl from the ash-coloured hue of the leaves.

Gen. CHAR: -'Calyx oonimon ventricose inibricate,tvith nurrierous scales ; corolla com-
pouiid tuhu'ons, niiiforni eoroJlets heniwjjhrBdite, nearlveciual, proper, one-pe-
talled : stamina five-fi'a?nei>ts, very short ; anther -cylindric, five-to(jthed ; gir-
men ovate, style filiform, .stigma simple; no pericarpium ; seeds solitary, ob-
long-ovate ; down sessile, long ; receptacle bristly. There ai'e six species, two
only culti%-atedfor use, the cafdunculus or cardoon, and the

SCOLYMUS.

Leaves somewhat spiny, pinnate and undivided ; calycine scales ovate.

This is the common garden artichoke, of which there are two varieties. 1. Theco-
ftical green headed French artichoke, having small leaves, terminated by spines, a tall
stalk ; the head somewhat conical, and of a light green colour, with the scales pointed
fit top, opening and turning outward. 2. The globular headed red Dutch artichoke,
having leaves without spines, a strong stalk, the head large, globular, a little com-
pressed at top, and of a reddish green colour ; broad obtuse scales emarginated at top,
growing ciose, and turning inward. This last , is deservedly the most esteemed, both
on account of its superiority in size, and the agreeableness of its flavour. The Hout-rs
and seed of all tlie plants of this genus are produced in the centre of the head ; the
scales of which are the proper calyx of the flower, which consists of numerous small
blueish florets, succeeded by downy seeds sitting nAked on the receptacle. Both the
varieties are propagated by slips or suckers, and thrive very vveii in rich land, and high
cold situations in Jamaica. Very fine -ones may often be met with in the Kingston
market, the produce ef Port Royal, Liguanea, and St. David's, mountains. The
ground where they are planted should be well duo-, freed from weeds, and so thrown
up as to prevent water lodging about the roots. It is best to leave only one shoot and
head to each root ; by which means the artichokes will be much finer and larger.

The artichoke is a native of the soutiiem parts of Europe. The receptacles or bot-
toms of the heads, and the fleshy parts of the scales, are usually eaten, and though
thought by Galen to generate bile and melancholy, are wholesome and nutritious.
The leaves are bitter, and afford, bj' expression, a considerable quantity of juice, which,
when strained and mixed with an equal part of white wine, has been given successfully
in dropsies ; for this purpose, two or three spoonfuls of the mixture are to be taken
night and morning. An infusion of the leaves are likewise diuretic, and may be em
ployed with the same intention, JVoodville''s Medical Botany, p. 69, pi. 28.

. See Cardoon.

ASPARAGUS,

JKPHODEi. 11 O R T U S J A M A I C E N S rs. SS

ASPARAGUS. ASPARAGUS.

Cl. 6, OP. 1. Ile.vandria monogynia. Nat. or. SarmcnfacetP.

This takes its name from a Greek ward, signifying a yotiiig shoot, before it unfolds
its leaves.

Gen. char. No calyx ; corolla sis pt>ia]leil, cohering by the claws, oblong, and
caaipanulakod ; the petals rctlex at the extremities ; stamina fiiiibrm capiliauientF,,
inserted into the petals, erect, and half the length of the corolla ; antliers round-
ish ; germen trigonal, s-tyie short, stigma a prominent point ; the fruit a globose
three-celled berry ; seeik two, round, angular inside, sinooth. There are.seve--
ral species andTariedes, the most useful is -the

OFF ICINALIS. OmcrNAL. .

Stem herbaceous, round, erect ; leaves setaceous ; stipHlesalilve.

The root is perennial, large, composed of many succulent round bulbs, forming a
Icind of transvei-se tfiber, wheiice spring nimierous stems. The pro]iagation of this
useful plant is from seeds. It thrives well ir> Jamaica, and will grow almost any where,.
and a bed of it once. established will siipplya family for many yc;ws, wuh frequent cut-
ting and manuring. The seeds iire collected by bruismg tlie berries in any vessel, and
afterwards washing^off the pulp. They sh&uld then be dried and sown in small trenches
well manured. I'liey must be kept dear of weeds, and, when tlie stalks are dry, a lit-
tle rotten dung siioukl be thrown over the bed. When they grow up again, they will
be fit to cut lor the talile. They produce goodruttings, in this inland, twelve months
after they are sown. The ro(jts of the asparagus have a bitterish mucilaginous taste, in-
clining to sweetness : the truit hasniuch the same kind of taste ; the young shoots are
more agreeable tliEH either. Asparagus promotes appetite, batahbrUs lili.le nourish-
ment. It gives a strong ill smell to the urine, in a little time after eating it, and, for
this reason, chiefly, is supposed to be diuretic ; but neither the roots, nor the staiks
when branched, have thisetiect : it is likewise esteemed aperient and deobstruent.

M. Roliquet has lately, it is said, discovered a new vegetable principle in asparagus j
it is a triple salt of lime and ammonia, of which the acid is unknown. Tins chemist,
and M. Vauquelin, have found a substance, in the juice of this vegetable, anaiagous.
to manna.

ASPHODEL, OR KING'S. SPEAR. ASPHODELUS.

Cl. 6, OR. 1. Hexandriamonogytiia. Nat. or. Covonarue.

tjEN. CHAR. ^Thcre is no calyx ; the corolla is raonopetaious six- parted ; the nec-
tarium consists of six small valves, forming a globe ; the stamina subulate, bowed,
inserted lato the valves of the nectary, alternately shoi'ter ; anthers oblong, in-
cumbent ; gennen roundisli, style subulate, stigma truncate ; the capsule is Heshy,
globose, three-lobed and three-celled ; seeds numerous, triangular, and gibbous
i)n one side. There are three species, only one of wiiich has been introduced.

ramosus. branckv.
Stenx naked, leaves ensifonn, keeled, polished,

^ 2 Brancky

S6 IIORTUS JAMAICENSIS. avens

Branrhv asphodel hath roots rompose<l of fleshy fibres, to each of which is fastened
an oblong bulb as large as a small potatoe ; the leaves are long and flexible, having sharp
edges ; between them come out the flower stalks, which rise more than three feet higii,
sending forth many lateral branches. The upper parts of these are adorned witb many
white star-shaped flowers, which grow in long spikes, flowering gradually upward.
They are easily propagated by parting their roots, and are pretty ornaments to a flower
garden.

The roots are of an acrimonious taste, and heating quality ; being drank they pro-
mote urine and the menses ; and the weight of a drachm, taken in wine, is used with
success in pains in the side, coughs, convulsions, and ruptures. Tliey are good
against bitos of serpents, and make a good cataplasm for foul spreading ulcers, inflaTu-
mations, &c. The ashes of tlic burnt root, rubbed on an alopecia, cause new hair to
spring. Chambers' Cj/c/op.

AsPLENiUM See "Harts Tongues and Spleen Wort.

Aster See Star-Wort.

Atropa See Tree Atropa.

Attoo See Chaw Stick.

AucuEA .S^ir Japan Aucuca.

Auricula Sec Primrose.

AVENS. GEUM.

Cl. 12, OR. 5. Icosandria moiiogynia. Nat. or. Lenticoste.
The derivation of this name is uncertain.

Gen. char. Calyx a one-leafed, ten-cleft, upright, perianthium, segments alter-
nately small ar-'l sharp ; the corolla has five petals ; the stamina are nun>erou9
filaments, length of the calyx ; short anthers ; tlie pistillum has numerous germs,
collected into a head ; styles hairy, long ; stigmas simple : there is no pericarpium,
the common receptacle of the seeds oblong : seeds numerous, compressed, Lisped,
avvned, with a long style. One species is a native of this island.

VIRGINUNUM. VIRGINIAN.

Caryophyllata foliis alatis. Sloane, v. 1, p. 224.

Flowers upright ; awns hooked, naked ; stem-leaves tcrnate, the irpper ones
lanceolate ; petals shorter than the calyx.
There are two or three sorts of thorn growing '.4' \merica. One sort, Pere le Feu-
ville calls canjophyllata foliis (ileitis Jlore ample coccineo. It is an aperitive herb, which
the natives make a tea of, to keep tlieir bodies in order. It grows about half a yard
high, on the side of the mountains, and hath a scarlet blossom. The same sort 1 found
growing in Jamaica : It is hot and dry, attenuates, cleanses and opens obstructions ; is
good m bruises and pleurisies, and heals wounds. Bar/iain, p. 10.

Sloane rays this plant is very common hi the woods of this ii^land.

AVOCADO

AVOCADO IIOTITUS JAMAICENSIS. 37

AVOCADO PEAR. LAURUS.

Ci.. 9, OR. 1. Ennecindria monogynia. Nat. or. Hdsraccte.

The name laurus is said to be derived from the Latin word lam, praise.

Gen. char. ^There is no calyx ; the corolla is calycine, or serving in tlie place of
the calyx, and sexpartite ; the nertarium with three glandules, each terminated
by two bristles surrounding the gennen, the stamina are nine filaments, shorter
than the corolla, compressed, obtuse, and placed in threes ; the anthers adhere
to the edge of the upper part of the filaments, on each side, and there are twa
globose corpuscles affixed by a very short filament to each of the stamina of the
inner series, near the base : the germen is oval ; the style simple, equal, and of
the length of the stajiiina ; the stigma is obtuse and obhc^ue j tlie fruit a niono-
spermous plum.

PERSEA.

Prunl/era arbor, fructii ma.vimo pyri/onni viridi, perirarpio esru-
lento huti/raceo, nuckum unicuyn maximum nullo ossiculo tcctiiDi,
cingentc. Sloane, v. 2, p. 132, t. 222, f. 2. Foliis oblongo o-jutis,
fructu obverse ovale, peruarpio butj/raceo. Browne, p. 214.

Leaves ovate, coriaceous, transversely veined, perennial, flowers corymbed.
Tliis tree, which is said to have been introduced into this island from the con-
tinent, rises to a considerable height, with a straight trunk, of wliich the bark and.
wood are of a greyish colour, the bark very rough and irregular. The leaves are oval,
transversely veined, pointed, of a leathciy substance, and of a beautiful shining greeu
above, and pale below ; wlion young ti>c\' are reddish or fiame coloured. The flowcr.'i
are produced in large corymbed knots or clusters at the extremities of the branches, and
consist each of six petals, disposed in the form of a .star, and of a dirty wliite or yellow
colour, with an agreeable odour, which diiiFuses itself to a considerable distance. The
wood of the tree is soft, and of no use. It is very subject, from its extreme brittleness,
to lose its branches in any high wind, and young trees are frequently snapt in two, they
however soon shoot again many suckers, whicli grow rapidly. Tliis tree is a native of
the West Indies, and easily propagated from the seeds. It begins to bear in three or
four years after planted, and sometimes even sooner. The fruit is pear-shaped, and
from one to two pounds in weight. On removing a green or brown skin or covering,
we come to a yellow butyraceous substance, interspersed with greenish veins ; and, in
the heart, fin 1 a largo roundish seed or stone, which is unequal on the surface, liard,
and woody. This fruit ripens in August, September, and October, and constitutes a
very agreeable article of food for tiiree or four months in the jear. With a little salt,
and one or two plantains, they afford a hearty meal to the negroes, and are introduced
at every table, being by many considered a great luxury. Few people, however, re-
lish them at first, but use reconciles them to the palate, and they soon become agree-
able. When ripe the seeds rattle ; and the yellow or eatable substance, firm, though
soft, parts freely from the external skin, it tastes somewhat like butter, or marrow;
d.nd\t is hence caWed the vcgefablc viarrow. It is so rich and mild that most people
make use of some spice or pungent substance to give it [loignancy. For this purpose
wine, sugar, lime-juice, but mostly pejjper and salt, is used. But, however excellent
this fruit ir, when ripe, it is very daiigcrous when jjulled and eaten before maHuity.
t)v. ^^''rigllt says, be has repeatedly known it produce fever and dysentery, which wei-o

removed

33 HORTUS JAMAICEN-SIS. ayekix

remove:! with clifTicultj-. In sHoli cases the decoction of the ketiifis of tliis fniiniresaiJ
to lie useful, as they appear to be of a very astringent qiKilit}'. Tlie leaves of this tree,
ill decoction, are rec)^or;cJ '.lalsainic, pectoral, and vulnerary; the decoction is ot a
KiftVoii cuiour, of a mucilaginous sutistance, and taste not unpleasant. Tkey are also,
with those of the iiead vine or wild liquorice, uiack into jjecLoral decoctions-; and the
buls are sidJ to be used with success in ptisans against tbe venereal (Usease. Au intu-
sioi) of them in v.ater, drank in tiie luorning fasting, is-srroiigly recommended ior dis-
lodging coagulated blood in -the stomach, produced by-ii fall, or a severe str.>ke on tiiut
important ciitr^U. Hogs, dogs, cats, horses, cattle, birds, -aiul many other aimnais,
tilt ihese pears greedily, -and they are generally made us of, during the season, for fat-
tening hogs, which gives tlieir flesh a verv agreeable flavour.

Siihucu istlie liidiaii nuuie. The Sixiniartls, in South America, call it flo-uacrf/f,^ and
under that name It is described by Ulloa. However, in Peru and Mexico, it is better
known by the ajJijellation of //i7(/, or put/o.

This tree and friiit are well knwvn in America; in the -kingdom of Peru they are
called pattus.

Tlie fruit is cf a pear fashion, asbigmsthe English pound pears, and green when
ripe; but I have seen a sort ver}' round, with red streaks like a pear-mum. When
they have been gathered some days, they g-row soft, tmd are tit to eat with pepper and
salt ; some mix them with lemon-juice and sugar, others will boil them and eat with
salt beef They are very nonrishing, and are'lhonght to 'he great provocatives ; there-
fore the Spaniart-ls do not cave their wives should e;it mnch of them. This fruit is ripe
in June, and so continues till October. Thej' have a large stone ni tlte nhddle, wtho-
ped up in a'fine thin skin, of the shape of a heart ; and when that skin is taken off, it
is'-ver}- rough, and in wrifikled or little hard protuberances, of a reddish colour ; when
cut through, it is very v.hite ; but the -air soon turns it reddish. If you take one of
these pear-stone.% and write upon a white wall, the letters will turn as red as blood,
und never go o\it untii'the wall is vihite-wiished again, and then with difficulty ; also,
if you take a piece of white cloth and put round them, and with a j)in prick out any let-
ter or figure on the cloth, the figure will be of ajelluvvcolour, not to be -easily washed
mt.* Har/iavi, p. 10.

There are two species of the fruit, the green and the red. The latter is preferred,,
having a firmer better tasted flesh tlian the other ; but I have observed that the good-
ness of both depends entirely upon the place of growth ; for the fruit produced in &
wild state is small, and often bitter ; the finest come from the red hills near Spanish
Town, the Liguanea mountains, and the inland parts. Long; p. 808.

.yt't BENJAMtN CaMPHIRE ^ClNNAMON -'COGWOOD LaUREL TREES ^NUTMEG, AmE-^

RiCAN Sassafras.

'No English Name. AYENIA.

Cl. 20, OR. 4 Gi/nandria pentandria Nat. or. Colwnniftrie.
This name was given in honour of the Duke D'Ayen, a great promoter of the sci-
ence of botany, who had a noble garden at St. Germaine. GiN.

It ja assettcd, that lliis stain will disappear, when the pears are in leaton the fulIiKJa"

ia5j-e.

4YEMA H OUT US- JAMAICENSIS. SiJ

Gex. citar. Calyx one-leafed five-parted, parts ovate, oblong, acute, coloured
in the middle, reflex, withering ; corolla pcntapetalous, in the form of a star ; the
nectarium bell-shaped, sitting on a cylindric erect column, shorter than the calyx ;
-stamens very short filaments, inserted into the margin of the nectarj-, bent arch-
wise through a notch at tlie end of each petal ; anthers roundish ; germen round-
ish five-cornered ; style cylindric ; stigma obtuse, five-lobed ; capsule five-grain-
ed, roiuidish, muricate, five-celled, tea-valved, elastic. Xwo species grow in
this island.

1. PUSILLA FEEBT.E.

Urtic^ folio avomala, florc pentapetalo jiurpureo^ fructu peiitacoccQ
muricato. Sloane, v. 1, p. 209, t. 132, f.' 2.

Leaves cordate, smooth.
It has a reddish, round, deep, oblong, root, from which spring several round green
l"OU"-li branches, about six inches high, the leaves are oval, snipt or cut on the edges,,
sniootli, anil standing on a snwdl footstalk. Between them and the stalk comes out a
small, pentapetalous, purplish, flower, standing on a very small reddish footstalk,
and having one large stylus, which ii> sometime grows red, large, and afl:erwai-ds rough
and brown, it is pentacoccous or divided into five cellulse, contauiing each a blackish
seed, and all are pendulous or inclining towards the ground. It grows among the grass
ji town savannas. Sloane.

2. L(EVIGATA. SMOOTH.

Leaves ovate, entire, quite glabrous j germ pedicelled ; nectary ten-cleft
jtadiate. Siv. Pr, 97.

8ACHEL0RS

40 HORTUS JAMAICENSIS. BAr.?AS;

BACHELORS BUTTON. GOMPIIRENA.

Cu. b, OR. 2. Pcntandria digynia. Nat. or. Amaranlhe.

This generic name is derived I'roni a Greek word signirying a nail, knob, or button.

Gen. char. Ciilyx a coloured perianlhiuni ; outer tliree-leavetl ; leaflets two, c>)a-
verging, keeled; corolla fi\e-peia!led, nectary a cylindric tube, the Iciigtii of ihe
loroliu, witii a five-tooched patulous mouth ; stamina scarcely observable within
the mouth of the nectary ; anthers upright, closing the mouth of the nectary ;
gennen ovate, pointed; style cloven half way ; stii^mas simple, the length of the
sianiens ; cajjsule roundish, circiimcisetl ; seed single, large, roundish, ^i'ith an
oblique tip. Two species grow in Jamaica.

1. GL0B03A. GLOBUL.AR.

Stem upright ; leaves ovate lanceolate, heads solitary, peduncles two Ic.ived,
This is a very ornamental plant in gardens, and is annual,^ rising with an upright
branched stalk, about two feet high. Leaves, branches, and peduncles, opposite ; the
latter axillary, long, and naked, except that there are two short leaves close under each,
head of flowers. These heads are at first globular, but as they increase in size become
<i\d\. There is a white an^l a purple variety. Tiie Bovvers, if gathcrca before too far
advanced, \riii retain their ijeauty and brilliant colour for a considerable length of lime..
Two varieties grow naturally in the AVcst Indies, the heads of which resemble the others,
in colour and shape, but are much smaller. They are propagated by seeds. Browne
is doubti'ul whether this species is not a native, as he found it growing wild about the-
yavannas, rising twelve or fifteen inches,

2. INTERRUPTA. INTERRUPTED.

Stem almost upright, spike interrupted.

Root annua!. Stem shrubby at bottom, from one to two feet high. Branches jointed,,
sub-decumbent, lanuginose, white. Leaves at the root aggregate, sessile ; above op-
p.-jsite, lanceolate, obtuse, tomenti5se, beneath white lanuginose, soft. Flowering-
stems leafless, stiff, whitish, except that they are often purple towards the end. Flow-
ers in spikes, aggregate, sessile, interrupted, lanuginose. Scales two or three mem-
branaceous, minute, forming an involucre to the calvx, which is five-parted ; the jJarts
linear erect, purple, woolly on the outside. Germ large, compressed, woolly; style
short ; stigma sub-capitate, yellow. ^Capsule largish, involved in the calyx, opening
in two pans at top, woolly, compressed, crested on the edge. This species is a nativej
cf the dry sandy fields, in the southern parts of Jamaica. ^ia'.

See Rupture AVorth, Hairy.

BALSAM HERB. DL\NTHERA.

Cl. 2, OR. 1. Diandria nionog7/nia. Nat. or. Persoiiat^^
This genus takes its name from a Greek word, signifying double anthered.
Gen. char. Calyx one-leafed, five-parted, tubular ; corolla one petalled, ringent,
tube short, patulous, upper lip ovate, lower with three segments ; stamina shorter

BALSAM IIORTUS JAMAICENSIS. 4j

than tlse corolla, jri-owiiig to its l)ack ; antlicrs double, phlonnf, one a little hirrher
j^ermen oblong, style the length of the stamina, sligma obtuse; capsule" two-
valved, two eelleil, compressed above and below, but alternatelv, with boat like
valves, bursting asunder with an elastic nail, seeds solitary, in form of a lens.
This is nearly allied to the genus jusficia, from which its fructification differs onlv
in the stamens ; and to which Swartz united it. Two species grow in this island.'

1. AMERICANA. AMEMCAN.

Spikes solitary-, alternate.
This is a low herbaceous plant, with a perennial root, sending out several weak stalk-;
aT)0ut four inches long. The leaves are roundish, hairy, sessile, of a dark green colour,
and aromatic odour. The flowers are produced from the si<les of the stalks, iu small
spikes, and are in shape anil colour very like those oi cUnopodhnn.

This herb is so called iu .Jamaica, and few or none knov.- it b}' anv other name, al-
though it is a sort of r/H/iV?V//H;;/. This in .Jamaica smells, when rubbed in the hand,
almost like melilot, or some pleasant balsam ; and therefore they call it balsam-weed or
herb, and make a balsam of it. The juice or distilled water is good for sore 63-68.
Barham, p. 13.

2. COMATA. TUFTED.

Antirrimim minus angusi\foIim, Jlore dilute purpureo. Sloane, v.
,1, p. 160, t. 103, f. 2. Foliis lanceolato ovatis, racevio spaciuso as^
siirgenti, spicillis vcrficillaiis. Browne, p. 1J8.

Spikes thread-form, verticilled, the inferior ones umbelled.
Rwartz makes this plant jK-y/iV/a cOT^w^a'. The stem herbaceous, a foot high, some-
what branched and erect, angular, jointed, smooth, the joints swelling. Leaves sub-
sessile, decussated, opposite, lanceolate, acute, attenuated at the base, smooth, nerved,
on \-ery short petioles. Peduncles axillary, filiforni, terminated by filiform and um-
belled .spikes ; flowers all directed one way, minute, pale blue. Bractes minute under
the flowers. Segments of the calyx linear. Upper lip of the corolla half vaulted,
lower trifid spreading, with very minute bloody dots in two rows on the throat; fila-
ments under the vault of the throat ; anthers two, alternate, black ; germ ovate, style,
short; stigma simple, bent in ; capsule ovate, attenuated at the base, containing four
round flatted seeds. Szc.

This plant has a haiiy red fibrous root, it grows commonly in the lowlands, some-
times two or three feet high, and is plentifully furnishecl with slender subdividecj-
branches. Bromic.

See Jl'stitia Balsam and Rosemary, Wild.

BALSAM TREE. CLUSIA.

Cl. 23, OR. 1. Poli/gamia monoecia. Nat. or. Guttifertc.
This is named in memory of Carolus Clusius, an eminent French botanist.
Giij:. CHAR. Calyx four, five, or six, leaved, imbricate, leaflets concave, permanent,

mtenot

42 IIORTUS JAr-.IAICEr:5I3. pamkos

ill terror ones grr.uua'iij- smaller; corolla four, fivo, or six, petals, roundish, sproadlnG;,
concave : stamina niiuiy siuijiie fiiamcnti, willi simple anthers grov.inii- to tlie si.le
ortheti[); tiie pistiliuni has an ovate-ubiong gernien, no style ; stig-iiia starred,
flat, obtuse, pcTinanent ; cap.sulc ovate, iriarkeu with furrows, celleJ, the vaU es
bursting in a radiate manner ; seeds numerous,, ovate, covered with pjip, affixed
lo a columnar angalated receptacle. The female nectary is formed l>y a coalition
of the anthers, inclnding the germ. Some of the flmvers are sterile with respect
to the male, and others nithT'resjrect to the female or^aiis. One soccies is kuoua
to be a native of Jamaiea :

FLAVA. YEI.LOAV.

Tcrebiiithiis folio singiilari vnii altifo, rolundo, sncciilentc, fiore tetrad-
pctalo pallide lufco, fn<cfu:)imjore monap^yremi. Sloane, v. 2, p,,
9 1, t. 200, f. 1 . ylrborca fcliis crassis nitidis, obovalQ sub rotund is ,
Jiorihus solitariii. Browne, 23,6.
Leaves veinless ; flowers fonr-petalled.
This plant grows very commonly in Jamaica, generally to the height of fourteen to
twenty feet. The flowers are produced at the ends of'tho branches, having a thick suc-
culent cover. The perianth consists of four rows of imbric.ited scales, aiternatel}- three
and two ; corolla foin- thick fle.sliy oblong screw shaped pale yellow petals ; the stamens
numerous, standing in the form of a. licJlow sided square ; the germ th;ck, rounuishj
obtusely quadrangular, with twelve distinct stigmns-in. a circle round tlie top of it ; the-
capsule thick, roundisb, many valved, twelve-celled^ containing many ror.ndish seeds
in a saffron coloured pulp. "Wherever the trunk or brandies are wounded, they throw
out a thick resinous gnm, said sometimes to be u>ed as a vulnerary, but has no smell
or pungent taste. This plant may. be propagated by seeds or cuttings,, and grows.in al-
most any soil.

This tree is so called because so much balsam comes from it, even from the bark.-
Jeaves, and fruit. Sir IL Sloane tiibes it amongst his /t'r(/;;'/.^?, or turpentine trees;
but it is in no respect like any of the fir kind, it is ccrtiiin. It hath. very thick, round,'
and brittle leaves, and, when broke, comes out a milky juice, wliich immediately turns
yellow, and sticks to the fingers like hjrd-lime ; tiie fruit is tlie bigness of a genetin, or
Indian wild fig, and fuU.of giim. If 30U cut, the barkof tlie trce^ ini.'nediateiy comes-
out a vellow gum, but without scent. I question not but the. gum would be of grcab
use, if experienced ; for we know not as yet the virtues of it, nor ever could meet with
any that could give rne any medicinal wse of it ; if the Inoians know, they keep the use
of it to themselves. They growiin greatplenty in Jamaica ; and are so plentifal in most'
parts of America, that in some places they mix this gum juice with tallow:, and paint-"
their canoes and boats .with it, , to make them glide through the v.ater, and preserve
t]iem from worms. Barhavu /). 14.

EAMEOO. ARUXDO.

Ci.. 3, OR. 2. Triandria Digyiiia. Nat. or. Gramiria.
.This name has been derived from the Latin word area, because it soon beccms.s dsv.

XAMBOO HORTUS JAMAICENSIS. ;!

Gen. ciiak.- Cal3'x a one or many flowered glume, two valved, erect ; corolla two-
valved, \-nlves husk}', the length of the calyx, oblonn;-, acuminate ; the stamina
three, or more ; anthers forked ; the pistiiluni an oblong gernien, the styles are
two, rcHexe..!, the stigma simple : there is no pericarj)iinn ; the seed is single, to
which the corolla adheres witiiout gaping, fiirnislicd with a long down.

BAMBOS. BAMBOO.

Calyx many or on? flowered ; spikes in threes, or nnequal in number, sessile.

The bamboo is a native of the East Indies, and was introduced into .Jamaica by INIr.
"M. Wallen, who procured it from Hispanioia; it was first planted in the ])arish of St.
Tiiomas ni the E.^t, and has since-been very deservedly and very generally propagated,
for it IS a most useuil jjltint.

It has a woody, hoiiow, round, jointed stem, growing from forty to sixty feet high.
The main root is long, thick, jointed, spreading horizontalh', sending out many cvhn-
(hical woody fibres, of a whitish colour, many feet long. From the jonits of the main
root spring the stalks, and send out at their joints several stalks jonied together at their
base, which riui up in the same manner as those they shoot from. If any of these be
jvlanted, with a piece of the first stiiik adhering to them, they will perpetuate tiieir spe-
cies. 'I'iiey are armed at their joints with one or two sharp spines, and fui-iiished with
Itjng lanceolate leaves, roundish at the oase, they are rough and striated, eight or nine
inches long, liavmg short footstalks. The tlowers are produced in large panicles from
the joints of the slaiks, placed in parcels close to the receptacles, resembling those of
the common reed, and are succeeded by reeds of tiie same- form, surrounded with
iloivn.

There is scarcely any plant that may be used for a greater variety of useful purposes
than the immboo :, The young shoots are covered with a dark green bark ; th.ese, when
very tender, are put up in vinegar, salt, garlic, and the pods of capsicum, and thus
afford a pickle, which is esteemeil a valuable condiment in the Indies, and is said great-
ly to promote the appetite, and assist digestion. Tiie stalks, in their young state, are
almost solid, and contain a milky juice, of a sweet nature ; and, as the stalks advance
in age, they becon-.e hollow, except at the joints, where they are stopped bv a \voo(iy
membrane, upon whicli this liquor lodges, and concretes into a substance called laoaxir,
or sugar of mombu, which was held in such esteem by the ancients, in some particular
disorders, that it was equal in value to its weight in silver.

The nature of this substance is very different from what might have been expected
in the product of a vegetable. Its intlestructability by fire, its total resistance to acids ;
its uniting by fusion with alkalies, in certain proportions, into a white opake mass, into
a transparent permanent glass:; and its beiiig again separable troni these compouutls,
entirely unchanged by acids, ii^c. seem to afford the strongest reasons for coDsidcring it
as very nearly identical v/ith common siliceous earth. As t:; its medical virtues, tiiougli
the drug be, as befoie observed, in much esteem v.ith the orientalists, yet they are not
such as to cause it to have any regard paid to it in the modern practice of physic ni Eu-
rope. Yet the virtues of the several parts of the bamboo arc very considerable, accord-
ing to I.oureiro, who, in his Flora Cochinchinensis, tells us that the leaves, baik, buds,
ajid root, are used. Tlie leaves, he says, are cooling, emollient, and resolvent ; their
tlecoGtioii is good in fevers, cough, pains of the throat, &c. the thin bark is cooling
and agglutinant, and a gentle astringent ; it is good in feverish heyts, hLeniorrha"ias,
nauseas, and .vomitings : the roots uiid buds are attenuating, proniotc urine, aud puriiy
liLjc^..' ; Oi the

-!t HORTUS JAMAICENSIS. bak-ktkbia

the blood ; ai"e good in ^vandering pains, ol>striicti<)ns, and venereal cases : from the
liesh roots, mixed v.ith tobacco ieav(;s and betcJ, in equal proportion, and infused and
macerated for some days in oil, is prepared an ointment of great efficacy in discussing
iiard and scbirrous sueliings.

The baniljoo is a very ornamental as well as useful plant, and may be formed into
most Ijeautiful arbours. Its growth is very rapid, for, jn a rich soil, the 3'oanii; shoots,
growing in a large clump, have been found, on several days measurement, to have
grown seven and a half inches every twenty- four hours. From the nature of tlieir roots,
wlien planted along the edges of such roads as are made on the sides of stet-j) iiiils,
they not only prevent the road from breaking away, but form an agreeable siiade, and
Ilitie any frightful precipice from the eye of the traveller. As a live fence they are ex-
c'elient, coming ijuicki}- to maturity, and when full grown, which tlsey will be in four
rii\e years, are not only im])enetra!;le to cattje, bet aiford them food in their leaves
and young shoots, whicli they eat heartily. 'I'he old stalks grow to live, six, or seven,,
inches diameter, and are then of a shining yellow colour, they are very hartl and dura-
ble, and very useful in buildings ; the long dm^ation of these canes was fully exempii-
fied in the lathing of an old house in Spanish Town, which stood near the spot wnere
Rodney's Temple is now erected, and was pulled down to make room for some of the
new buildings. It was a Spanish building, came into our possession at the reduc-
tion of the island in 1635, and was taken down about the year 1790 or 1701, when the
wood of the wild caire, a kind of bamboo, was found perfectly sound. In the East all
sorts of household furniture are made ui it, as also briclges,. masts for their boats, rails,
fences, gates. It is also converted into pipes for conveying water : pajjer is also said
to be made of it, by steeping it in water, and thereby forming a paste. They also make
poles of it to carry their palanquins ; and the smaller stalks ttirnish good walking siicks.
The inhabitants of Otaheite make flutes, of them, about afoot long, wuh two holes oidy, ,
which they stop with the fir.st finger of the left hand, and the middle one of the right,
and they blow through their nostrils. The wood is a good fuel, and it has been sug-
gested that, on estates, where copper wood is scarce, t'.venty or thirty acres planted m
bamboos, would afford an ine.xhaustible supply of that necessary article, as, when cut
down, they grow up again very rapidly and as vigorous as ever.

See Reeds.

B.4N.\NA .SVe Plantain.

No E7iglisk Na77ie. BANISTERIA.

Cl. 10, OK. 3. Decandria-trigynia. Nat. or. Trihilatte,

This was so named by Dr. Houston, in meir.ory of the Rev. John Banister, a curious
botanist, who lost liis life, in the search alter plants, in Virginia.

Gen. char. The calyx four or five parted, with nectarious pores on the outside of
the base; corolla five-petals, very large, roundish, and angulaied; the stamina
are small and coalescent at bottom ; styles simple, stigmas obtuse ; capsules three,
with membranous wings ; seeds solitary, covered, toothed Bt the lateral edge.
Four species have been discovered, in Jamaica ;

1. LAURirOLU,

<t^ >ANiS.TRlA H OUT US JAMAICENSIS. 45

1. LAURIFOUA. LAi;RL-LEAVi;P.

Acer scamli'iis/oi/is laurim's. Sloane, v. 2, p. 26. FoUis ovatis, sc-
tninUms unialatis glabris, racemis latcralibus. Browaej p. 231.
Sj/annorc. Barham, p. 1S5.

Leaves ovate, oblong, rigid ; racemes terminal ; branches ferruginous, downy.

Stem shrubby, cHmhing, with loose, reflex-diverging, rounaish rugged branches.
Leaves petioled, ovate-lanceolate, acute, entire, conaceous-membranaceous, nerveci,
smuotii. Racemes panicled, terniinaiing branches, and twigs decui^sate, ferruginous-
tomentose, peduncles coiunionly one-flowered, ferruginous, short, yellow. Leaflets
at the base of the peduncles two, opposite, minute, tomentose. Calyx five-leaved;
leaflets ovate-lanceolate, acuminate, with two round, depressed, green glands, fastened
to tlie base. I'etals spatulate. Anthers elliptic. Genu three cornered, tnfid at the
tip : styles subulate, short-: stigmas dilated, as it were halved. One of the three cap-
sules is usually abortive ; tlie v\ings three or four times longer than the capsules.

This shrub has a stalk no bigger than a swans quill, covered with a whitish coloured
ariooth bark, having a preUy large pith.. It nses by and turns round any plant it comes
near, mounting several feet high, sending forth foot-long branches, with twigs standing
opposite one to the other, the leaves, on quarter inch long footstalks, are three inches-
lone and half as broad, in the middle, whore broadest, endii.g in a point, having one
niidJie rib and several transverse ones, being smooth, hard, thin, and dark green..
Tiie tops of the small branches, for three inches in length, are beset with yellow flowers,
spike fashion. It grew plentifully on the banlii of the Rio Cobre, on the road to Pas-
eage Fort, and in a gidly by the church in St. Dorothy's. Sloane.

I have often seen, as I have rode along, a small plant among the bushes, growing
about six or seven feet high, vvluch seemed not to be able to s-<'port itself, but yet did
Dot climb about any thing : It had a very small stalk, and but few leaves, as large as a
laurel, but thin and softer. At the top were branches of yellowish flowers ; afterwards
tanae winged seed-vessels, exactly hke the sycamore. Barham, p. 185.

2. LONGIFOLIA. LOXG-I.EAVED.

Leaves oblong, acuminate, rigid, shining ; panicle terminating, branches
spreading very much.

3. FULGEN3. SHINING.

Acer scandens minus, apoci/ni fucie, folio suhroiundo. Sloane, v. 2,
p. 27. t. 162, f. 2. Foliis orbiculatis, petiolis biglandulis, seininibus
unialatis rugosis, racemis subunibellatis alaribus. Browne, p. 231.

Leaves subovate, . downy underneath: racemes cross armed; peduncles urn-
belled.

This has slender winding stalks, which rise five or six feet high. Tiie flowers grow
in a round bunch at the extremity of the branches, and are of a browiiiih yeiioiv colour.
The leaves are ovate with a point, villose beneath, shining, smooth on the upper sur-
face. A solitary branch comes forth from the axils, furnished with leaves, producin<3-
at top, in a kind of umbel, several filiform, simple, one-flowered, peduncies. Seeds
eirett^ the outer angle decreasing to an edge, the inner more blunt, putting forth a.

small

46 IIOKTUS JAMAlCEXSrS. _ baoe4

small sharp membranaceous angle next the pibtil ; by the seeds, next the biise, are
three small appr-essed toothkis.

Sloane says the sialk is as big as a goose quill, that the leaves stand opposite, and
that it grew on the entrance ot'thc red hills, on the Guanaboa road.

4. CfERULEA. BLUE.

Leaves elliptic ovate, acute, glabrous ; racemes terminal panicled.

Stem sarmentose, climbing ; branches round, with a whitish bark, somewhat rough.
Leaves quite entire, glaucous, on short petioles ; peduncles short, bracted. Calyx
five-parted half way down. Flower blueish. Filaments short, equal, styles erect.
Fruit somewhat woody and tomentose, with the wing of a sulphur glaucous colour.

Browne says all the species grow in the gravelly bills al)out Kmgston and St. James's,
they are all climijera, rising by slendei' steujs to seven, ten, or fourteen, feet hiffli,
Tiiey dilier from the viaipigliui chiefly by the nakedness of their seeds.

BA:;jii.\M .fe Egg Plant.

BAOBAB. ADANSONL\.

Cl. 16, ou. 5. Monodelphia Polyandria. Nat. r. Cohmimfevic.

This was named from M. Adanson, a French surgeon, who resided many 3 cars m
Senegal, and brought, home a curious collection of seeds and plants.

Gen. cjiaR. Calyx a one-leafed perianthium, half five-cleft, cupform, divisions '
revolute, deciduous : corolla five-pctalled, roundish, nerved, revolute, connected
by the claws with each other and the stamens : the stamina are numerous filaments
iniited at bott()m in^u a tube, which the}' crown, expanding horizontally ; anthers
kidney shaped, incumbent ; the pistillum has an ovate germen, the style long, tu-
bulous, variously intorted ; the stigmata are numerous (10), pri.smatic, villous, ray- '
expanded : the pericarpiuni an ovate woody capsule, not gaping, ten-celled, ii]i
farinaceous pulp, the partitions membranaceous : seeds luunerous, kidney shaped,
rather bonj-, and involved in a friable pulp. This genus is nearly allied to the
bombax ; the fructification ditlering only in the seeds being covertd with meal in-
stead of wool or cotton. It is a native of Africa, and was introdnced by ]\lr. East.
There is only one species.

DIGITATA. rPNGERED,

Leaves in three or five finger-like divisions.
This tree is called Ethiopian sour gourd, monkies bread, or calabash tree, an^ is
perfiaps, the largest production of the whole vegetable kingdom. M. Adanson avs
though the trunk is not above twelve or fifteen feet high, they are from sixty-five to
seventy-eight feet round. The lowest branches extend almost horizontally ; and as
they are about sixtj- feet in length, their own weight bends their extremities to the
grbund, and thus form an hemispherical mass of verdure, of from one hundred and
twenty to one hundred and thirty feet in diameter. The roots extend as far as the
branches ; that in the middle forms a pivot, whi-ch penetrates a great way into the earth,
tke rest spread near the surface. The flowers are in proportion to the size of the tree

and

BiiOBAP- HORTUS JAM Arc ENS IS. 4T

snid are followed by an oblouiT fruit, pointed at both ends, about ten inches lo!i_2;, five
or six broad, and oovered with a Icind of greonisli down, under wliicli is a iigneou.s rind,
bard and ahnost black, marked widi rays which divide it length\viso into sides.- Tlie
fruit hangs to the tree by a pedicel two feet len;!; and an inch diameter. It contains a
whitish, spongy, juicv, substar.'e ; with seeds of brown colour, and shaped like a ki 1-
iiey bean. The bark of tins tree is near]}- an inch tluck, of an ash-co!oiired grey, greasy
to the touch, bright, and very smooth ; the outside is covered with a kind of varnish ;
and the inside is green, speckled with red. Tixe wood is white and very soft ; the early
shoots are fircen and down^. The leaves of the young plants are entire, of an oblong
form, about four or five inches long, antl almost tlu-ee broad towards the top, having-
several veins running from the middle rib ; the_v are of a lucid green colour. As the
plants advance in height, tlie leaves alter, and are divided into tliree parts, and after-
wards into five lobes, which spread out m the shape of an hand. In its native soil, the
tree sheds its leaves in November, and new ones begin to appear in June. It flowers
in July, and the fruit ripens in October and November. It is very common in Senegal
and the Cape de Verd islands ; and is found one hundi'ed leagues up the country at
Gnulam, and upon the sea coast as far as. .Sierra Leona.

The age of this tree is perhaps no less remarkal)!e than its enormous si;;e. IM. Ad.an-
son velate.i, that, in a botanic al excni-sion to the Magdalene islands, in tiie neighbour-
hood of Goree, -he discovered some Calabash tre^s, from five to six feet in diameter,
on the bark of which were engraved or cut to a considerahle depth, a number of Euro-
pean names. Two of these names, which he was at the trouble to repair, we-rc dated,
one the 1 1th, and the other the 15th century. The letters were about six inches long,
but in breailth they occupied a very small part only of the circimifersnce of the trunk ;
whence be concluded they ha.d not hceacut when these trees were y-Oting. These in-
scriptions, however, he thinks sufficient to determine pretty nearlv the age which these
calabash trees may attain ; for even supposing that those in c|uescioii were cut in their
tiriy yenrs, and that the trees grew to, the diameter of six.feet in two centnries, as the
engraved letters evii!.ce how many centuries must be re^Adsite to give them a diameter
of twenty-five feet, which perhaps is not the last term of their growth. The inscribed
trees mentioned bv this ingenious PYenclm^an had been .seen in IS.')5, almost two cen-
turies before, by Tlievet, , who mentions them in the relation of his voji.ge to I'crra
Antarctica or A ustralis. Adanson saw them in 1749.

. The virtues and uses of tl^is tree and its fruit are various: The negroes of Senegal
dry the bark and leaves in tiie shaded air, and then reduce them to a powder, which is
of a pretty good green colour; This powder they preserve in bags of linen or cotton,
and call it lil/o. . Tliey use it every^ day, putting two or three pinches of it into a mess,
whatever it happens to be, as we do pepper and salt: but their view is, not to give
relish to the food, but to preserve a plentifid and peqjetual perspiration, and to at-
teinpcr the too great heat of the blood ; purposes which it certidnly answers, as several
Europeans have proved by repeated experiments, preser^ing themselves freni the epi-
demic fever, which, in that country, destroys Europeans like the plague, and gene-
ra!!v rages during the niondis of Septem!)er and October, when, the rains having sud-
denly ceased, the sun exhales tiie water left by them upon (he ground, and fills the air
with a noxioiTs vapour. M. Adanson, in that critical season, made a light ptisan of the
leaves of the baobab, which he had gathered in the August of the preceding year, and
had dried in the.siiade, and drank constantly about a pint of it every morning, either
before or after breakfast, and the same quantity of it every evening after the heat of the
' - sun

49 IIORTUS JAMAICENSIS: barbadors

sun hogan to abate ; l>e nlsosoTnctiinos took the same qujintity in the rhJdvileof the day,
l)iit this was only when he felt somu sviiijiloms of an ajjpioaciiing fevor. Fiy this pre-
caution he preserved liimseif, dinins tlie five years he resided at Sc;negal, from ilic
diarrhcra and fever, which are so i'atal tlierc, and which are, however, the only dan-
gerous diseases of the place ; and other officers sufleved very severely, only one ex-
cepted, upon which M. Adansou pi-evailed to use this remedy, w.iiich, for its simplix-itv,
vvas despised hy tiie rest. This ptisan alone also prevents the heat of urine, which is
common in those parts, provided the person abstains from wine.

The friiit is not less useful tlian the leaves and tlic hark. The prdp that envelope.'?
the seeds has an agreeable acid taste, and' is catei-, for pleasure: it is also (hi cd and
pov,-dered, and thus used medicinally in pestilential fevers, the dysonterv, and blof)dy
flux : the dose is a drachm, j^assed throuoh a fine sieve, taken either in common water,
OF in an infusion of the plantain. This infusion is brought into Europe tmder the name
of ferra si^i/Uifa lemiiia. The woody barl> of the fruit, and the fruit itself, v/hen spoiled,
helps to supply the negroes ith an excellent soap, which they make bv drawing a ley
from the ashes, and boiling it with ))alm-oil that begins to be ranciii.

The trunks of these trees, when decayed, are hollowed out and made the burying
place of esteemed characters among the negroes in Africa, and it has been observed,
that the bodies sh'it up in these trunks become perfectly dry v.'ithout rotting, and fcnn
a kind of mummies without embalement. Tliis tree is propagated fcom seeds.

EARBADOES CHERRY. MALPIGHIA.

Cl. 10, OR. 3. Dccandria trigynia. Nat. or. Trihilaitv.

This genus was named by Plumier in honour of IMarcello Miilpighi, professor of me-
dicine at Bologna, the famous author of Anatome Plantarum.

Gen. CHAR. Calyx a five-leaved perianthium, erect, very small, permanent, con-
verging, it has two melliferous glands, oval and gibbous, fastened to the calyciiie
leaflets on the outside and at bottom ; the corolla has five petals, kidney-form,
large, plated, ciliate, spreading, concave, with long, linear claws; stamina are
awl shaped filaments, placed in a cylinder, erect, united below, small ; anthers
cordate ; the pistillum has a roundish germen, small, with three filiform styles ;
stigmas blunt; the pericarpium is a globular berry, torulose, large, one-celled;
the seeds are three, bony, obJong, blunt, angular, with an oblong blunt kernel.
There are many species, of which seven have been found in Jamaica.

1. GLABRA. SMOOTH.

Arhor baccifera, folio suhrotimdo, fnictu ccrashio sulcata ruhro pol>j~
pijreno, ossiculis ccnuwhifis. Sloane, v. 2, p. 106, t. 207, f. 2.
Fruttcosa CA-ecta, fuliis nilidis ovato-acuminatis, Jlorihus lanbcllutis,
ramulis gracilibm. Brownie, 230.

Leaves ovate, quite entire, smooth, peduncles umbelled. Flowers in axillary
or termmating bunches, about four flowers in each. The pedicels have a sin-
gle joint, calyx incurved, petals sub-cordate. Stigmas simple with a little
Ji'op.

BARBADOEs nORTUS JAMAICENSIS.^ jy

This tree rises to aLout fifteen feet high, having several trunks cpvered vv'ith a clay
coloured smooth bark, and many brandies spreading out on aii sides, and iorming- a.
pleasant round head, sending out twigs two and two opposite to each other, covered
with opposite leaves ; for the most p^jrt tiie leaves arc roundish, smooth, very grfeen,
Iiaving very small footstalks an inch long and thtee quarters broad, among wnich ccnia
out the flowers, standing on hcdf incn long footstalkt, consisting of fi'/e {)etaia, each of
Tvhich is made spoon-fashion, being narrow at the beginning and rouim or broad to-
wards the end, and of a purpie colour. To these foliov/, on inch long footstalks, round
red fruit of the bigjiess of a cnerry, smooth skinned, having one or more furrows or
channels on its outside, and contamnig within a reddish, sweetish, not uuplcasant, co-
pious juicy pulp, .several triangular i'ulcated stones, Vi^ijose sides are so accomodated'io
GUI.' anotiier as seem to make one roiuid one, with several furrows on its outsidf . Being
thought a pleasant huit, they are pianted in most gardens, where, some sraali time
after rain, one never imsses ripe fruit.

Tuey are not only u^ed by way of desert, but likewise by sick people, whose sto-
mn'^hs languish ; they dispel wind, and tak away liie quairBisaness ot liiQ siouiaeh. If
given witii sugar; Piso s;iys, thsjy are good for the breast. Sloaiic

2. PUMCIFOLIA. POMEGRANATE LEAVED.

Fruticosa erecta, ramulls gracdibus patentibus, paribus solifan'is.'
Browne, p. 2;i0.

L"3ves ovate, quite entirt-, smooth; peduncles one-flowered.
T'ii sin-ubby tree rises ten or twelve feet, dividing into several slender spreadino-
brar " :.: . ' vi -'-.-d wiih a light brown bark. The flowers are produced in small umbels
at the ;e branches, upon thort peduncles. Corolla pale rose colour. This

sh--ur> , V upearanciMif a p>)megranate plant. Tne fruit is of the same size

a'vi f 11 )!i English cherries ; very succulent, of a light reddish colour,

ail > '< Jo. a taste. It m^kes very agreeable tarts and e.xceiient jei!ie3.

" VEP.BASCIFOUA. MU'EJ.EIN-LEAVED.

L .-":-- ; anceolate,; ovate, tomentose, quite entire, racemes terminating.
4. NITID.\. GLOSSY. ,a

/ .'i/'/? ef viitnis divisa, foUis cvatis nitidis^ baccis durio7ibus,~-
ir nvH!', p. '23d.

Leaves- knt^wfete, quite entire, smooth, spikes lateral.
This shrub grhw-; ah.>ut three feet high. Seem upright, round, ev^n ; branched
d^-iusvate J, upright, rom J, covered with a shining bark. Leaves decussated, opposite,
oblong, blunt, wifii a c )nv.ix margin, nerved, veined, firin, pale green, shinino-; oiv
shirt peti )ies. Riceues axillary, sliort'-r than the lea'-es, many flowered ; flowers
peJun'^lel yellow. Berrjr three-lobed, three-seeded, blood red. Browne says it is
con^nnn in the hiiis of ,St. Elizabjtn, and bears large hard hemes, wnich are said to be
Ittuca used by turkies and other large fowls.

5. UREN3. STINGING.

Arbor baaiferajolio obhngo subtUlifsimis spinis sitbtus obsiio, fnirhi
" cerasino

^H^ .

^ HORTUS JARrAICENSIS? tabbadoes,

cerasino fuhaio folypt/rcno, ossiciilis ranr.ulalis. f-iloanc, v. 2, p.
106, t. 207, f. 3. Viminea Joliis obhrngis hispidis, racemis aiaribu.,,
Browne, p. '-29,

Leaves nblong^ ovate,-.with.r!gid decumbentibristles uuderneaU'. poduncles one-
flowered asiijreirate^

Thi:^ is called ffr'nrinff Barhadocs, or co-vh age c\iQrry ; it rises with a sbronpr upright
stem about thrss feet hiirh, covered with abro-.vn bark, sending out sevv^ral side branches
which grow erect. Leaves ending in acute points, sessile, covered witli fi;;e liristlcs,
which do not appear unless closely viewed ; these are donhle pointed, and sustained
by pedicels of the same fragile transparent substance with themselves, descending from
the middle of them; these are easily broken, but tlie briitles enter pretty deep,' and
Stick close to whatever has forced them off; The pale purple flowers come out upon
long slender peduncles from the axils at each joint, four, five, or six together, in a
sort of whorl. Tlie three styles stand apart.- It grows about- the to-.vns of Kingston and
St. Jago de ia Vega, in great plenty.

6. CRASSirOUA. TinCK LEAVED.

AKhorea, foliis subrolunclis, alternis, inferne siihlunugincsis ; gpicis
crassis compositis lermhwUbus. Browne, p. 231.

Leaves ovate, quite entire, tomentose underneath, racemes terminating.

Browne calls this the kirger locus-berru tree. The upper branches tiTminate in loose

pearance of a cpminiu.- Browne,

7. CORIACEA.. LEATHERY.

Tili^e affinis laurifolia, arbuii fioribiis alhis raccmosis cdoratis, fyuctvL
pentagono. Sibane, v. 2, ]>. 20, t. U'i3, f. 1. jlrbcrea jiuribus:
spicatis, foliis ovato acuminatis. Browaie, 230.

Leaves ovate, acute, entire, smooth on both sides, racemes terminating spiked.

* This tree, which Brov\nie calls /or;f5-o^r?;?/, rises about thirty or forty feet high, by
r. thick trunk, covered with a clay coloured furrowed hark. It is common in the lower
iiills of Liguanea. The leaves come out irregidarly on small footstalksj and, while
young, arc covered on both sides with down, but this falls off gradually, and they ap-
pear pretty smooth and shining after a short time. Tiiere is a remarkable stipula, oi;
ear, at the ala of every leaf, which, with its opposite, seems to embrace the stalk. On
the ends of the twigs come out the fiowers several together, white, and very sweet
scented, succeeded by the seeds, two of which are generally abortive. Sloaiieand.
Brozi^ne.
All the above species are easily propagated from seeds. ,

Barbadoes-Gooseberry -5'<:c Prkkly Pear.. .

" B.VRBADOES :

m

S.tREADQE3 KORTUS J ARf A I C E N 3 1 & ji

BARBAD0E3 PRIDE, or FLOWER FENCE. C^SALPIMA.

Cl. 10, OR. 1. Decandria monogynia, Nat. or. Lomentacea;

Tills p;enus is nameJ in honour of Andreas C^salpinus, cliief phy.-^iciaa to Pope Clc-
ent Vill. ; the father of systematic arrangements \i\ plants. He Vlieci ai J.\uine, ItiOJ,

Gen. char. Calyx, a oue-lcafcd five^parted perianthium, tube short, set^ments ob-
long, deciduous, the lowest longer than tho rest, slightly arched ; the corolla has
five-petals, inserted into the throat cf the calycinc tube, unequrd ; lamina round-
isJi ; stamens ten filaments, inserted into the throat of the calyx, filiform, woolly
at the base, declining; anthers oblong, dccumbcijt ; the pistiUu;ii, has a superior
germen, linear-oblong, couipressed, attenuated at the base; style filiform, the
length of the stamens ; siigma blunt ; the pericarnium an oblong ieginiic com-
pres.sed one celled ; seeds sub-ovutc, compressed, fiat. Tliis plant belonged to ikc
gcnm potncaina, which is so nearly iallied, that Swartz united it to this.

PULCHEERIMA. BEAUTIFUL.

Senna spuria arhorca spiiiosa /oliis alalis ramosu, seu deeomposifis,
fore ex luteo ct riiliro speiioso. ,Sloane, v. 2, p. 49. Aculcata,
Joliis h{pinnufis,Jloribtts croccis pulchei-rimis, pcdnnculis longis spi~
cutis incidentibus. Browne, p. '225.

Prickly ; leaflets oblong-oval emarginate, tJiey and the calyxes smooth ; corymbs
simple ; petals fringed ; stamens very long.

It rises with a straight stalk twelve or fifteen feet high, wliich is covered with a grey
ilark, and is sometimes as thick as the small of a man's leg, dividing into several spread-
ing branches at the top, which are armed at each joint with two short, crooked, strong
spmes, and garnished with decompound winged leaves, each leaf consisting of six or
eight pair of simple winged leaves. They are of a light green colour, and when bruised
.femit a strong odour, Tiie branches are termniated by loose spikes of fiowers, which
are sometimes formed into a kind of j)yrarnid, and at others disposed more in the form
of an umbel. The footstalk of each flower is near three inches long ; the Hower is com-
posed of five petals, which are roundish at the top, but are contracted to narrow tails
at the base. They spread open, and are beautifully variegated with a deep red or orange
colour, yellow, and some spots of green ; and emit a very agreeable odaur. The style
and stamens are three inches long. After the flower is past, tfie germen becomes a
broad fiat pod three inches long, divided into three or four cells by transverse partitions,
ach including one fiattish irregular seed, from which the plant is propagated.

This beautiful plant is a native of both the Indies, and it is doubtful whether it is in-
digenous, or has been introduced into Jamaica, where it was fountl by Dr. Houston in
Woods at a great distance from any settlements. The French call it poinciade, or Jleurs
deparadis. Browne says that all pans of the plant are thought to be very povyerful
emmenagogues, and are frequently used for that purpose among the negroes.

This, I suppose, is so called from their fencing in their plantations with this shrub,
which is full of sliort strong prickles ; but they are commonly called in Jamaica doodle-
does i they grow in all or most parts of America. The flowers are elegantly mixed witi^
ared-j-eliQW, and t]jerefore tailed, by some, Spanish carnation; or wiid senna. Sir Hans

52 JIORTUS JAMAICENSIS. earleru

Sloane tribes it amongst the bastard senna's, for this comes the nearest of any in Ame-
rica, and, when dried and old, it is very diificult to distingtush one trom tiie other ;
and as for virtues, I have often exjjerienced it to have the same with tiiat of Alexandria;
besides which, a decoction of tiic leaves or Hewers has a wonderful power to move or
force the menstrua in women. The flowers make a dehcate red purging s^vrup, and
the root dyes a scarlet colour. The whole plant is full of short sharp jjriekies, branch-
ing and spreading very large, with beautiful flowers, red mixed with \e!low, on which
are a great number of thrums like saffron ; the leases, when green, are of tiie shape of
indigo ; the pod is in siiape of the E:iglish broom pods, or like the senna of Aiesan-
ckia ; when ripe and dry it is black, couainiiig five or six flat seeds, cordated, and of
a dark-gre(;nish colour. This shrub is luUest of llovvcrs in the months of November and
December, and the seed is lipa in January. Baikam, /;. i6.

A drachm of the powdered seeds of the Barbadocs pride, is said to give ease in the
belly-ache, when taken inwardly. For this purpose it has been asserted to exceed opi-
ates or any other mediciae vet known, being not in the least unpleasant to the taste,
giving quick relief, and making way for gentle kixatives to be exmbited. For obstruc-
tiuns tiie foilovving has been recomiiiended : take of tiie root of 'J3arbad(jes pride, of the
bulk of trumpet- tree root, and sarsajiarilia root, alike quantity, boil and use tne decoction.

See BRAZiLLhlo.

B.'\RBADOES Wild Olive See Wild Olive.
Bark Tree Sec Mahoe.

No English Name. BARLERIA.

Cl. 14, OR. 2. Didynamia angioaperniia. Nat. OR.- Personafa.

This name was given by Plunder in honour of the Rev. James Barreiier, a Domini-
can and M. D. of Paris.

Gen. CHAR Calyx four-]iarted, two opposite leaflets larger; corolla one leafed,
funnel-form, quinquiiid, fifth division tleeper ; stamina iiliforin, two vcry short,
capillary ; anthers upper oblong, lower withered -^ the pistil lias an ovate germen,
style length of the stamens, stigma bifid ; capsule acute, two-ceUed, two-vatved,
g.ping eiasticaliy at Uie claws ; ^eeds Xvjo, compressed, rotindish. Two sptcies
grow in this island :

I. EUXIFOLIA. BOXLEAVED.

Spines axillary, opposite, solitary ; leaves roundish, quite entire.
This plant has shrubby stalks, five or six feet high, wita strong spines under the
leaves. Tbe tlowers.are produced in whons toward i-iie upper part ol tue stalk ; these
are succeeded by siiort seed vessels, coutaining t.iree or four flat seeds. l\ is said to be
a native ol Jamaica.

2. PRIONITIS. THORNY.

Spines axillary, pedate, fourfold, leaves roundish, quite entire.

Stem herbaceous, round, stiif. Loaves opposite, running down the petioles, pu

bgscciit

BASKET HOUTUS JAiMAICENSIS. ' &

bcrcent underneath. Between the branch and the leaf, a spine with four sharp rays
from the centre. Flowers sessiie in the axils. Calyxes acuininatc-spiny. Twoot'tiio
four siamens very siiiaii at the bottom of the corolla, with little anthers. Tiie capsule
has a longish solid point ; and bursts without sucii internal elastic points as are in the
jusiitia. It is a native of the East Indies, and was introduced into the botanic garden,
Liguanea, by Mr. East. Both species are propagated by seeds.

BASIL. OCYMUM.

Cl. 14, OR. 1. Didt^namia, gTjmnosperm>a. Nat. on. Verticillatte.

Gen. char. Tlie upper lip of the calyx is orbicnlated, the inferior one quadrifid ;
the corolla is re-s'.ipinated, with one lip quadrifid, the other undivided ; the exte-
rior filament sends out a reflected process at the base.

BASIUCUM.

Leaves ovate, glabrous : calyx ciliate.

The root of this plant is fibrous ; the stalk green and cjnadrangular, not above half a
foot high ; the leaves oblong and acute. The seeds i'n each cup are four, sniaii, naked,
and oval. The inflorescence a spike. The juice of the leaves is said to be good for
sore eyes, and the same given in toddy to women in laboi'.r, is said to help forward the
birth It grows every where in the lowlands and savannas.

We have in Jamaica two or three sorts of basil ; but that which grows spontaneously,
and most common, is that sort which Sir Hans Sioane calls ocymurn rubrum medium.
There is another sort in South America, mentioned by Monsiear Frezier, called alva
haquillu ; a shrub, saith he, which has the scent of our sweet ba^ii, and contains a balm
of great use for sores ; whereof we saw a wonderful effect at Yrt-quin, in an Indian,
whose neck was deeply ulcerated. I also had the experience of it on myself. The
flower of it is long, growing up like an ear of (urn, of a whitish colour, inclining to a
violet, and is tribed amongst the legumina. Basils are spoken against by Dioscorides,
Galen, and Chrysippus ; but Pliu}' cdmmends them much, and saith they are good
against the sting of scorpions and other venomous serpents, and are accounted a very
great coruial, and good against pains of the head, &,c. Murham, p. 17.

BASKET- WITHE. TOURNEFORTIA.

Cl. S, or. 1. Pentav.dria monogynia. Nat. or. AsptvifoUie'.

This was so named by Linneus, in memory of Joseph Pittun Tournelbrt, the famous
.author of an elegant arrangement of plants.

Gen. char. Calyx a five-parted small perianthir.m, segments awl-shaped, perma-
nent ; corolla one-petalied, five-cleft, segments acuminate ; stamina awl-shapcd
filaments, length of the tube, and placed in the mouth; gerinen globose, style
simple, club-shaped, stigma circumcised ; the pericarp a globular berry, two-cell-
ed, perforated by two pores at top ; the seeds four, siibovate, seperated by the
pulp. Six species grow iu this island :

1. Huiiius.

* HORTUS JAMAICENSIS. basket

1. Hl'MlLIS. HUMBLE.

Bcclinala diffusn, et liirsuta^ foli'U ovatis, ramulis rectis 'cmidis.
Browne, p. \oO.
Leaves ovate, acuminate, smooth ; petioles reflexed ; stcin twining.

This plant has low shrubby stalks, which seldom rise more.thao three t'eethigh,s;nd-
ing out slender woody branches. Leaves rough, dark green, on their upper, but pale
on their untier, surface. The flowers come out in single axillary spikes, trie}- are white,
and succeeded by small succident berries. This Browne calls the bciskct-xiithe, and
says it i^rows very luxuriantly, stretdiing sometimes many feet from the main root. It
ii generally used for dung-baskets.

2. lI!R3UTISSIM.-i. SIIACGY.

HcUolropiiftore, frutex haccifer raccmo&n^, folio rngoso, fa'tido,
maximo subvotando hirsulo, fncc/u albo. Sloane, v. 2, p. 108, t.
212, f. 1. Sccuideus J'oliis jiirtis riigosis oralis spkis ramosis.
Browne, p. 169.

Leaves ovate, petioled, pointed ; stem rougii, haired ; spikes terminal, recurved.

The stem is shrybby, .somewhat scandent, branched, covered with a ferruginoi*;
?hagginess. Leaves oblong, entire, r.erved, hairy all over, but extreuiei} so beneath.
Spikes, or racemes very much branchetl, stiff and straight, spreading a little ; flowers
ivhite, directed all one way. Filaments very short ; anthers blackish green ; germ
ovate; stigma headed ; berry rugged hirsute, when ripe white, two-celled, with two
seeds in each cell. Sew.

Browne calls this plant the larger scandent tournefortia, and says it raises itself gene-
rally by the help of the neighbouring trees, and shoots sometimes to a considerable
height in the woods. Sloane observed it only to grow three or four feet high, havinsj
a green brittle stem, with irregidar eminences on its surface. The leaves are nine
inches long, and rugged or corrugated, of a dark^gre^n cplour, and havmg a very uu-
savoury socll.

3. VOLUBILIS. TWINING.

Snjonia nigra fruticosa, racemi ramulis vartc imvJicitis, atque caiidce
scorpionis instar, in sc cmiiortis, baccis albis una vcl ullera iiigiti
macula notatis. Sloane, v. I, p. 23i, t. 143, f. 2. Fruticosa scan^
dens; baccis niveis maculis nigris notatis. Browne, 170.

"Leaves ovate, acuminate, smooth, petioles reflexed, stem twining.

This has a trunk as thick as ones arm, woody, and-.twining round the neighbouring-
trees for support, rising to the height of ten or twelve feet, and sending out several
slender woody branches. The leaves are smooth, of a dark brown colour, and a little
bowed back. At the tops of -the twigs -copie several small crooked branches, viixiously
turned, anl twisted into each other, like a scorpion's tail, sustaining in spikes the smatl
ivhite flowers. The berries which succeed are as big as pepper corns, white when ripe,
with remarkable black spots, which vary with the number of tlie seeds, which are some-
times one, two, or more ; though constantly four in the more perfect specimens. This
plant is common about Kingston and Spanish Town, growing about trees or shrubs.
Browne calls it the cUmbing tournefoilia, with spotted berries, and slender branches.
loanc Si JBrou'/ie.

4. x;yMOs.,

asi.ke:s.> If.ORTUS JAMAICENglS. Cf

4. CYM03A. CYMED.

Udiotropii flore, frutex, folio ma.vbno ohlongo ammivafo, plahro.
Sloane, v. 2, p. 109, t. 212, f. 2. Frutcscens humilis, foliis mcKr-
imis oblongo ovatis n/gosis, spiels paidulis rariorilius^ramulis eras-
sis sulcatis. Browne, p. 1(59.
Leaves ovate, quite entire, nalvcd, tpikes cyiued.
*nie stem growj three feet high; tlie. brandies are hcrhaceous, angular, grooved,
smooth; the leaves ovate-hmceolate, long, petioled, smooth, wrinkled bencatiu -
Flowers sessile on one side, disposed in iwj rows, live-coriiereJ, greenish white ; tlie
stigma is heade-d ; the l)erry roundish, wiiite, with one pore at the top, Iwo-cclled,
with two seeds in each cell. The whole phuitis fetid. Sew.

Tae large leaved shrubby tonrnefortja is sofnetimss observed in the woods, and reiay
U reckoned rather a piant of a few years standing tiian a shrub ; it rises generally from
five to seven or eiglit feet in height, and is remarkable f.>r the thickness of its upjjeE
branches, and Uje length of its jiendulous flower spikes . the leaves are. very largej^
iOiiietancs ii foot or more ia length. Brozoi^..

5. SUFPRUTICOSA. SHRUBBY.

. . Thipndca facie frutex maritimus tetraspermos-, (lore tttrapctalo. .-

Sloane,- V. 2, p. 29, t. 162> f. 4. Sahfrutieosa, foliis subiiieanis ol\J'
lorigis, fyotule comosa. Browne, p. 170.

liieavcs sublanceolatte, hoary, stem suffriiticose.

Tlsis bus woody stalks, and rises six or seven feet high, from which sprin"- mcny
slender woody branches. It has a red brown bark. Leaves about two inches Ion"-, and
an inch broad in the- middle, rounded at each eiid, but having acute-points, of a dark
green on their upper surface, but having a white down on their under side, and sittinr
close to the-branciies-; F-lawers terminating and axillari', in slender branching spikes,
which are ra-cur\^ed, and the flowers ranged- on one siJe of them ; they are white
(Sloane calls them yellow), and succeeded by small succulent berries, containing two
or three seeds. Browne calls it the ash-coloured sea side tournefortia, and found near
the sea f^ide, near the Burough in Rt. James's, and seldom rising above three or four
feet. This plant seems to be" the-5ivr/a)aj; ?ru//;;ff, at least Sloanc's plant is referred
to that genus,

6. BICOLOS-. TWO-COLOUREW.

Leaves ovate, aouminate, smojlh, somewhat wrinkled above, splices cyitied,^.
erect, recurved. Sew. Pr. 40.-

This shrub is a fathom in height ; the trunk round, branched, even ; branches al-
ternpte, almost- upright, round, smaoth ;- leaves idternate, eniire, nerved, veined,
smooth oa both sides, somewliiit wrinkled above, and sometimes, but very seldom,,
rougli-haircd, even beneath and pale ; hence the trivial name of bicolor; petioles of a
mictdling length and-cven. Spikes terminating,. branched ; branchlets rc-curved, rough
haired, minj-- flowered ; calyx even ; corollas greenish white, with a hirsute hoar^- tube.
It is a native of Janiaica in. coppices. Stw.

BASTARO

i^ nORTUS JAMAICENSrSTf BivsTAW*-'

BASTARD ALOE. ALETRIS.

Cl. 6, OR. 1. Hcxanclria mo770g}/)iia. Nat. OR. Lil'acett.

This name is derive from a Greek word, signifying to grind.

Gen. CHAi;. No calyx ; corolla one-petalled, funnel shaped, semisexfid, much
wrinkled; stamina awl-sliaped fiiaineiits, inserted into the base of the divisions ;
anthens oblong, erect ; gennen ovate ; style subulate, stignia trifid ; rapsuld liiree-
cornered, acuminate, tnree-celled ; seeus very many. A variation of the hyacih-
tlioiJes is the onl}- species of the genus in tnis island at present, the capensis, ano
tlicr species, being lost ; both were introduced by Mr. East.

IIYACINTHOIDES. HYACINTII-Ur.E.

. Stemless, leaves lanceolate, fleshy, flowers geminate.

The Guinea a/efris has all the leaves lanceolate, flat, and erect. The leaves of both
the varieties are pale, green, with bands of a darker green. Jt has thick flesiiy roots,
creeping far where they have rdom. Tiie leaves arise singly from the root, and are
near a foot and a half long, stiff, waved, and proceeding iuirr>,ediateiy from the root,
as do the flsnver stems, which, when the roots are strong, are often a foot and a half
high, adorned alaiost the whole length with flowers of a clear white, seldom continuing
iu beautv more than two or three days. This is a very hardy plant, propagates itselt' .
fast by its creeping roots, and delights in a light gravelly soil.

Bastard Breadfruit Sc:e Jaack.

BASTARD BRYONY. CISSUS.

Cl. 4, OR. 1. Tetrandria mnnng;yma. Nat. or. Mederacece,

This is derived from a Greek word for ivy.

Gen. char. Calyx the involucre, nianyieaved, small ; theperianth one-lecfed, flatj
short, obscurely four-cornered; corolla four-petalled, nectary a rim surrounding
the germ ; the stamens the length of the corolla, inserted into the nectary, an-
thers roundish ; the pistillum has a roundish germen, obtusely four-cornere ., re-
tuse, the style the length of the stamens, stigma simple, acute ; the pencarpiuin
a round shining umbilicate berry ; the seed a roundish stone. Four species grow
in this island :

1. SICYOIDES. SICYOS-UITE.

Sryonia alha genkulata, viola: foUis bacch e v>ridi piirpTirasrentihiis.
Sloane, v. I, p. C33, t. 144, f. 1. Scandi-na, foliis ok/oiiff,) oia'is
ad marginci dentkulis setaceis refertis. Browne; p. 147, t. 4, f.
1, 2.
TLenvGs sub-cordate naked, bristly seiTate, branchlets round.

Stem frutescent, geniculated, herbaceous at top, scandent,' subdivided, civaricating,
i'ooting, round, bloody dotted, smooth. Leaves petiole,!, alternate, cordate, ovate,
cetaceous serrate, with tjic serratares Uistftut andpressed ciose^ nervea, smootli on both

ide^^

3-V%TARn KORTUS JAMAICENSIS, ^7

.sties, somewhat pnccu'ent, of a dark green colour. Tiio flowers yellow, helped in
..form of an umbcilisie ; the iiranches spreading from a centre, eqiia!, dicliotoinou;;
the pedicels one-flowered. At the divisions of tlie peduncles are four small scale;?. -
Petals inserted witiin the rims of the calyx', broaJer at the base, ovate, relie.x, tl' i.
duous, yellow. Nectary a yellow four-parted rim, surrounding the germen. Fi..- .
.nients inserted betvvi.;en the divisions of tha nectary and deciduous; anthers orant^v ;
.style subulate ; berry ob\ong, black. Tnis plant is common in the kwiando, ani ;'oU:.i
triimbing upon penyuin fences, and other low bushes.

2. TRIFOU.4TA. THREE LEAVED.

Br%toniaal'oa triphijUa maxima. Sloane, v. !, p. f?33, t. 144, f. ?.
Triphylla scandals, fclits ovatis subckntulis, petiolo commuiii mur-
' ginata, caliculis, majoribus. Browne, p. 147.

Leaves in threes, roundish, hair^-, slight.y toothed; branches with membrana*
ceous angles.
Stem suiTrate.-cent, about the bigness of a goose-quill, cliaibing, having five or sis
-an;cs, knotted, rooting, branched, green, the angles slightiy winged ; Lrancaes
herbaceous, lax. Leaves three, always together, at a crooked jomt, on very iong
pentangular petioles, with opposite clavicles^ tlie leaves are smooiii, and of a
yellowish green colour. Leaflets on short petioles, ovate, acute, the lateral oni-s
oMique, serrate, nerved, smooth <m both sides. Stipules at tiie base of tiiG
petioicA roundish. Fiower.i umbelled, blood red. Conmion peduncle opposite to
tie petiole short. Umbel f.iur-cleft ; involucre fornieU of ttie fading scaies of the
base. Peiuncies partial, two-partod ; with the terminating unibehules and ped'ccls
coloured. Calyx, or rim of ihe germ, entire, and fjur-cornered ; petals minute-, red,
deciduous; nectary yellow ; filaments inserted into it and subulate; anthers yellow;
perm depressed ; style four-cornered ; stigma yellow ; berry roundish, one-seeded.
Tata id also a native of Jamaica, and climbs hign upon the branches of trees.

3. QUADaANGUL.\[llS. .FOtJR-ANGLED.

Leaves cordate, fleshy, serrate toothed, stem four-cornered, somewhat swelling,

??tem very long, climbing, snooth, and even. Lcives alt>>rnate, peti jle I, subiiir-
:Sutp, smooth on both sides., sharply and rem. :>tely serrate. Petiol'-s roti.id. Ten Inls
pp )>ite to the leaves ; the root is tuberous. It is a native of the East Lidicj, aAiU AttS
introduce J by Mr. East. .

Cifi Vine SoaaEL.

BASTAUD BULLY TREE. BUMELT.t.

Cl. 5, Oi. I. Pentandr'a monngijn'a. Nat. OR. Damos^
This name is derived from the Greek name of a tree supposed to be a sort of asH.
CJen. CHAf?. Calvx a fivc-!eaved p^Miantbium, leaflets roundish ovate, incumbent
concave; corolla one-p'jtalled, five-cleft or five parted, tube very short, round,
border five-parted, parts ovate, entire, spreading, concave, with two little scaler
at the base of 'each; the nectiiry five-leaved, segments smaller than the corolla,
8t the base of the filaments, surrounding the germ, acute; filaments in- erted
*jiU> tac corolla^ at the bottoiu of the tube, bet.veea the lower segments, the ien 'th

1 ^

5S HOTITUS JAMAICENSIS. BASTAna

of the tube ; anthers ovate, erect ; gcrmcn superior, ovale ; style thick, erect,
shorter than tlie stamens ; stigma obtuse ; the pcrii arpiuni an oval drupe ; the
seedasin:;le kernel, obbng-, sm:;oth, witli a lateral sci-r. Thi? genus has been
seperate.l from the achras by Suartz, although it is thought the following species
more properly belong to the latter genus :

1. NIGRA. BLACK.

Fntctihvs vtinorihus glabris per ramos sparsix, scminibus siihrohindL%
cicatncula viintma O'.ata. Browne, p. 201.

Branches wand-like .spreading, leaves terminating oblong, lanceolate, smooth,
waved about the edge, branchlcts Hower-beanug.

Browne calls this bastard bully tree. He only dcicribes tlie fruif, as above, small,
smooth, and scattered over the branches, containing roundish seeds, jnarked with a
very" small ovate scar. This is the common bastard bu'ly tree, a native of Jamaica, and
but an iacUfferent timber ; it is the black mastic of Barham.

2. RETU.SA. EETUSE-LEAVED.

Friicfu miitori glabra, foliis ovatis, Jloribus conjcrtis oLiribus.'
Browne, p. 201.

Leaves opposite, wedge-ovate, retuse, rigid, floncrs crowded, axillarv.

Browne calls this the mountain bastard bully tree.

3. PALLIDA. PALE.

Branches upright, leaves terminating, elliptic, obtuse, flowers crowJeJ, latent
ral. -S^K'. Pr. 49.

4. MONTANA. MOUNTAIX.

Leaves scattered, alternate, oblong, obtuse ; flowers axillary, peduaclcd. ..Jr.
- Pr. 49.

5. ROTt'XDIFOLIA. ROL'ND LEAVCD.

Leaves sub-orbiculatc margined, veined, coriaceous, smooth on both sides,
Sn: Pr. 50.

Barham calls this tree white mastic, and says, " I met^with a great many of these
trees in falling a piece of ground in the mountains above Guanaboi, in the parish oi
St. John. I observed, they bore a iVu it much of the shape an 1 bigness of casliew-
stones, and the gum that came out of it was in small little drops, white, and of the scent
of mastick, for which reason the tree is called so ; and I believe it is as good as any
mastick whatever, and of the same virtues." Barham, p. 207.

6. S.AI.ICirOLIA. WILLOW-LEAVED.

Sah'c'.'; f'lh'i) lato splendenfe, arbor, fioribus -p irvis pallidt: liiteis pcnla-

peloVs c ramuloruvi lateribus canfrrtini e.ieuntibus. Sioaue,, v. 2,

p. 9S, t. 20'", f. 2. Fol'is ob/amris nitidis utrinque produc/iy, ftoribi.':

cnnfcrtis, fasciculis infra fror.des sparsis. Browne, n. 201, t. 17,

f. 4.

Leaves lanceolate- ovate, acuminate; flowers crowded, axillary, and lateral.

This is called the willow-leaved sapota, white bully tree, and galimeta wood, it grows

to a considerable height, and i:; generally furnished witii many branches towards the

top.

. astar* n o Fx t u s J a ivI a I c l x sis, 5;-

top, rising irregularly end at distant stage.-;. It is commonly observed to, gro-.v
{;l:aij;ht and tapering, and most tVeqneiuly f.ouii.l in tija ijvv'ur i^id-;,- especially
jthout Lioiianeu and Manchionjal. The v/o.)d is p;i!e yeiiow,' and redcoiieo a gaoj
timber ; hut is r.j'o .tly used in such parts of buildings as are ica'st s. xposed t ) tii,e vve.Aher.
Tlie hemes are b.ack, saiooth, u-id very s.iiali, aud iv-i part oi tae plj.nt milky.

lifVU'i::'.

The flowers of thi; tree come ont in tufts tram tl)" branches, and are pals ye'ijw ;
F'laane suvs they ^rew pientituily i:i the reJ Uiils. Tiv.i Js iiir.u n's 5 uuir.i b iny i:-ei", '
f if which he says-^" I remember, ar'ter the great fire at Port Royal in Jauiaic;., in I 703,
Jesuits bark was so scarce tiiat we gave four pounds fora pouua ol it, andsome praeii-
tioners could not g&i any for love or moaey ; upo.i vvaloh, they in.ide as* of tLie ivdrc
cr this tree, for ioLermitung fevers, with goo i success, but were forced to give tv\!--:3
or tlndce the q'lantity : Since that, tijey have fjund out a bark tnat every way answers
ULii euas of Lie j'jiuits bark, vvaich I sa.ill mention U'. reaftcr." *^~a: hum, . 1:0.

Set Bully Tree.

Eastard Cabbage S\r Caebag^ Bauk^

EASTAr.D CED \H. BUBROMA.

Cl. 18, QR. 2 P.'lj^ dclphhi rodi'candrfa. Nat. ok Ccduvin'fcrie.

This derives its name from two Greek worJs, signifying an ox and food.

Gen. CHAT.. TaiyK tnree- leave 1, nailets ovate; corolla, five petais, claw.s large,
inserted into the nectiiry, b ord, r.i seuhb;n.i ; iiectury peni-aiJii. liou.^, beii-siiaoe.l;
toe stamina grow fn)m iiie nectary Hke rays, aitfiOdU with as seg-oient-i, aotlicrs
on each filament liire- ; gf-rinen sup^-nor rounui^.i ; sty.e fi.iforrn, stigiiia sMijjle;
pericarpiuin sub-globuiar, woodj-, murirat , ending in a five r.i\ed st:a-, piiLiciJod
with h'jles, five celled, va'.veiess, not opeiong ; seed very luair. , uuguiur, fi;iui
in a double row to a central sub-giobiilar recepLucie.

(.UAZUMA.

Jill' friicfu, morifof a arbor, flore pen'apefal.)fii!vo. Sloan?, v, ?, 'i.

IS. Joii!Sxibl<i!ifioc.>rdat;>, sen'ults, ab aUi-'ro latot ihujorcljuc ;

J I uclu minori siabro. bro.nii, p .Wo.

This tree rises to ti.c lieiglit of forty or fiity fett, having a trunk as Ir.rge as a ma;/s

bo ly ; It has a verv htrcng root, an j me l)aris is ot a dark oro*\ colour und lurr^'.i. 1,

senuing out many branclies towar Is the top, spreiiing vvide la every aoeccioo. i is

naturailv stnognt, but generaiiv louna crooked, .'rum beiag irequentiy toppea and

eaten by cattle. Tne leaves are' oblong heart-shaped, aheruate, iie^r four iiicues long

Lod two broad near the i)ase, ending in acute points, ,-errate, iiaving a strong niid-rio,

find several transverse veihs, of a b. 14.it gree.i on c.eir upper, and pale on t.ieir utiJer, ,

surface, ur. short petioles, the (io '.ers rre in ax.liarx lUi icr , snit.0, anJ of a yeini v

colour. The dower is described a., f .hows by S.iariz : 'i tie c..;yx iour-iiavtd, iec^ntts,

beat tl~"A';; ; pet^L uu^ky yeiio.v, fsve-n.'rie.i, pu.-c c at, ..ii.i i'-^^._iw >vns >/r

1 'd Lrijuwi

* i-ocus Ttef i.'i/...eiita Cm. iarsi.

CO HOTITUS JAMAICENSIS. Iastaf*

bristles inserted into tlic divisions of the petals, and longer than thom, upright and
purple ; ncctarv goblet shaped, smaller than the pctab, inclosing the pi:til, tive-corn-
ered and fivc-ioothed; iilamonts inserted into the base of the nectary, and of tlio same
length with it, trifid from tiie middle, lying ur.der the arched petais ; anlheps three
detiex simole : ijerm ovate, rouuii at the end, echinate when viewed throiiah a niayni-
tying g ass ; style the length of the stamens ; -stigma five-cleft ; fruit iiaro, rugged all
over with tubercles, the rind perforated like a sieve ; seetls ovate, unequal. The
decoction of the inner bark is gelatinous, like that of the elm in Europe, and is deemed
a cure for the leprosy ; Swartz mentions it asheing celebrated for its eiScacy in curing,
the coco bay or elephantiasis, or joint evil.

From the sinnlitude (,>f this tree to the elm, it is Called by the Frencli Orme d'Anio-
rique, and Bois d'Ormc. It is a native of Jamaica, and peculiar to the lowlands, form-
ing a very agreeable shade for cattle, and frequently supplies them with food in dry
weathvr, when all the herbage of the field is burned up, or exhausted ; horses as well
as cattle being observed to feed very greedily both upon the fruit and foliage of the
tree. On this account it is planted in many pastures, and the birds or rats propagate
it in all tiie suri'ounding hedges, by carrying its seeds among them. The leaves it is
thought would answer for feeding silkworms. The seeds are very mucilaginous, and
not disagreeable to the taste. The fruit is first green, but turns black and hard in its
ripe state. A litde before it ripens, it has a pleasant sweet taste, and is frequently
eaten by the negroes, either raw, or boiied as a green in their broths. The wood is
light, and so easily wrought, that it is often used by coach and chaise makers for their
side pieces. It splits freely, and is said also to make good staves for sugar hogsheads.
Sloane observes, that earth taken from imder these trees raises naseberry seeds liie best
of any.

To make a good bird lime, take of tiie inner bark of young bastard cedar, fill a blad-
der tlierewith, and bar3" ic in a warm dunghill until it rots, then take and beat it well
in a mortar.

Bastard cedar, as it is here so called ; for what reason I know not, beisg in r.o res-
pect like cedar. Its leaves are in the shape of English hazel ; its fruit like the mid-
berry, first green, and when ripe black and hard, which sheep and cattle delight to
eat, and will make them fat. I take this tree to he of the nudberrv kind, more than of
the cedar : tiie flowers are like tiie line or lindal tree, yellowish, and veiw odoriferous*
emeliing like our May or hawthorn flowers. Barham, p. 17. r

BASTARD CHERRY. EHRETIA.

Cl. 5. OR. 1. Pentandria monogynia. Nat. or. Asperifvlioe,
So named after the ingenious artist and botanist G. D. Ehrct.

Cen. CHAR. Caiyx a one-leafed, bell-shaped, perianthium, half five-cleft, obtuse,
small, permanent ; corolla one-petalled, tube longer than the calyx, border five-
cleft ; stamina subuiate filaments, length of the corolla ; anthers roundish, incum-
bent; the pistillum lias a roundisli germ, filiform style, obtuse emarginated stig-
ma; the pericarpium a roundish one-celled berry, having four seeds, convex on
ne side, and cornered on the oth.er,

TIMIFOLIj^

Bastar]* HORTUS JAJiIAICENSIS. 61

timfolia. tixu3-leaved.

Ceraso tiffinis arbor hacclfcra racemosa, ffove albo pentapefalo, fnictu
Jlavo inonopyreno eduti dtdci. Sloaue, v. 2, p. 94, t. 203, f. 1.
^iliiwrea, foUis oblongo-o-uatii allernis, raccmis iermiualAus.
Browne, p. 168, t. 16, f. 1.

Leaves oblong ovate, quiie entire, smooth, flo-.vcrs panicled.

The root's of this tree spread all around on the surface of the earth, and send n.p an
xipright tree, rising from twenty to thirty feet high ; the trunk iias a dark brown fur-
roivetl t)ark, ith an oblong thick head. Branches unarmed, roundisii, subdivided!-
The leaves alternate, veined, blunt, smooth, dark green, on short petioles. Panicles
terminating, olctlong, squjye. Flowers terminating, numerous, white, small, standing
on CA>oked slender footstalks. The calyx is five-parted, segments of the corolla finally
rolled back ; fiiamcnts larger than the corolla. Berry sjjherical; at first yellow, then
black. It flowers in January and f'cbruary. '^his tree is common in the lower lands of
Jamaica, and rises to a considerable size in favourable situations. In the church yard
of St. Andrew's parish there are two or three trees from forty to fifty feet high, with
proportionate tliick trunks, and large spreading heads. The berries seldom exceed th
size of a large currant, and are frequently eaten. They also sefve to feed poultry.

See Currant-Tree.
Bastard Germander See Germander,

BASTARD GREENHEART. CALYPTRANTHES,

Cl. 12, OR. 1. Icosandria mojiogynia. Nat. ok. Hespcrid.e.

This genus takes its name from two Greek words, signifying a veil and a flowei-.

Gen'. CHAR. Calyx a one-leafed perianthium, bell-shaped, truncate, toothless, or
very obscurely four-toothed, superior, permanent, covered with an orbiculai",
concave, deciduous, lid : There is no corolla ; the stamina are many capillary fila-
ments, inserted into tlie inside of the calyx at the rim; anthers roundish, twin,
-small ; the pistillum has a roundish germ, fastened to the bottom of the caK x,
two-celled, with a few seeds fixed to the partition ; style filiform, simple, bent
in the length of the stamens ; stigma blunt; the pericarpium a globular oblong
berry, crowned with the calyx, one-celled; seed single, or few, sliglitl}- angular.
There are tliree species, natives of Jamaica, the two first formerly united to the
geisus oiyrtus.

1. chytraculia.

Arbor ea, foliis ovatis glabris oppositis, raccmis terminalibus. Browne,
p. 239, t. 37, f. 2.

Arboreous, peduncles terminating, panicled, trichotomous tomentose, leaves
ovate, attenuated at the tip.

l3rowne says this, tree, which is called bastard greenheart, grows chiefly in the parish
j)f St. John, and is reckoned an e-xcelient timber wood, but it seldom exceeds fourteen

or

63 II OUT US J A MM C EN SIS. bastap.

or fifteen inclics in clijmctiT. 'J'iie leaves ure s-najth anJ onposile. The liJ i> faslcneii
to tliu caiyx luicraliy, Lut aftciwards lanis back, uua ilicu tU^ iuu^xi^uls lii-iv toiUT,
wliitlx bei'Jic Ua4bccu t-.vjiteJ anJ co.itealeu.

Friilicosiim, foliis cvuti^ niiidts ct ranniUs itbiquc jugatis. Browne,
1.'40, t. 7, r. 2.

Arborescent, peduncles axillarv, trichotomou:;, spreading, leaves ovate, blunt,

branches forked.

This siinib seklam rises above ten or twelve feet in height; the whole is biishy, an J

bears blael. berries, crowned with the margin of the ciip. These contain lour smooth,

plightly angular seeds, one or tAo only of wiiicii lisnaUy arrivx- at maturity. The styie

is longer thaij the stamens j and the stigma is acute. Jroic'uc,

3. RIGIDA. riGID.

Arborescent, peduncles solitary, cxillarv-, tbree-fiowcred, or thereabouts^
leaves ovite-acute, convex, vcinle:>s, rigid i'tc'. /'/'. j). iO.

liASTATiD HEMP AGRIMONY. AGERATUM.

Cl. 19, on. 1. Sifngenesia pohjgamia (cqualis. Nat. on. Co77iposi/^,

This name is derived from two Greek words, signifying never old or ever-green.

Gen. ch.^R. Calyx common, oblong with many lanceolate sub-equal scales ; corolla
c<jnipound uniform ; coroUets hermaphrodite, tubulons, numerous, equal, scarcely
longer than the calyx ; proper one monopetalou^, funnel shaped ; !)order qua In-
fid, spreading : the stamens are short capillary fi^aiuents, with cyiindrie tubu!;ir
anthers ; the pistillum has an oblong germ, style the length of the stamens, sti^:-
mas two, slender erect; there is no pericarp ; the calyx unchanged ; seed solitary,
oblong, angular, crowned with a chafFy, five-leaved, upriiiht, awned, calycie ;
the receptacle naked, convex, very small. This genus differs from eupat.wni.n
in tiie cr ) vu of the seeds, an 1 fro u bidens in the nakedness of the irecepui^ie -
There are two species, one of which is a native of Jamaica.

CONYZOIDES. HAIRY.

Ccmj'za urtu-tr JlUo. bioane, v. 1, p. 25S, t. 1.5C, f. 2.

Leaves ovate, slcm hairy.

T..is has several white strong filaments for roots, wiih lateral fi')res, and a square
ri.'idisii coloured woody stalk, a toot and a half high. The leaves as wen as Iraiicr.ta
stiind opposite, trie first on three- quarun-s of an inch footsiaiks, nairy, ana much ser-
rated, like the leaves of netile.'i, an i.ich and a half long, and tiiree-.piarters of an uuh
Ijroad in the middle, where broadi-st. Tne i, overs a lu e(?d come tt top, tae la..er
bei^g camuiated, smad, black, and pjppo'js, i.icijiiji iil oaiaU icavgj tof tuoir cjK;-:,
i.i rouud ia;.ai squaaiiiiv^luii. ^lounc.

BASTARD HOilTUS JAMAICENSIS, 63

BASTARD INDIGO. ' AMORPHA.

Ci,. 17, o;t. 3. DJadelphia dccandriii. Nat. oa. Papilionaceic.
Gen. ciiAU. CaKx a onc-lt-afeJ periantliium, tu'juhir, and pereisteut ; corolla
ovate, concave, erect, scarcely larger than, and placed on tii^ ii])per side of, the
calj'x ; filaments longer t!:an the corolla, anthers simple , flie pisiilhiin has a
r(5undi.sh genr, suinilate style the length of the stamens, stigma simple ; thei pe-
ricarpiiim is a lunate Icgumen, reflected, larger than the calyv, and luberculated ;
the seeds are two oblong-kidney shaped. By the corolla alone, this genus may Ix;
distinguisiied from all known plants ; the petals being the bannei', aivl the wing-;
arid keel wanting', which is very singular in a papilionaceous corolla. There i^
only one known species, a native of Carolina, antl introduced by Mr. Wiles, ia
1798.

FRUTICO.i.A. SIIR'JGUV.

It rises with many irrcguiar ftenis to the height of twelve or fourteen feet in its nativo
soil, in Jamaica it seldom exceeds four or five feet. It has very long winged leaves, i;i
shape like those of the consmon acacia, they are cf a pleasant green colonr, beautifully
pinnated, and terminate by an odd one. The flowers ai'e produced in long siendor
spikes, they are small, and of a deep purple coio|ir, which it throws out plentifully iu
this island every year, and makes a very shewy appearance, but produces no seed,
though easily propagated by cuttings, or laying down the yotuig branches. Ic thrives
best in cool situations. This shrub grows naturally in Carolina, where I'ormerly a co.irse
sort of indigo was made from the young shoots, whence the plant took its name.

BASTARD IPECACUANHA. ASCLEPIA.^.

Cl. 5, OR. 2. -Pen/andriu diff-jnii/. Nat. or. Coufort-r.

"This is named from .'Esculapitis, the god of medicine.

KjEX. char. Calyx a permanent periantliium, fire-cleft ; corolla monopctalous flat
or reflex, divided almost to the base iiit(j five oval acuminated segments, re!k'x,
but the points turned up ; nectaries five, ovate, concave, putting out a little hor:: ;
stamina five small filaments, anthers oblong, and affixed to a truncated body;
germs two, styles tw , stigma, conmion to both; pericarpium a large, oblontr,
smooth ventri(se, fohicle, pointed at the extremity, opening lengthwa^'s ; seeds
numerous, imbricate, crowned with a down ; reccpt;ac!e ine.iibninaceous.

CURUASSAVIC.A. CURACOA.

^pocyvinn ercclum folio cblonno, flore lunhe.Ilalo, pctalis coccineis rt-
tic.ris. Slor.ne, v. I, p. aOi-", t. 123, f. 4, ,;;, Er<'ctafo!iis anpjs-
Hs ccurninnlis -^erticilliter icnuitis, jiorihus umlx'ilaiis tiTminatrici^
bus. Brjwne, p. 183. Blood Jhn-cr. Barham, p. 22.

Lenves lanceolate, smooth, shining ; stem simple ; umbels erect, solitary-, la-
teral.

This has strong and deep roots, several inches long, tlie inside white and wood\-,
-sending- out lateral fibres. The stem from one to tiu'L-e feet high, green, round, m^-

risht.,

6!- HORTUS JAMAICENSIS. jsASTARTb

rigTit, puTiesrent, jointed, milky. The leaves are opposite and ^ccws'.atcd, petioled,
acute, eatiro, smootii on both sides. Flowers ui umbels ; umbeOules tcriiiii'.^ating, or
opposite to ti.e tcirainatiiij;' liallet in pairs, pediincied, iai-oiucre none, t ut only a
few su'inilati.\l Jfiifleu. Peduucie Uie length oi' tiie It'iives, peaicsis bhortcr, one iloiv-
eied. L"iflr;ts ol' the calyx n-flex ; nectaries five-, round tne middle ccrjjuacle, ovate,
car-'cowiod obliquely imvards, witn a iiitie Uoriiirum tU^nectareous base, sabre shaped,
bent in towards the genitals. In tne mid.ile is u truiuace corpuscle, hollowed at the
tip, bluntly five-cornered, covered with five scales at the siiles, aiij gaping with 33
many chinks. Scales hodowed within. GlanJs five, r.anidish, blaci:, to vviiich are
nxedabovs, within the scales, hairs of glan lulferous peaiccis, in place of anthers;
iiiese glands are obiong, pellucid, panauriiorin, and nded with prohno nioistuie ;
styles two, hid wilirin t!ie coiuHin ; tne seeds are attached to tne receptiicle, fixed at
each end ; in the middle of the follicle, small, covered wita an aril, an I crowned with
a seshile j^apjjus of loi.tj 'ilKv diwn, by wid; ii they are fixed i.i a squaumiose manner, .
and which serves for tlicir dispersion. Tne coroiia is of a saffron colour, tliC nectaries
bright yellow, and the umbels being m./dt-rately large, give them a beautiful apj)ear-
ance. It, grows very common almost every where in Jamaica, and is called red head bf
the negroes. Browne observes, that in the cooier inland pastures the ilv;wcrj ars
changed to white, vvirich variety is frequentiv to be seen.

Bnrham calls this plant bloo3-fl.owcr, and say?, "It is so called fro-n it? stopping
bleeding when all other remedies have failed ; and is. so well known in Jamaica that ^
iieedeth no particular description. I knew a gentleman that had sucn a fiux of blood,
by the piles or hemorrhoids, that there was no stopping it, he himself, and all hi.i
friends, despairing of his life. At la-;t, he was aivised co tiiis flouer, whicii was im-
mediately got (for they grow almost every wheri), and bruised, and pressed out the
juice, and was given wilii a syringe ; l>y which he was perfectly cured. I had a patient
that had a virulent gonorrhea, and after I had carried off the virulence, and be^an to
use balsamics and restringents, I found it would not stop, and all the medicines 1 could
think of were to no purpose for above twelve months. At last he took a decoction of
the flowers, leaves, and stalk, of this plant, twice a-day, for five or six days, and it
made him perfectly firm ; and some years after he told me^ that he never had the iea^t
s. mptom i)f a gleet, or any other illness attended him in tliose parts. Lately, an an-
cient gentleman consulted me, who had a gieei upon him many years, v/hich he ap-
prehended was pure we.kness of the vessels, for he was very well in all other respects ;
I advi-e I him to make a tea of the dried flowers, and drink of it in the room of other
tea, and at the same hours, for a month ; in which time, he told me, it made him per-
fectly well, and said it was worth its weight in gold, and believed, if a man could make
it known in Europe, he would get an estate by ir. I have known many okl gleets cured
by it ; and I question not but it may be as useful to women, fur the Jluor albus, and
other excessive discharges." Jiurham, p. 22.

The following case, v/hjch remarkabiy points out the styptic virtues of this plant, is
tedven from the manuscript of Dr. Anthony Robinson, who made many ingenious obser-
vations on die natural subjects of this island, about the middle of the last century ; and
whose untimely death, before his manuscript.; were properly arranged, was a great loss
to science, and to this island ; for it is-eviaent, from the specimens of his labours still
presfi-ved, that he was a man of real genius, and poisessed of uncomcnon talents for in-
-<lu.-triau3 res2ajch and ju3. dijcriuuii^tioa-;- > *' Mr,

BASTARh IIORTUS JAr.fAfCENSr^, %

< *^ Mr. ThonTa<; 'Sl'icol,' a -practitioner in physic, informed me, ri^on my.tcllinfr him
of t\hi styptic virtues of the pjeuJi) ipecaciianh;:, which Barliaiu' calls l)lood-flower :
that a mule iiiul by some ;u-cident been wounded iii the thigh, from which ai violent
hR-morrnngc of hlood issued, which, after the inei'.ectiiul appiicatiou of all the styptics
111 his slv)p, was stopped iiislaataueously by a negrd applj. ing a iiandful of the bniised
J)lossoni> aiul leaves of this plant. Another time, by the n^a of the same plant, applieU
^.1 the same manner, he saw a jack as;, vvitii a l.u'ge u'ce;'a.te 1 v.-jund, full of maggots,
cured eflectiially ; for it immediately killed the maggots, and then cleansing the woun^.

Tin juice of this plant, made into a syrup with sugar, has been observed to. kill and
bri'ig away wor.us wonderful!}', even when ntost other vermifuges have faii;;d; it is
given ta-children from a tea to a c<jmmoii spoonful. Tne root dried and lehiced to
p > V ler, is fra piently use! by the poorer sort of people as a vomit, the dose from onu
to two scruples. To weaken the operation of the root, it may be gently infused iu
warm water, which, poured off", is mildly purgative ; ami the root being afterwards^
xlriod anil pulveriseil, will form a more suitable and lenient cathartic for intirm or deli-r
cate habits. Brozi'm and Long. Many commend the juice of the wild ipecacuanha ix^
an antidote to worms. It operates with violence, both up and clown, and I have known
it sometimes do ^voudcre. The juice of the leaves and tender stalks, from one to thrc^
tea spoonfuls for a dose. Grainger. Tire juice of the leaves is often given to jjersons
aftli^cteJ with worms, from a tea spoonful to an ounce, for a dose, on an empty sto-
mach. In this way I can vouch for its powerful and salutary effect. When given in
largo doses it acts as a mild emetic or purgative ; and in worn* fevers also as a diapho-
retic and diuretic. Tiuis, whilst it expels worms, it brings about a crisis. The roots
are white and woody. Waen given in powder, as a vomit, they act as an emetic ; but
this is a dangerous practice. IVright. Dr. Dancer, in his Medical Assistant, page
379, second edition, recommeiids the expressed juice to be injected as a clyster In
bleeding piles.

See SwALLo^y-^voRT.

BASTARD LOCUS TREE. CLETHRA.

Cl. 10, OR. I. Decandria nwnogynia. Nat. or. Bicornes:.

This name is supposed to be derived fiom two Greek words, signifying to close o?
lmt up.

CrEN'. CHAR. Calvx a one-lcafed perianthium, five-parted ; corolla five oblong pe-
tals ; stamina ten fikiments subulate, anthertc cordate erect ; germ small, ronnd-
is'i ; stylo filiform, stigma trifid ; the pericarpinm is a roundish capsule, three-
celle f, th'-ee-valved ; seeds aio'ular. There is only one species, a native of Ja-
maica, the tinus occideiUalis of Linnc u , but transferred to this genus by Swartz,

TlXrrOf.IA. TINUS LEAVED.

Barr'f^ra avhor cnhjrulafa foliis lavrinia, fritctn racemoso eandenfo

suh o'nndo monrpyreno pallide luieo. Sioane, v. 2, p S6, t. I9R,

f. 2. Jrborea, foliis oh'ongo-ovatis^ alternis, supernc glabris, sui-

K ttis

H0RTU3 JAMAICENSIS. bastaro

tux sub-villosis et nervosis i spicis ramosis, terminal ibus. Browne,
p. 214, t. 21, f. 1.

Leaves oblong lanceolate, quite entire, hoary underneath ; racemes panicledj
spike-shaped, tomentose.

Sloane calls this the hastard locus tree, and says it has a very tliick trunk, covered
with a smooth clay coloured bark, having brc^nches ec^ualiy spreatl roiuiJ alxiui it, wuich
towards their ends are beset with leaves, five inches ^n^, aii.l iiaif ts broad. Tlie truit
comes on tlifi ends of the twigs, being a st ilk or suing, on wuicij gruvv several green
roundish berries. Tne puip is sweet, wtiite, rueaiiy, inciudiig a hard browmsii oiat*
stone. Tlie berries are ripe in August, wiien tney hdi ou tne trues, unucr which they
are gathered and eaten, and thougnt a pleasant desert. Siou/i.

Browne calls it the Volkameria, with oblong leaves, and says, this shrubby tree is
very common in Sixteen Mile Walk, and rises geiier^ihy to tne height of tvvelve or lour-
teen feet. It seems to have a near resemblam e to Uie ijcus Deny cree, (see BarbaUoes
cherry, p. 50,) but it is really very different, for the parts and uisposiiion of tue How-
ers are entirely peculiar. The filaments rise from the bottom of me tlower, just about
the gernien, and are not so long as either the petals or tiie cup. The hovver tops are
rather so many bunches composed of simple spikes, rising gradually one above anoiner j
but each of the flowers are supported by a subuiated stipuia, or -ear, while young.

We have called this tree by the name of Volkameria, to perpetuate the memory of
that famous botanist. Browne^

Bastard Mahogany See Mahogany.
Bastard Mammee See Sancta Maria.

BASTAUD MANCHIONEEL. CAMERARiA:

Cl. 5, OR. 1. Pentandria motiogi/nia. Nat. or. Contoitie.

So named by Plumier, in honour of Joachim Camerarius, a physician and botanist o
Nuremberg.

Gen. char. Calyx five cleft; corolla monopetalous, ffinnel form, border five-
parted ; stamina very small, anthers converging ; the pistillum has two germens,
with lateral appendages ; styles hardly any, stigmas obscure ; ll:e pencarjnum has
two follicles, horizontally reflected ; seeds numerous, ovate, and uiserted on the
larger ovate membrane at the base, imbricate. Tnere are two speeie.s, both natives
of Jamaica.

1, latifolia. broad-leaved.
jirborea foliis ovato acuminatis nitidis rigidis rejiectentibus, /cUiculis
alatis. Browne, p. 182.

Leaves ovate, acute at both ends, transversely striated.

The branchlets of this tree are mostly forked, or in two divisions. The leaves are
quite entire, very shining, rather rigid, petioled, opposite, numerous, somewhat re-
sembling those of myrtle : peduncles one or many flowered, slender, long, axiilarv,

or-

tASTARl^ nORTUS JAMAICENSIS, 67

cr from the fork of the branchlets. Flowers sma!!, white ; follicles brown, bivalve in
their structure, but not opeiiint^. Browne says it is tVecjuent in the parishes of West-
morland and St. J.*mes. and grows commonly to the heigiit of twenty-nine feet or moyef
and is said to be a good timber wood, but is full of an acrid milky juice.

2. ANGUSTIFOLIA. sriALI.-LEAVED.

Leaves linear.

The stem of this is irregularly branchinjj. Leaves opposite, quite entire, the middle
nerve ruaaiip; down ; thev have two ribs running longitudinally. It grows only about
eiii;ht feet hitili, and the flower and fruic are also mucn smaller than the fir^-t species.
The flowers are p<-oduced scatteringly at the ends of the branches, and it also abounds
with a milky acrid juice. Both plants rnay be propagated from seeds.

BASTARD MUSTARD. CLEOME.

Cl. 15, OR. 2. Tctrad^namia siliquosa. Nat. OR. Futaminete.
This name is derived from a Greek word, signifying to close or shut up.

Gkn. char. Calyx four-leaved, very small, spreading, the lower leaflet gaping
more than the rest ; corolla foiir-petalled ; nectareous ghmds three, rountlisli, at
each division, except one at the calyx ; stamina subulate, declining; fi"thers la-
teral, descending ; style simple ; germen oblong ; stigmas thickish : perlcarpium
a long siliqne cylindric, one-ceiled, two-valved ; seeds many, rouiKiMi. Then3
are four known species, natives of this island.

1. SPINOS.1. TIIOfiNY.

Slnapistriim TRs^yptium heptaphijUum, flare cameo, majus spinnsinv.
Sloane, v. 1, p. 194. Assargcns ramosum et spuiosuin, htptaphyl-
lum ; spica multiplki foliolatd . Browne, p. 273.

Flowers six stamened ; leaves in seven's and five's; stem thorny.

The root of this plant is deep, large, white, and firmly fixed in the ground by several
smaller. The stalk is very strojig, round, hairy, and green, risnig to about four or
five feet hj^h, spreading branches on every side, haviiig fingered leaves standmg on
long foot-stalks. The leaf is divided generally into seven parts or fingers ; they are
viscid or clammy, will seem to stick to the hand when you squeeze them, and have a rank
disagreeable sinell. The stalks and branches have short, green, strong, straight
prickles. The flowers come cmt on every side of the tojis ot tiie branches : They are
each nia le up of four long petals of white colour, witli some purple thrums or stamina,
Tue pods aie small, round, and of pale-greeu colour, inclosing a great many very
small bro.wn seeds. Barkavi, p. lOS.

Browne calls this the prickly branched sambo, and says it thrives best in . dry soil.

2. PROCU.MBENS. PROCUMBENT.

Leucoium liiteum, she keiri minimum polij^ala' facie. Sloane, v. I,
,p. 193, t. 123, f. 1. Erecla lierbaccii, Joliis oblongis, jloribu.^ soli-
(unis. Browne, p. 273. '

K 2 Ho '.vers

ea HORTUS JAMAICENSIS. ^^astaub

Flo'.vcrs six stumcncd ; leaves simple, lanceolate, petioledi stems prociniibcn.t.

The slen! is herbaceous, six inches iiigli. Leaves niiernate, small, aeiite, smooth ;
the llawer is j'cllow, turning to oranj^e or red. Barham calls iius -wali-JlowLr. li i:as a
larg2 root, tlie leaves like c^minori milkwoit. IJ;'ovvue calls it iho suiall suvannu nius-,.
tard, vvJiicii grjws wild iu every part of t!ic island, and Hokvers in November.

2. i'ENTAPHYLLA. riVE-LEAVED.

Sinapistriim indiann fcnia])hyUum f.orc carneo viinus, nf.ii spinosuvi.
Sloane, v. 1, p. 19k Procui7ibt'ns jitntuj.lii/llitm, sjiica lo/i^icix
tcrininali. Erowne, p. '21Z.

Fluwers gynandrous ; leaves qiiinate ; stem unarmed.

The erect triCoiiated sambo is a small plant, found growing in tufts upon tho tjroiuidi!
and seldom runs above eight or ten inches in length ; it is, however, mijre succulent
than either of the others, and gencrallv lool.ed upon as a very waolesome green ; but
it has a bitterish taste, and requires long boiling, and the water's being frequently
shifted, to render it palateabie. It is deemed a preservative against the dry-bcily-ache ;
and, doubtless, claims a precedency, if any green can be said to be etiectual thatwav.
Broxi'ne.

Under the name coi/crs this plant is described as follows, in Hughes's Hislors' of Ear-
badoes : " Tnis shrubby plant hath several whitish roots, smelling not ur.lil.e a raddish.
The main !;lalk, which is of a purplish colour, branches very much rear the ground :
from the several side branches issue a great many footstiilks, whose respective toj^s from
Qne common centre "^usiain seven sharp pointed leaves, being almost equally sharp near
their common footstalk, where they all join; at which juncture there is a yeiiouish
spot. Tne flower very much resembles that of a garlic pear tree, consisting of four
small spoonlike petals. From the centre of these rises a dark coloured ])is{il, from
whose sides, somewhat higher, issue six pnrplish stamina, lipped wiili brown apdces ;
the pistil in the mi Idle stiil continuing larger than tiie stamina, bearing upon it the
rudimeiit of the future pod, which, when ripe, is of a flattish shajjc, of ai)oat six
inches long, inclosing a great many siiiall seeds. Tlie juice of this j)lant, mixed with
sweet oil, is looked iijion to be a sovereign remedy against the pain in the ear, if poured
into it warm." Hughis'' Barbadocs, p. 210.

In confirmation of the above virtue in this plant, of curing pains in the ear, Dr. A.
Iiobinsor', in liis uianuscript, states as iollows : *' A gentleman of St. Ehzaoeth's in-
formed Die, that for some years he had been at times afflicted with violent i^ains in Ins
left ear, so that at last he could hardly hear on that side ; he had little or no wax at ; ly
lime in it, and sometimes feit such an uneasy sensation, as one perceives when a Hea
or other small inse;t gets into ones car ; that, a few da_vs beiore he saw mc, he had
pulled a living insect out of It. He said, when the pain was most raging he liad, by
the advice of a negro woman, taken a leaf of the clcome terfia prccmnbens pentaphyl-
lum, i(c. of Browne, imd, upon squeezing a few drops of it into Jiis ear, he had been
ioslantaneously relieved from the pain."

4. POLYGAMA. POLYGAMY.

Sirwpisfrum Indicum triphyllum flore carnen 7ion spinosum. Sloane,
V. I, p. 194, t. 124, f. 1. Erectiim triphT/lUun, jicribus solttarhs
alaribus, Browue, p. 273. Tuis

j^ASTATitt liORTUS JAMAICENSIS. ^,

This grows chiefly in moist bouo.i.s, it is prclly simple, and seldom rises above
twenty or twenty-live mchea. L' ruicuc.

This iKitli a root four or five inches long, small and white, !ih lateral fibres drawing
j't.-i nourishment ; the stalk is round, tureen, upright, about two feet long, witnout any
branclios, having leaves thinly placed thereon, without any orJer, standmg turee al-
ways together, on an incii ibotstalk, about an inch and a half long and naif an inch
broad in the middle ; at the top of the stalk is a spike of telrapeialous fiowers miKe4
VI itli purple, like the other sorts; after which follows a threc-incii long Jjod, sniali,
round, green, like the other. The whole plant is balsinnic and vulnerary ; I liave
seen the very leaves applied to sores, and they would heal tlieni ; they give case in the
gout ; boiled in'.oil, remedj' cutaneous diseases, especially the leprosy. Tiie leaves,
boiied or decocted in water, expel poison, jirovoke appetite, comfort the stomach,
cause expectoration, and expel wind. The juice, witii oil, heljjs deafness, drojiped
into the ear. The leaA es, beaten and applied to the head, cure iis aching from cold.
These grow in great plenty in all or most parts of .\merica, c-ven in the woi-st and j)oor-
est grounds, in yards, sides of the highways, and streets^ without planting or cuui=
vating. Barham, p. 108.

Bast.\rb Nicaragua See Brasiletto.
Bastard Nutmeg Sec Nutmeg.

BASTARD PLANTAIN. HFLICONIA.

Cl. 5, OR. !. Pentandr'av-ionogynia. Nat. or Scltamineiv.
This name is derived from that of the celebrated mountain in BcEOtia, sacred to th^

Riuscs.

Gen. char. Calyx. Rpathes common and panial, alternate, distinct, with hcrma-
j)hrodite flowers ; there is no perianth ; the coroha lias tliree petals, obiong, ciiuu-
nelled, erect, acute, equal ; nectary two-leaved, on leatVts neariy equal to tne.
petals, the other very snort, channelled, hooked, oppositt: ; tlie siumina are five
or six filaments, with long erect anthers ; the pistil lias an inferior oblong germen,
short style, and a long., slender, curved, stigma, with a terminating head ; the
pericarpiuin is an oblong, truncate, lliree-s4 led, three-celled, capsule; seeds so-
litary, oblong. This genus is distinguished frum nuisa by a incoccous capsule,
and it is doubtful whether it should nit be transferred to the class hexauuria.
Tiiere are two species natives of Jamaica.

1. EIHAI.

Miisa humiUor foliis vnnor bus ni^ricuntibus, fruc'u mhi'ino erecfo.
Sloane, V. 2, p. 147. Spadicf erecto, spailiis rigidis mnpUwaniibus
disiich^ ct alternatini. Browne, p. 364.

Leaves and .spadix radical, spathes distich, cordate; nectary ventricose, bifid at
the tip.

This in every respect is of a much smaller growth than the plantain or lianana tree,
%ut shuou ^eaerally to tue height of ten ur t,\clve feet. The Icuves are oblong, nar-

lower

?C HORTUS JAMAICENSIS. bastard

Eowcr at both ends, entire, marked uitli parallel lines, erect, thick, and very smooth ;
pctiolts the length ol' the leaves, or more, round, thick, channelled above ; sca})e up-
right, the length of the petioles, ronnd,- thick, smooth; the spadix simple, ujjrii^ht.
Tile cainmon spathes several, (eight to ten) rigid, cordate, embracing, erect, spread-.
i'.ig, acuminate, distich, yellowish, yellowish green below, and purple in their upper
brims. Flowers in bundles, concealed within each spathe ; partial spathes membrana-
ceous, whitish, the length oi the (lowers, which are distinct, subsest'Ue, pale or green-
ish yellow. Corolla cohering to the base, unequal, curved and- recurved, as it were
two-lipped; the two upper petals lanceolate, acute, a liitle reflex at tiie tip, below
the middle converging, and towards the base coalesccut with the lower petal, whitisn
at the base : lower petal scar-cely longer than the upjier ones, lanceolate, concave, a
little rcttirved, entire and acuminate at the tip, with its base embracing the nectary
behind ; the nectary is two-leaved, inclosing the lilament^, and filled ith nectareous
juice.at tlie base ; the leaflet in front is veiy minute, Umceulate, and fastened to the
antfrior petal of the corolla.

This beautifaljilant gro.wsvvild in most of the cooler -mountains of'Jamaica, and
thrives very luxuriantly in every rich and well-shaded gully among the woods. Ixi its
growth and leaves it perfectly resem!)les tl.e plantain and banana, but ddTers very
wi.lelj' from them in the more essential jiurts. In the blossoms of this plant we fin J
five perfect fdaments shooting fr.)m the bottom of the real flowe: leaf, and one imper-
fect fdament from the ncctarium ; but, in the (jthers, it is quue contrary, f(jr five of
the filaments are imperfect, and the only one that is otherwise rises from the nectarium.
JJroxiHc. The seeds of the bastard plantain are greedily devoured by hogs.

The stODtt or body of this plant is somewhat- smaller, but equally SBCcnlent, . witli the
plantain. I have seen, in this island, very large tracts (jf land, which onc^ were-coji -
siderable sugar plantations, but, in length of time, "became so exhansted, as not to
make any projiortionate return to the labour bestowed on tlumi, and have therefore
l>een thrown up and deserted. Where this has happened from -a changs of seasons,
and the want of shcuvers, the disaster is incurable ; ami siich land cannot be restored to
fertility, except by the reiurnof favourable weather, or by rtificial waterings; the
first is scarcely to be hoped foi-, the second is not always practicable. But -there, are
. other lands, whicli have been worn out with incessant cultivation, and not so destitute
of sliowers. In man \' places, it is usual to let them lie fallow for-two or three years,
nf'glecting what is absolutely- requisite during this inten'al of time ; which is to hoe-
plough them, once a 3"ear at le.isi, before the weeds-seed and ri|>en ; so that the rains
and dews falling upon them, have onlv assisted the growth and multiplication of weeds
in such manner that they cannot afterwards be exterminated. It has been demon-
strated, that water {.i.ore particularly rain) is the principal support and pahuiuin of all
vegetables. In their state of dissolution, the more la.rified particles of the fl'jid they
have imbibed re-ascend into the atrnosjihere ; but much of the remainder becomes
earth, affording a solid and actual siistentation and addition to the surface on which it
j'alls. For this reason, jjrobablv, in the modem, in.proved state of hu-ibandry in En<--
lund, turnips are applied as an excelJent manure for impoverished lands. In Jamaica,
the same root is not equally fit for the purpose, iiecanse it docs not giow here to an^
considerable bulk, nor is it so succulent iis in England. I would propose, therefore,
to substitute in its room the vvilj plantain tree, wherever it can be breuoht to orow. A

Thi.

BASTARD HORTUS JAMAICENSI3. 71

This plant is, in truth, a vegetable syphon, full of water ; an;l as it nsver fnictifier., so
it probably cannot exhaust any soil. A walk of these suckers might be planted on iar-
poverished land in a seasonable year, and suffered to stand for tnree years ; and the
j^round hoed only till the plants appear to have struck root, an 1 to ris2 with vigour.
7n the third year they might be cut down, and left to rot upon the suri'ace. To sup-
port them in the early part of their growth, it is necessary to keep the ground clear of
v,feeds about them. Hoeinp; performs this, and loosens the earth ; winch faciiiiaies the
penetration of rains and dews through the surface. Wiien they are tolerably well
grown, their broad expanding leaves will shaOe and cool the ground in such a inauner,
as to preserve it alv^ ays nioist and open, and suppress the ascent of weeds; from this
period, therefore, hoeing will- not be so necessary. I should not recommend the fnnt
bearing plantain for this design, as it certainly exhausts land very much, and therefor*
would add to the evil, insteac! of removing it.

The stems or trunks of any of these species, cut in long junks, are the best provi-
sion that can be laid aboard the homeward bound ships, for support of the live stock.
Sheep, goats, cattle, hogs, and poultry, are all fond of it ; and, as the stems pre-
serve their succulence frr a long space of time, the stock fed with it require little or
no water. For the smaller animals the junks are chopped into small pieces. They are
stowed behind the niizen chains, where they do not in the least incumber the snip.
Long, ^1 Si. .

2. PSITTaCORUM.

Leaves on the stem rounded at the base, spadix terminating, flexuose, spathes
lanceolate, nectary lanceolate, concave, entire.

This plant bears a great resemblance to canna, and grows to the height of eight feet,
with a simple smooth stem. Leaves ovate-Lnceolate, entire, acute, vcrv smootii,
marked with parallel nerves ; petioles stiealtiing, smootti ; spadi.x si.nple ; spathes
fewer (f jur to six), alternate, distich, somewhat rcjnHe, divaricated, two in.nes long,
sheathed at the base, acute, coloured blood-red, many flowered : bowers piidiceUeu,
crowded, upright, an inch long, fulvous, on round peauncles, iiail an inch long ; co-
rolla three-sided, two upper petals erect, linear, acute, keeied, converging, glued
to the nectary, the uppermost only trifid ; tiie lower petal embracing tiie upper j^etais
and nectary at the base, a litt.e wider, keeled, ventricose, brownisli green at tne top ;
hinder leaf ot the nectary the length of the petals, lanceolate, concave, a iitiie curved
inwards, acuminate, entire, striated, including tlie stamens ; iront leai uiany times
smaller, awl-shaped, concave, inserted at the base into tne lower petal; fi.ameius five,
include! within the hinder leaf of the nectary, free at the base ; antuers linear, t.vo-
celle 1, white ; germ three-sided, truncate ; style sliglitly ttiree-siaej, filitorni ; stig-
ma, blunt, three-sided, lientin, pubescent; fruit tUree-cornered, truncate-Uepress-
fi', scarlet at top. Swartz says it is a native of this island, ia wet parts of the wooiis,
ou the highest mountains.

BASTARD SAFFRON. CARTHAf^IUS.

Cl. 19, OR. 1. Syngenesia polygaviia aqualh. Nat. OR. Coviposi'tir,
This generic naxne is derived from a Greek word, signifying to purge.

Gek.

73 HORTUS JAMAICENSIS. eastard

Gf.N'. CTTa!?. Calyx-ovatr, imbricated wiili srak's, closo bplow, nml iiugmenteJ
wuii si)b-ovatc tbliace )i4S ajipenaires at top ; fMjroihi compoumi ; .-tauiina capilla-
ry ; anthers t-yiinaric ; gcrmen very short ; style l<)n<;(.-r than U;6 stamens; stiTina
simple ; sce^Ji ooljiary. There arc tea s{)txics, o'.io ot' which has been cultivated

ia Jamaica.

TlNCToiuirs. nviNO.

Toliis ses.'n'Uhis, dent'cidnti?, oblon^is, o5fiisis ; caidc assurgenti,
.iuni7n;f(i/tm versus ramoso. Browne, p, 314.

Lcttvcs ovate entire, serrate-aculonte.

T'.iis plant rises about twQ fet-t r.Hvl a half o-r three feet b.igh, dividing into many
brar.ches. 'i'he flowers o;ro\v sin<!!;le at tlie extremity of the branches, of a nnc saifro.n
colom*. Browne says this plant was mtrodueei irto Jamaica liy the Spanish Jews, and
tliat it was cultivated in most gardens about Kingston, whert- the florets were Ireqncntly
Uacd in broths or rau,ous. Tt grows iiatnni!ly in Egypt, anil other vrarin parts of Asia,
and is propagated fVom see.fs.

This plant is well worthy of cultivation fur its many virtues ; the florets dried qivc
an agreeable colour to several culinary preparations, and arc used as an article of dye-
ing an J painting ; for vvhich purposes great quantities arc. annually imported into Eng-
land Irom tiic Levant.

That which grows in America comesfar siinrt in goodness to that in England. Here
also grow in great plenty the cniciis, s'we cart/iainus sa/wus, and cuicim pcrcnn:s.
Tlie flowers ol' caiikaiiiiis are much used by the Spaniards (who call them bastard saf-
fron) in all their l)roths, to give them a yellow colour, which they do ; they are also
nse.l for dying. The seed is what is chiefly used in physic, or rather the kernel with-
in the seed, wnich, beaten into ail emulsion with honeyed water, or with the broth of
a pullet, anil taken fasting, opens the body, and purges watery and phlegmatic hn-
mour.-, both upwards and dow.nvards ; the seeds do the same clysterways ; an electuary
or lohnch, made with sugar or honey, and almonds and pine-kernels, cleanses ttie
breast and lungs of phlegm ; a drachm of the dried flowers taken, cures the jaundice ;
the confecr, called dhcarthamum, is a very great medicine to purge choler and phlegm,
as also watery humours. Parrots delight to feed upon them. Burhani, p. 163.

BASTARD SENNA. CORONILLA.

Cl. 17, OK. 4. Diadelph'a Derandria. Nat. or. Papilioimce^.

This name is a diminutive from corona, a crov/n ; the flowers crowning the branches
in a cOrym!).

Gen. char. Calyx simple ; corolla papilionacenus ; stamina diadelphous filaments,
anthers simple ; the pi-tillum has an oljiong gcrnicTi, bristled st\le, small .stigma ;
the pericarpium is a long legumen, seeds many. Tnis is an exotic, and two spe<
cies have been introduced, possessing no remarkable %-irtues,

j?.-

1. VALENTINA. VALENTINE."

Shrubby leaflets about nine ; stipules suborbiculate.

*Th:

SAST/.RB HORTUS JAMAICENSIS, 73

This plant rises three or four feet high, and bears its flowers on long axillary peJun^
cles, in close bunches.

"2. MINIMA. SMALLEST.

Under shrubby, procumbent; leaflets nine ovate ; stipule opposite to the leaf,
eniarginate ; legumes angular, knotty.

This has erect stems, a little branched, round, smooth, about eighteen inches in
height, woody at bottom only. The leaves unequally pinnate. Calyx yellowish.
Ci^rolla yellow'; peduncles three inches long, supporting twenty to twenty-six flowers.
The legumes an inch long, round, deflected, scarcely contracted between the seeds,
lenninated by the ascending style.

BASTARD SENSITIVE. ^SCHYNOMENE.

Cl. 17, OR. 4. Diadclpkia dccandn'a. Nat. or. Papilionacetp.

Gen. CHAR. Calvx a one-leafed, bell-shaped, bihdjiate perianthium, upper bifid,
lower three-toothed-; corolla papilionaceous ; banner eordated and sub-ringent,
the wings sub-ovate, obtuse, shorter than lite l)anner ; keel lunate, pointed, the
length of the wings ; filaments single, nine cleft ; anthers small ; the nistillum lias
an oblong villous columnar germen ; the style subulate and rising ; stigma simple,
ratiier obtuse ; the pericarpium is a long compressed, unilocular, jointed pod;
seeds solitary between the joints, kidney shaped. Only one species is a native of
this island amrricana ; three others have, however, been introduced, natives of
Egypt and the East Indies, xhe grandijiora, sesban^ andaguatica.

I.AMERICANA. AMERICAN.

'ITedi/acirum caule hirsitlo, mimosce foliis alafift, pinnis acufis miyjimk
framitieis. S'oane, v. t, p. 186, t. 118, f. 3. PrPCioiibens^foUoUs
pinnatis mimulis, ramulis tenuissimis. Browne, p. 295.

Stem herbaceous, hispid ; joints of the legumes semi cordate ; leaflets acu-
minate, bractes ciliate.

This plant is very common in many places of Jamaica. Stem rarely reaches three
feet in length, but seldom stands upright ; it is sub-divided, round, and somewhat
Jiir.sute, delicate and slender. Branches filiform, patulous, round, streaked, hirsute.
The hairs are feruginous at the base. Leaves pinnate, alternate ; leaflets sessile, al-
ternate, minute, sickle shaped, serrulate, three-nerved beneath, smooth on both sides.
Petioles thicker at the base, round, hirsute. Stipules sickle shaped above and below
the petiole, opposite, acuminate, somewhat hirsute. Peduncles longer than the leaves^
axillary, solitary, erect. Flowers pediceded, alternate, whitish or brownish yellow ;
i)ractes sessile, ovate-acuminate, serrate, streaked, hirsute at the edge. Calyx upper
lip serrate at the tip, or bluntly three-toothed, pubescent at the edge. Corolla, ban-
ner streaked, wings obovate, keel ovate, sickle-shaped, upriirht, bifid. Legume al-
most upright, pendulous, margined, wrinkled, pubescent.. Sw. Ob. 184.

The branches are about a foot long, roundish, filled with a fnngou< pith, set very
Xhick on the outside with large and fierce hairs, or small prickles, of a wiiite colour, as

L were

71 - HORTUS JAMAICEXSI-3. b-a-jm:

\vere P.I.SO the twigs vvliv-)se ends were set wiih alatcd leaves, whose pinnae, were very
small sharp, or poinied at the end, t^-issy or striated like grass leaves, and nuiiieroirs.
Tiic flowers come out of a hairy or ei:h;natecl small [caf, fanquam e.v utrlcub, being
many, standing oa tlie ends of brr.nched footstalks alternatively, and after them follow
articulated pod?;,, a little crooked, hiroixte, or rough, like a half moon. I found it iu,
the inland parts of the island. Sloane.

. 2. GRANDIFLOR.l. GREAT-FLOV.'ERED.-

Stem arhojescent, flowers Very large, legumes ."iliform.

This has been called ihoiseul pea. It jjs a^native of the East Indies, and grows in the
botanic garden in Liguanea. It rises six or eight fset high, with an upright woody
stem, sending out branches spreading a little, r!)und, pubescent. The leaves are pin-
nate, alternate, scattered, a foot long, leaflets from twelve to eighteen pairs. Flowers .
pendulous, white, very large. Legiune two feet in length^ linear, compressed, with
a membranaceous isthmus between the seeds, which are roundish. The seeds are
agreeable to doniestic birds.

3. SESBAJf.

Stent herbae&ous, smooth; legumes cylindric, equal-; leaflets obtuse.
This is a native of Egypt, and was introduced by Dr. Clarke ; it has woody stems
and branches, garnished with smooth leaves, composed of many blunt, opposite, pin-
nses. The flowers are small, of a deep yellow colour, and come out from the axils in-,
long spikes hanging down. The legumes smooth and taper pointed, not jointed.

4. AQUATICA. WATERY.

This is also a native of the East Indies", and is called the swamp pea tree ; it was in-
troduced by Mr. East, as well as a new species by Mr. ^V'Lles, ail of which are enumer-
ated in the Hortus Eastensis.

BAUM. MELISSA.

Cl. It. OR. 1. Didi/nc/mia gymnospermu/. Nat. or. Verticillatte.
This generic name is derived from a Greek word, signifying a bee, from the fond-,
ness of bees for this plant.

Gen. char. The calyx is arid, flattish above, the upper lip having its dents nearly
of equal height ; corolla upper lip arched and bifid, the under one, with the middle
lobe, heart-shaped; stamina awl -shaped ; anthers small ; germen four cleft; no
pericnrpinm ; seeds four. There are several species, natives of Europe ; tlie most
useful has been introduced :

OFFICINALIP. OFFICINAL.

Racemes axillary, whorled ; pedicels simple.

It has fibrous perennial roots ; many upright,, square, branchy, annual stalks ; rising
two or three feet high ; garnisheil with oblong, indented, opposite leaves, by pair,^,
two or three inches long, and half as broad ; and from the upper axillas verticillate
flusters of small white flowers, upon single footstalks. There is also a kind with varie-
gated

EAVBEKRy HORTUS JAMAI C EN S I S. 75

gated leaves. It has a pleasant smell, of tlie lemon kin J ; and a weak, rotighisb, aro-
matic taste. Bauni is appropriated to the head, stomach, and uterus ; and in all dis-
orders of these parts is said to do extraordinar}- service. The present practice, how-
ever, holds it in no great esteem, and ranks it among the weaker corroborants^. It is
reputed good in hypochondriac and hysteric disorders of the head and scomacli, and hy
outward appliiations, to ease the stingmg of bees and wasps. Infusions of the Icavis
in water smell agreeably of the herb, but have not much taste, though, oa being iii-
spissated, they leave a considerable quantity of a bitterish austere extract, 'i'lie green
leaf is better tiian the dry. Infusions of baiuti do not, like other aromatics, offend the
Lead, as is complai led of from sage, &c. It is a grateful diluent drink in fevers, espe-
cially if acidulated wuh limes or lemons. Cold infusions in water or spirit are far better
than the cohobated distilled water, and are the best preparations fioni the plant. On
distdiing the fresh herb with water, it impregnates the first running pretty strongly
with its grateful flavour. Wlien large quantities are suliiected to the operation at once,
there seperates and rises to the surface of the aqueous fluid a small portion of essential
od, which some call o/..sj/>'/Vf, and others, ol. gcrmafiis. It is of a yellowish colour,
and of a very fragrant smell.

This plant is cultivated in many gardens in Jamaica, but seldom thrives with that
iuxurianiy that many other plants do.

I5.-vu.\i Grass See LexMOK Gkass.

EAYBERRY, or WILD CLOVE. MYRTUS.

Cl. 12, OR. \. -Icosand rid mono tfj/nia. Nat. OR. Ilesperidea:.

This is fabled to be so named from Myrsine, an Athenian damsel, and favourite of
Minerva, who was metamorphosed into a myrtle.

Gen. CHAR. Calyx one-leafed, four or five cleft, bluntish, superior,' raised inter-
, iiahy into a sub-villose ring, permanent ; corolla has four or five petals, ovate,
entire, large, inserted into the calyx ; the stamens are many capillarv filaments,
the length of the corolla, inserted into the calycme ring, havmg roundi..ti small
anthers ; the pistillum has its germ inferior, two or three-celied, the seeds fixed
tj? the partition ; style simple, filiform-, stigma b^ant ; the pericarpium is an oval
-berry, umbilicated with the. caly-x, one, two, or. three-ceiled ; seeds few, kidney-
form. There are many species.

ACRIS. SHARP.

Foliis oblongo ovatis cppositis, racemis lateralibus ct tcrminalibus.

Browne, p. 247.

Peduncles axillary and terminating, corymbed, trichotomous, longer than the

leaves; leaves elliptic corvv-ex, coriaceous, veined, dotted; stem arboreous.

This tree may contend the palm of elegance with most trees. It grows slowly, and

to a considerable size. Tne trunk is hanJsome, straight, forming a very lofty thick

and beautiful ))\raniid. The bark in the younger trees is brown, then ash-coloured,

and finally white, entire, or with large yellow spots ; it is very smootli and even, esjjc-

ciafly in oJd trees, but here and there hangs down in slender shreds ; the flavour is as-

Uingeut, not without sometumg aromatic. The tiiuber is very hard, icd, compact,

L 2 ponderous.

7(3 HOST us JAMAICENSrS.. bat

ponJcrons, and capable of being polished ; used for the cogs of- wheel; in miUworKV
iind in otiier works where considerable fiiction is required. The younger branches are
acutely four-cornered and green ; leaves numerous, quite entire, shining, bright green,
with transverse voinn, blunt, attenuated into a short petiole, always opposite, com-
monly ihree or four inches long, of a very sweet aromatic smeii, and,, en accoact ot
their agree:u>ie asinngenoy, are used for sauce willi food. The flowers are small,
white with a slight tinge of reLiness ; 'the berries round, the size of peas, crowned witli.
the remains of the calyx, having an aroinatic smell and taste, which rendef ihein agree-
able for culinary purposes ; they contain about seven or eight seeds.

This tree is a native of several of the V/est India islatuls, ixnd in Grenada is called
Bois d'lnde. Browne says it is common in Antigua and Jamaica, as v/eU as Barbadoes,
and grows generailv to a considerable size ; that it fills the woods with the fragrant smell
of its leaves, neaiiv resembling that of cinnamon, but that the hark has no warmth of
that sort, though the berries n^senible cloves very much,, both in form and flavour. It
is comraonly called wild cinnamni, or wild clove Iree , and is said to be the bayhtrrij of
Hughes, it does not seem, however, to be very accurately di^ilinguishcd from the-
pimenta.

Sec Bastard GREEXHE.^RT Black citerry Myrtle Pimenta Silver tree.

BAT OR SEA-SIDE GRAPE. GOCCOLOBA.

0,1.. S, OR. 3. Oclandria trigynia. Nai\ or. Holoracew.

This was so named by Browne,, from the kernel being lobed at bottom.

Gen. char. Calyx a one-leafed, five-parted perianthium, divisions oblong, obtuse,
concave, spreading most wiilely, coloured, permanent : there is no corolla ; sta-
mens subulate, patulous, shorter than the calyx ; anthers roundish, twin ; the
pistil has an ovate trigonal germen, v.ith short filiform spreading styles, and
simple stigmas ; no pericarp ; calyx berried, thickened, converging ; invohnng
the seed, v/hich is aii ovate nut, acute, one-celled. There are six species, na=
tives of Jamaica.

1. UVIFER.!^. GRAPE-BEARING.

Primus maritima racemosa, folio rotimdo glahm, Jntchi minore pur-^
pureo. Sloane, v. 2, p. 129, t. 220, f.'S, 4, 5. Foliis crassis or-
biadatis, sinu dpcrto. Browne, p. 209.

Leaves cordate-roundish, shining.
Sloane calls this the Jiiangrove giape tree, and says it has several ten or twelve foot
high trunks, covered with a reddish brown smooth bark, and furnished with thick,
veined, shining, orbicular, leaves, about six inches diameter, standing upon short
footstalks. The flowers com.e out at the wings of the stalks, in racemes fire or sixinchei
long ; they are whitish, smelling like those of the cherry. After tiiem follow the
berries.

It hath a verj' large leaf in the shape of a horses hoof, and its fruit is as big as a com*
mon grape,^ an'd, whea full ripe, of a blueish black. Until tliey are thoroughly ripe

there

-BAT IICIITUS JAMAICENSIS. ?Y

there is no e-tmg them, tlif>y arc so rc.igh and restringent, curing fluxes ; ana, when
<ver so ripe, they iuive a s^tipticity and ronghneijs upon the tongue, and bimling.
'I hey grow ';>y the side of the s<'a, and oftentimes in the sea and salt vvater, ilke the
mangrove, and therefore are ciiUeu, by som.-, mangrove gn'.pes. Barham, jx 63.

This tree is ver/ frequent on all the low sandy shores. It is easily ptopagated in
other parts of the country by slips' or cuttings. It grows to a large size, ana is then
looked upon as a beantifnl v/ood for tabinetware. The berries i^re about the size of
common ;;r<.pcs, and, when ripe, have an agreeable flavour, but the juice is restrin-
gent ; antl for this quality it is remedial in fluxes, paracidarly such as may ensue from
clrinkmg the brackish water, common to the places where tiiey grow' adjacent to the
sea. There are Some other varieues of the coccoloba,^ wiiose fruit possess ths like
quality. Long. p. 137. ..

This is a large crookec^ and shady tree (the leaves being broad, thick, and alniosfc
circular), and succeeds be.st in sundy places. It bears large clusters of grapes once a.
year, wnich, v.hen ripe, are not disagreeable. The stones, seeds, or acini, contained
in them are large in proportion, and, being reduced to a powder, are an excellent as-
tringent. The bark of the tree has the same property. The grapes, steeped in v/ater,
and fermented with sugar, make an agreeable wine, Grainger.

The fruit is so very astringent as to cause a degree of costiveness in soms cases dan-
gerous. Of this I have known i?istances. It may, therefore, be a very useful m-edi-
cine in some loosenesses. An old la.dy I was once called to, had nearly lost her life by
eating too many of these grapes. She had no motion for three weeks, and it was wic^
great difficulty that any were .afterwards procurdd. Dancer's M. A. p. 389.

2. PUBESCENS. . PUBESCEXT.
Arhorea foliis orbiculatis intsgris. Browne, p. 210.
Leaves orbicuiate, jmbescent. ..
Jacquin mentions this species as growing to a very large size in the moisntauis of
Martinico, even to the height of fifty or sixty feet ; but tirowiie sayj it seldom rises
above eight feet in Jamaica, that ir is very common between Kingston and Bull Bay.
He calls it the grape tree with. whole leaves, and adds tiiat the berne^ of this species are
not estsemed.

S. PUNCT.4T.i. FOINTEJO.

Foliis oblon go ovatis vensis, uvis minor ibus punctatis. Browne, p.
210.

Lea7es bnceolate, o^ate
This Brown calls the chequered grape tree. It is small, upright, and branched, fif
l-een feet high. Leaves quite entire, sub-coriaceous, veined, siiining, alternate, half
a foot long, commonly two ortiireeon eacii flowering branchlet, on petioles sheathing
at the base. Racemes terminating, simple, solitary, erect, scarcely an inch and a
half long. Flowers uhite. Almost the whole receptacle, with a. small part only of
tiie calyx, becomes a roundish drupe,, of a dark red colour, and a sweetish austere
taste.

4. EXCOUUTA.

7 riORTUS JAMAICENSIS. itay

4. F.XCORIATA. PEELED.

Montana major arbona, Joliis suhrvtundis, cor/ice Lvi. Browne,
p. 210. '

Leaves ovate, branches as it were harked.

This is called the mountain i^rape tree by Browne, who savs it grows to a considera-
ble size, is frequent about tiie Cross in Clarendon, and is lookeo u^ion as a line timber
wood.

5. TENUirOLlA. PLUNDER LEAVED.

J^rufescens, folils subroiund s, J ructu m'uiori trigo?io, Browne, p
210, t. 14, f. 3.*
Leaves ovate nieinbrdnaceous.

This is of uumbler growth than anj-of-the former; and the flowers and fruit are
smaller. It is also diiTe-rent in having membranaceous and not coriaceous leases, tiie
jictioles surruMiide^l with a membrane instead of a stipule, and not issuing from ilicrr
back ; racemes terminating and quite simple ; Holers scattered and pedicelleii.
Browne savs it grows among the rocks in the hills above Bull Bay. The calyx is seldom
divided into mjre than three parts, and the nut is triangular. The riowers are small,
and disposed in simj^ie axillary sjMkes in all the species; and the bark in all, as well a.s
ttie kernels, looked upon as powerful astringei.ts.

h. NIVEA. SKOW- WHITE.

Leaves elliptic, acuminate, veined, shining above ; racemes almost upriglit.
This grows to tne height of tvventy feet, is upright, and the boughs form a head.
Leaves quite entire, -wrinkled, petioled, alternate, half a foot long ; racemes termin-
atiu'-, solitary, simple; flowers smail, yellowish. The calyx becomes thick, succu-
lent, and sn.)W wnue, covering to the mit^dle a three-sided, black, shining nut. The
fruit is sweet and pleasant. Tne French call it raisinicr dc coude.

BAY TREES. XAURUS.

Cl. 9, OR. 1 Enneandria monogi/nia, Nat. or. Holorace<e.
Gen. char. See Avocado Pear Tree, p. 37.

Besides those described \\\\ ier their English names, the following species of laurus
have been discovered. to grow naturally in this island :

1. MONTANA. MOUNTAIN.

Leaves triple nerved, ovate-acuminate, perennial ; flowers raceme panicled.-
Hw. Pr. 65.

2. EXALT ATA. EXALTED.

Leaves ovate-lanceolate, veined, coriaceim-j, perennial, flat; racemes upright,
compound; calyx cup-shaped, permanent. Sw. Pr. 65.

3. TRUKDR4*

This plate is also teferred to bj Dr. Browne as his erj'Uiroxylura 1. (AreolatHm).

*EiB IIORTUS JAMAICENSI*. T^

3. TRIANDRA. THREE STAMF.NED.

Leaves broaJ, lanceolate, perennial, flat ; flowers three stamened ; fruit go-
vered by the calyx.

4. CORIACEA. LEATHER LIKE.

Leaves ovate-acuminate, flat, veined, shining, coriaceous ; racenaes upright^
shorter than the leaves.

5. MEMBRANACEA. ME^rBRA^ACEOUS.

Leaves oblono;, acuminate, veined, convex, coriaccous-memferanaceous j
branches and racemes upright, shorter than the leaf.

&. PATENS. OP EX.

Leaves ovate-lanceolate, flat, membranaceous; racemes upright, diffused,
longer than the leaves.

7. PENDULA. ITANGIFTGi-

Foliis obverse ovatis subtus cinercis, fructibus oblongis sparsis, calici-
bus deciduis. Browne, p. 214.

Leaves oblong, veined, membi:anaceous, pereunial ;. racemes loose; fruits pen-
dulous ; cah'xes deciduous, ,

Browne calls this the smaller laurel with oblong berries ; and sa3's he found this tree
in the road between Mount Diablo and the thickets in St. Ann's; it divided into a great
number of branches toward the top, was about twelve feet in. height, and four inches
in diameter near the root. The berries of this species are oblong and even, of an el-
liptic form, and seldom under an inch or better in length ; tliey are of a black colour,
Tery succulent, and contain each a single bilbbed kernel, without any partial covering;

8. FLORIBUNDO.

Leaves ovate- lanceolate, flat, membranaceous ; flowers raceme-panicled, loose,
terminating.

All the above species are from Swartz Prodromus, p. 65.

S'ee Avocado Pear Benjamin Camphire CINNAM0^5 Cogwood Sassafras-
Sweet wood.

BEAD, HOOP, OR LILAC, TREE. MELLi.

Cl. 10; or. 1. Deeandria vionogynia. Nat. or. Trihilatce.

This is derived from a Greek word, signifying wood fit for spears.

Gen. char. Calyx one leafed, five-toothed ; the corolla has five linear petals ; sta-
mens small filaments, with oblong anthers ; the pistil has a conicargermen, stjie
cylindric, the length of the nectary ; stigma capitate, with five converging valves,;
the pericarpium is a globular drupe, with a roundish five-grooved five-celled
kernel.

I. AZEDARACHt.

JO HORTUS JAMAICENSIS. se^

1. AZEDARACTI.

Leaves bipinnatc, leaflets flat, shining, with ferruginous dots untlemeatb.

This is a native of Syria, anil grows to a considerable tree, tlie root is brachiated ;
the bark rongh and scabrout^, the stem grows two feet tiiick, and thirty' or forty feet
high, very ramose and spreading. The leaves are large and pinnated, with an odd one
at tin- end ; the leaflets notched and indented at their edges, deep green ahove and
pakn- underneath. The flowers come out from the side of the branches in long loose
hunches ; they are small, of a very sweet smell and of a Hueish or purplish colour.
Fruit oblong, the size of a small cuerry, green at first, but, when- ripe, clianging to
pale yellow. Nut four or five celled, with one oblong seed in each ceil. The pulp
surrounding the nut is poisonous, and mixed witli grease it is saicl will kill dogs. The
nuts are bored and strung for iieads. A decoction of the inner bark of the root of tiiis
tree is said to be used in tlie Eiist Indies to expl the tocnia or tape vrorm, and as a
substitute for the Peruvian bark. Worms of every species arc destroyed by this medi-
cine. The following account of it, extracted from Dr. Dancer's Medical Assistant,
first edition, is by Mr. Hylton, who is justly noticed as a gentleman of great philan-
thropy and most diligent enquiry : " The-root has a tliin redaish bark, or outer skin,
wliich IS deleterious and must 1 e scraped off" from ttie second, or inner thick white
bark : put a hmJful of the shavings ot this white bark in a tjuart of water ; boij over
a slow fire to a pmt -, when settled, pour olT and sweeten. Dose, a wine-glass full,
three mornings >uccessively ; after which a cathartic (castor oil) is to be administered."
The same ingenious gentleinan has very obligingly comnumicated to the compiler what
he published in Richmond, in Virginia, in the year 1796, upon the virtues of this
plant as an efficacious .ver.nifuge, mn particulars of which he learned from Mr. Judge
Iredell, as follow:

" The /;) f/t" o/CTvna"" (the trivial name of tbemelia's in Carolina, of which from
the size of the trees I saw in Edenton, of eighteen to twenty inches diameter, I judr^ed
it to be a native) " had been used by an old Indian woman, an ab-origifies of Carolina,
as a nostrum for the cure of children on most occasions, wi.h great success, for many
vears, without any person being able to discover what it was. As worm.s are generally
^he cause of sickness in children, physicians in Edenton would always refer parents to
this old Indian ; and great discharges of worms, of every species, were the conse-
quences of the medicine. When she found her dissolution approaching, she sent for
some gentlemen of the tovv'n, and told them that the secret her fathers had given to her
-should not die with her, informed them of the tree, and the manner it was prepared and
given ; since which it is the universal medicine, which has saved thousands of chil-
dren." Mr. Hylton adds, that he has given it in an hundred instances in this island
and in America, and always with success, and says it is so esteemed in Carolnia as t
do awaj' with their native pink-root altogether.

This tree grows readily from the seeds, and thrives well in Jamaica,

2. SEMPERVIREN3. EVERGREEN.

Leaves doubly pinnate ; leaflets somewhat vyrinkled, commonly seven.

Thi-, form.erly deemed only a \'ariet3-, has been ascertained by Swartz to be a distinct
species growing naturally in tliis island.

BeanTrf.e 9r ChualTrff.

Beans S<:(i Horse Bean and Kidney Bean.

BEARDEB

SECT IIOPtTUS JAMAICENSIS. 8j,

BEARDED GRASS, ARISTIDA.

Cl. 3, OR. 2. Triainiria diay?!/}!. Nat. oit. Gmiiu'no'.

Thisname is derived from ari.i/a, an awn or beard.

Gen. chau. Ca'.yx a one flowered hiviilved gkime;^ corolla, a bivalved glume,
thicker than the calyx, onter valve linear, inner lanceolate, nectarv' two-leaved ;
fdaments capillarv, anthers oblong' ; jjer.ii turbinate, styles cai)illarv, stij^nias
villose ; no pericarp ; the glnnie cmn-tTging- ; seed one hiiform, the length of the.
corolla, naked; there are tuo species, naiivci of Jamaica.

1. AUSCENSlONISi

Cramen arenaceum^ panicula mivus sparsa, ciijus sini^iil^ f^rcnia, firs
ai-'sfas /(ingi.ssimas hahcyit. Sloane, v. 1, p. ,16, t., 2, f. 5, 6. -
Spica la.va tenui aristislbngissimis crinila. Browne, p. 135.
Panicle branching, spikes scattered, corollas one-valved.

Tiie culms in tufts, fi-jm one to two feet high. Leaves very slender and filiform. -
Florets on short pedicels, iKirrow, brown. Seed very minute, acmiiinate. Broune
says this plant is frequent in .famaica, and selcloiii rises above ten or twelve inches fro:a
t!ie ground, the stalks slender, panicles simple and bearded. Sioaue found it in Bar~
badoes.. ,

2, ARTERICANA. AMERICAN.

Minor, panicula e. spia's simplicibus composita, glumis hexasetis.^.
Browne, .p. 135.-

Panicle simple, corollas two-valved, middle one longer, smooth.
The stalk rises half a foot high, jointed, and sub-divided. Leaves linear, stiff, even.
Panicle v.'ith simple alijernate spreading branches ; the florets mostly pointing one way, '
'alternate, approsiip.ated, pressed close. Tiie anthers are red. Tixis being,, less thaa
the I'ormej", Browne calls it the smaller bearded grass.

Beef Wood See Bully Tree.

BEET.' BETA.

Cl. 5, OR. 2. Penfandria digym'a. Nat. ok. ITolnracea.
This takes its name from the form of its seed vessel, v.hich, v.hea it swells wiih seed
feas the form of the letter so called in tiie Greek alphabet.

Gen. char. -The calyx is a five-leave I periaritiiium ; there is no corolla ; stamina
are subulate filaments, with roundish antiiers; the pistil has tiie gerraen lie'ow the
receptacle; styles short and erect ; stigmas acute ; the pericarpium is within the
bottom of the calyx, one-celled and deci'iuous : seeds si:>gle. kidncv-fonn in-
volved in the calyx. Tiiis is a native of Europe, tiie most useful species has been
introduced into this island.

Vl'LGARIS. COM^^0N.

Sowers heaiied ; leaflets of the calyx toothed at the base.

82 HORTUS JAMAICENSIS. bieivt

T' \t wo'", T?now plant has lairge thick succulent leaves of a dark red or purple colottr,
Ti e i.)(/ts are lar-c and deep red, and on these oircnmstances their ijoodness depends.;
for the larj:er tiiey grow the more tenler they will be, and t'le deeper tlicir colour the
m re tiiey are estoemeJ. Ir thrives pretty well in the niounLains o!' Jamaica, hut sel-
aoT) (Trows luxuriantly The roots of the beet are boiled, sliced and eaten cold as sal-
la Js; and thev make a !:;ood pick!,;. Ii is said however to be pre;judicial to the sto-
nnach, and to afford little nourishment. Tiic juice both of the roots and leaves is said
to be a powerful errhine, occasioning a copious discharge of mucus without provoking
sneezing, and therf-by relieving old head aches. From the root of tliis plant sugar has
been extracted, by boiii ng the roots, when taken out of the earth, slicing them when
cold, and afterwards jK-essing out the juire ; which is lo be filtered, evaporated, and
th:> snyar prornred l>v chrysta;ii7,ati.)n. The process at length maybe ibund in tlie
New Annual Register for 1 S(X;, and in the ISth volume of tiie Transactions of the So-
ciety for the Eivcouragement of Arts, &c. in London.

A large variety of this plant has also been introduced, known by the n-dme o( mans e'l
Ti'urzel. Tliev are raise.! from the seeds, which should be planted in a good soil. And
well manured from twelve to eighteen inches distant from eacii other.

Belly-ache Weed See Cassada.

BENJAMIN TREE. LAURUS.

Cl. 9, OR. 1. Enneandna vionogynia. Nat. or. IloloractiS,
Gen. ch.\r. See Avocado Pear, p. 37.

BENZOIN.

Leaves nerveless, ox'ate, sharp at both ends, entire, annual.
This tree isa native of North America, and was introduced and first planted in the
botaiic garden, Bath. It grows from fifteen to twenty feet high, divided into a very
branchv head, having small yellowish fl i.vers, and may be pr:)pagated by seeds or lay-
ers. Tills tree was formerly mistaken ff)r tliat which produces the sum benjamin,
r/iiidi is now known to be oijtaineu from a species of styrax. The leaves are smooth and
of a fiiif light green colour, but tlieir under suriace is venose and of a whitish cast.
When bruised they emit a fijie fragrance.

BENT-GRASS. AGROSTIS.

Cl. ^, OR. 2. Triandria d'i^yn'a. Nat. or. Gramintc.

This name is derived from a Greek word, signifying a field.

Gen. CHAR.Calvx a one-flowered bivalvcd glume ; corolla bivalve, acuminate, one
larger than the other ; filaments longer than the corolla, with forked anthers ; the
pistil has a roundish gerinen, reflex styles, and longitudinaily hisped stigmas;
the pericarp is the corcll;;. growing to the seed, which is roundisii, and pointed
at. both ends. Two species are natives ot tliis island :

.1. PURPUUASC.\S.

BtnMVDAS H O R TU S J A M A I C E X S I i. 8

I. PVurunASCEi^iS. PLiu'i.E.

Ci'ivnen ptaleiise paniciiJa etfaliis unt^usti>,sinii.'f, spicis brcvlhus mati--
Cis Ivcuitis rnihrinis. Siouue, v. 1,, p. 11 j, l. I'i, 1'. 1.

Panirle contr;;cted, elongate, brcinthes pressed close upright ; florets unequal,
iicuuiinate.

Tlie roots of this grass are many, small, wlute, and capilinrv, forming a large tuft,
r!)irn send forth a 'threat inaoy Icavfs, five inches lon^', narrow, almost round, liry, and
of a piite green eoion'r. The stalks are njiiiid, soli!, haid, smooth,- a tout and a half:
liijii, of a clay colour^ having- small leaves to nirre inches hi.s^h j .whence it is a veiy
narrow prtnicie, being divided into .many three-quarters of an inch long branches,
sonieiimes b!ack, and sometimes gray, having small obiong reddish seed, m a gray or
]>lack naked husk, scarcely discernible to tiie naked eye. It grows in most savannas,
and in abundance towardsBiack Kiverb.ridge,. beyond" Two Iv'Iile Wood. It affords but
sniall'noiirishment, yet cattle eat it in dry avtd scarce times, when they grow very 1 ig
in their pa\inches, with the great quajitity they eat, a littie iiut Ltiug able to iuiisty-
thcni. S'loane. .

2. VIRGINICA. . VIRGINIAN;

JITi'vitmim distiche folidtum, spt'ca strictiori simpUci erecta v:ut{i:a.-
Browne, p. 137.

Panicle contracted ^ leavesvrolled inwards, subulate, rigid, standing out.

Browne calls this crab grass, and says it is an elegant little plant, growing abont
lEunt'b Bay ; that the statk is a littie compressed, and selduiu nses above lour or live
inches from the root.

BERMUDAS CEDAR. JUNIPERUS.

Cl. 22, OR. IJ. Diaecia monodelphia. Nat. or. Cowfeva.

Tliis takes its name from a plant of Pliny's.

Gen. Char. Male calyx a conical ament, consisting of a common shaft, on wliich
are disposed three opposite flowers in triple opposition, a tenth terminating the
ameat : each flower has for its base a broad, short, incumbent, scale, affixeci to
the column of the receptacle. There is nocorolhi. Tiie stamens, are three, four,
or eight, filaments, in a terminal floscule, awi-siuiped,. v.nui d below into one body,.
in the lateral flowers scarce manifest ; nthers three, distinct in the tenninal fl.Aver,
but fastetredto the ealycine scale, in the lateral ones. Tlie learale flowers have a
three-parted perianth, very small, growing to the gerni, permanent ; corona iliree
petals, jiermanent, rigid, actite ; the pistil has . n inferior germ, three sinrple
styles, with simple stigmas ; the pericarp is a fleshy berry, romidisU, nii.rked on
Ihe lower part with three opposite obscure ti'bovcics, f-oin-iOe calyx having grown
there, and at the tip by three teeth, which b^'; i. .v re t..e petals, umbiiicated ;
seeds three ossicles, convex on one side, coineiea on tliu ouicr, oblong. One
species is a na.tive ot Jamaica.

M2 BE,AiUi)UiIA,-

HOUTUS JAMAICENSIS. Sfrmudiaka,

BERMDDIANA, BERMUDIAN.

Jur.iperus: maxima cupressi folio minimo, cortire exteriorS in temiti

vliilyrus spirulcs ductili. Sioane, v. 2, p. '2, t 157, i'. i. Foi/ti/is

mfcrioribus ternis, super to rib us biiiis, dccuyrcnttbus, paiuUa.

Browne, p. 362.

Lower leaves in threes, upper in pairs, decurrent, ii\v]-shapecl, spieacling,

acute.

Bermiulas juniper, commonly calletl Bermudas cedar, is a native ofJamaica, and
grows to a huge size, aflbrding- very iai-ge boards of a reddish brown colour, close and
firm contexture, shiniiia,', very odoriferous, and strongly scented, extremely like, if
not the same, as the Bcnniulas cedar, being towards its outside ot a paler colour and
looser contexture. Tlie bark is thin, and ready, in great pieces, to urop oil', appear-
ing somewhat contorted, of a ceddisji l)rijwH colour. Tiie wood is much used in wains-
cotting rooms, and in -cabinet work. Cockroaches and other vermin avoid its smeli.
It gives a l)itter taste to victuals. It is said to be.a good timber for ships against worms,
though it is also observed that keels of sbi|j of this wood have been lound eaten tiii-ougii
bv sea worms. AVofl'A/e. Browne says this tree yrovvs very plentitully in the Blue
Mountains, where it is frequently cut down for planks and other conveniencies ; and
that it is a good timber woou, admired for its smell, lightness, and close even gram.
It appears doubtful, however, whether Sioane's tree be the same as Browne's, ana,
indeed, wiietlier eitlier of them be exactly the same species as the btDnudunui. Bar-
ham obsei-ves that it lias leaves Uke tiie savme or hr, its wood is whiter than the coai-
mon cedar, and snieliing more like juniper berries. Its guui resists putreraction and
Juils w.onns.

BERMUDIANA. SISYRYNCHIUM.

Cl. 16, OR. 1. Monodelphia triandria. Nat. or. Ensatx.

This name is derived from two Greek words, signifying swines snout, from the form
of the li.ivvjr.

Gen'. char. The caU'x is a common tv.o-leaved spathc ; corolla one-petalled, su-
perior, six- parted ; the staniina has the three filaments uniied, distinct at top;
andiers bitid below; the pistii hiS an obovate inferior germen, three-sided style,
stigmas thickish, awl-shaped, erect; the pericarp is an obovate capsule, inferior,
tinee-celled, and three- valved ; seeds several, giobuiar. One species iias been
introduced, a native of North America :

pai.mifolhim. palm-leaved.

Scape ancipital ; flowers in spikes ; leaves ensiform, nerved and plated.
This plant h'-.s a stem two feet Wgh, the leaves :;ie about an inch broad, folding witk
five or six nerves. Tiie glumes and flowers are numerous, in a terininatiiig bundle. It
thrives very well in most parts of this island.

Bernardia i'ec Adexja, p. ,

*ETBi UORTUS JAMAICENSTS. -85

No English Name. BESLERlA.

'Cl. 14, oif. 2. Didynamia Angiospermia. Nat. or. P<:rsnnat^,

This was so named after Basil Besler, an apothecary at Nuremberg, editor of a
sumptuous botanical work.

Gen. char. Calyx a one-leafed perianthiiitn, five-parted, acnminnte, erect, loose,
with rerit-ctedtops : corolla monopetalous, riiigent, tube tlie lengtii of tkecalvx,
border five-cleft ; filaments within the moiith of the corolla, with oblong anthers
hcinging down on each side ; the pistil has a g'lobniar germen, a subulate erect
style, and a l.nfid oi)tuse stigma ; the pericarpium is a sub-globular one-ceileti
'berry; seeds numei'o us, round, very small. One species is a native of Jamaica :

LUTEA. YELLOW,

Foliis watts serralis opposJis, venis oblique arcuatis, Jloribus confertis
ad a'as. Browne, p. 370.

Peduncles simple crowned, leaves lanceo}at:e.

Browne cads this plant ej-//j^/(/, and says he met with it in Sixteen Mile Walk. It
rises viitn a ligneous stem, six or seven feet high, dividing toward the top into many
irreguiir branciies, witii spear-shaped serrate leaves, which have many transverse
veins ; the tfnvers come out at the wings of the leaves, in large clusters, <?ach having
a sepoiate tootstaik ; they are smali, tubuions, and of a pale yellow colour.

BETEL NUT. ARECA.

Cl. 2.5, OR. 1. Monoecia enncandria. Nat. or. Palmee.

Gen. char. The male calyx is a bivalved spathe ; spadix branched ; pToper peri-
anth three-leaved ; the corolla has three acuminate, rigid petals stamina are nine
filaments, the three outer longer than the rest. The female flowers, in the same
spa lix, has the calyx a spathe common with the males : proper perianth three-
leaved ; the corolla three-petalled, acuminate, rigid; the pericarp a sub-ovate
berry, fibrose surrounded at the base with the iudjricate calyx : the seed o\ate.

CATECHU.

Fronds pinnate ; leaflets folded back, opposite end bitten.
This tree is a native of Providence and the East Indies, and was brought here in liis
"Majesty's ship Providence in 1793. It has no branches, but its leaves are very beauti-
ful ; they form a round tuft at the top of the trunk, which is as straight as an arrow.
It grows to the height of twenty -five or thirty feet, marked with parallel rings, and is
veVy oroaiiicntal. The fronds spring forth in pairs, decussated, encircling tne top of
the trunk at tiieir base, and thus forming an oblong head larger than the trunk itself :
they are few in number (six or seven), unarmed, reclining, six feet lonir, on a stipe
;four feet in length. These fronds break and fall off iu succession; from their axils
-issue the sheatiis which inclose the flowers and fruits. The shell which cont;uns tiie
friiit is smooth without, but rough and hairy within ; in which it pretty much resembles
the shell of the cocoa nut Its size is equal to that of a pretty large walnut. Its kcniel
4sas bij>' as a uuLineg, to which it bears a great resemblance without, and has also thtj
.-- ' sain*

t^ nOKTUS JAMAT^'ENlSm:. arcn*

snnic whitish rein:* vithin, wIk^ii cul in two. Jti J.h:?rce!urc<)f the fruif, when ii is soiij. .
ii coiit'iineJ ;i <.'-i-evisii and almost Ikii'JiI sybstaiipc, wiiicU grows IihvJ in |>i\)jiffvti>)n aa
it n])ens. Tiie cxtriict ot this mit'is supposed to l)e the /i'r]ajO/joniai of the shops,. pt
ifast that itisa very similar subista;>ce holh intcoljur and tus^*?.; but, accordincj .l;j iatcr
o!)servations, the geruiine drug seems to be obtained trou ihe inimo^sa catccku. Ttie
fruit, whenripe^ is astringent, .hjil not uiipalatabip,^ and the siieii is y-t^Uowish.- Of-
this fruit there is a prodiL^ioiis con'siunptiojr in-theEast Indies. It is cfaewt'd with'tue
.U'avcs of hetel. . niiyins with it lime niade of sea shells. In order to .cliew it, tiicy cut.
tiie areca into four quarters, and wrap.,<>oe quiirter ia a leaf of belel,. ovcr.wnicii tticy
lay a hltle rtf the iiir.e ; aftervvartls they tu' it, hy iwisiiiig it:foiind. This is calieJ
vf/iaiig, whicTr is a Malayan vvord issed ajl over tiie Ejtst ludies. . Tlie pinang provokes^
spitting very much, whether made with drjed or fr-esh.areca ; tlie spittle is red, wlmii
colour the areca gives it. Tiiis nriastication fastens the teeth and gjnns, and cools the
Duouth. Wuen tliey have done chewing the pinang they spit out ttie gross substance,,
wash their mouth with I'rcsh wiUer, wjiich tjskes off tiie red tinge it gives tne teeth. It
is j>retended tiiat ar?ca strengthens the s'tomacii when the. juice is s valiowetl. Another
})ropfrty ascribed to it is its.carryuig otT all that might be corj-itjH or, nnwhulesoaie rii
the guin. When eaten by itself it impoverishes the biooJ, and cau.scs tiie jaundice,
but IS not attended with these inconvenie.nces when mixed with beteh Tiie Samcse
i:a\[\t pi mi. It is a considerable article in traffic, and the best comes from Ccyion ; s^.,
jed sort grows in Malabar, wiiich is very proper for dying that coioui".

BICHY TREE. J\Vn' Genus.-

Cl. 23, .or. I, Polugam.iamonoecia.

This tree was originally- imported. from, the coast of Gumea, and now grows in ma\w
parts of the soutli sitle of tliis island. , Tiie following characters were taken from a tive
mi\t perfected its fruit in the botanic garden, Liguanea ;

Gen. char. ^The hermaphrodite flowers have no calyx. Corolla mojiopetalous five-
parted, inferior, the segments ovate, acute, tiuck, son.ewiiat hairv, striated,
erect-patent: tiie nectarium concave, uiciosing tne gernien, Having a ten-'dented
margin : the stimiinaare ten siiort tiiaments oc ngne ; ibe antiiers didyuious, placed-
in acircle ;.the pistillum has a roundisii germen, five tuiTuwed, hairy ;. stigmas
five, thick, reflex, somewhat contorted,' leaniiig to liie germen ; the jiericurpinm
is a large sub-o\ate s^ibboiM cap-iule, gehtly bowed, semiiocuiar, bivaived ; seeds
nianv, imiiricate, angled, each covered with a leathery baik: i'lie male calyx and
coroiia as in the hermaplirodiic, but oiie-thirJ larger ; tne stamina the same ; the
pistilium has no germen, but the rudiments ot hve small stigmas, proceeduiij Iruia
tbe middle of tiie nectary, .

BICHY. .

Cercitionice afllnis siliqiicsa hntr'foUo singiihiri, flcv pevtcpefaloide
pin put eo strata, siliyua cra^sa /irev> j,u/j/a i^iUUniu ct purgante
semina amhiente. Sioane, v, 2, p. 00.

The racemes are short and compact.

This;..

-STLiMRt HORTUS JAIVIAICENSTS, S7

This is a brancliy ^I't inelejrant tree ; the trunk is covered by a brownish bark ; the
leaves have nlter.iatc footstulks, are entire, oblong, veined, smooth, acuminate, nifCririn
tindiilated, dry, laurel-like, arrowing in a heap at the extremities of the branches ; tlie
f, lotstalks have a swelling on Iioth sides ; the racemes are short and compact, generally
proceeding from the larger branches. Tlie corolla is pale vellovv, the segments being
each marked on the inside with three purplish groovufs, ttie sinell of which is very un~
pleasant. The negroes in Jamaica call it A/f/fj/ or cc/;/, where the seeds are used by
-themselves, or mixed with capsicum, for complaints in the bell}-.

Although this tree was but seven years old, raised from seed, which was brouglti;
from Guinea, yetjt was twenty feet high, had a trunk as thick as the talf of one's leg,
straight and round, covered with an almost smooth, reddish brov/n, bark, with greyish
or white spots liere nnd there, the boughs were spread an all hands, those lower being
the longest ; the twigs \ve\:e on their further ends beset with very many leaves, set close
by one another, and for the most part fr[:>positc. The footstall^s were two inches long,
having a swelling at the coming out of the twigs, and another near the leaf itself, which
was six inches long, and two broad at the middle, where broadest, smooth, thin, hav-
ing one iniddle rib, sending transverse ones to the sides, hard, aiur exactly like the
cacao tree. The blossoms are several, coming out from the branches themselves, pcn-
ffepetalous, though all th:^ petala be joined at bottom, yellow and purple striped, with
a veilow stilus, standing on the ends of green branciied stalks, three inches long, to
which follotvs a large, short, thick, and broad pod, within which lie several great beans
or seeds, about which is an edible sweet pulp. The seed brought in a Guinea ship
from thirt country wis here planted iiy Mr. GofFe, in Colonel Bonrden's plantation be-
yond GnanaI)o:i. It is called kir/ij/ by the Coromant^n negroes, and is both eaten anS
sajsed for fj^ysic in pains of the belly. i'loane.

BiDEXs ftr Watf.r Hemp AortniONY.
Bilberry Vee Jamaica Bilberry.

BTr.TMB^ FRUIT. AVERRHOA.

"Cl. 10, OR. 4. Decandria penfa^i/nia. Nat. or. Gruinales.

This name was given in honour of Ebu Elvelid Ebu Rushad, commonly called Averi^
hoes, of Corduba in Spain, a very learned man, who died at the beginning of the 1 3th
century.

Gkn. char. Calyx a five-leaved perianthium ; corolla five petaleJ, lanceolate pe-
tals ; stamina setaceous, alternately the length of the corolla and shorter, with
roimui-;h anthers ; tlie pistillum has an oblong germen, setaceous styles, and sint-
ple stigmas; the pericarpiuin is a turbinate pome, five-cornered, five-celled';
seeds angular, separated by membranes. Oidy one species has been introduced,
a native of India,

BILIMBI. ^

Trunk naked, fruit-bearing> pomes oblong, obtuse angled.

This plant grows only aboiit eight feet high, with reclining branches; the leaves

have

8 HORTU.S JAMAICIiNSiy. sjKPTVKrn*

liave ton pair of leaflets or more, tliey are small, ovate-lanceolate, qisitc ftiitire, smooth,
and grow on short petioles ; the flowers are red purple, 0)i oljlon.g small raeenics ad-
bering to the trunk ; calyx five-clefc. The fruit is aa obiong poaie, the thickness- of
a fintrer, smoDth on the outside. .

Tiiis plant was brought to Jamaica in his Majesty's sliiji Providence, in the year
1793, iVom the South Seas, and '-; valued as a preserve or pickle, though its acidity is
v<^rv great. The fruit, like every other strong acid, will discharge iVon-nsoulds frora
clothes, and also extracts ink or other stains froni. furniture. The method of using it
for these purposes is to bruise the fruit and rub the puljj on the stain, and leave it
there for some tiaie. if exposed to tiie sun, its eflect wLi! be greater and more iin-
2\iediate.

The plant is easily propagated from the seed, which each berry contains iu abuiid^
auce,,,by sovving thcui in tine mould in a box, aiRl regularly .watering.

BINDWEEDS, CONVOLVULUS. ,

Cl. 5, at!. I. Pentandriamonosryaia. "N at. ok. Cirmpa-}ia<:ea'. ,

This generic name is derived from a Latin' word, signifying to roll about, because
the stenis of most species roll round or twine about other bodies.

Gen. char. Calyx is a five-parted perianth, converging, ovate, obtnse, _very smali^
permanent ; the corolla one-petailed, bell-shaped, spreading, Jarge, plaited,
obscurely five-lohed; the stamina have subulate filaments, shoi-ter hy. half tiian the
corolla, with ovate compressed anthers ; the pistilium has a superior roundish
germen ; a fililbrm style the length of the stamens ; the stigmas two, oblong,
broadish ; the pericarp is a capside enwrapped by. the calyx, roun.lish, two-celled,
one, two, or three valved ; the seeds are in pairs, roundish.' Besides tiie plants
of this genus referred to below, the following species, which have no English
names, are natives of this island ; see also the next article fur the genus evolvulus^
nearly allied to this :

1. CAROLINUS. CAROLINl.^Ni

Polyaytfhns suhfiirsiifiis, foJIis cordato ot'ati'.f qiiandoij7ie Iohati.<t, flori~
bus, fiiscicitlaiis alaribus, adicUius longioribus hirsutis. Browne,
p. 152.

Leaves cordate, entire, and three-lobed, villose ; calyxes even ; capsules hir-
sute ; peduncles one or two flowered.
Browne calls this the smaUcv dimhrnff co?wohitlus, with long hairy cups. The stems ,,
are slender and reddish towards the roots. Leaves sorae entire and cordate, otiiers like
ivy leaves. Corollas pale purple or blueish.

2. VERTICILLATUS. VERTICILI.ATE.

Minor scandems, florihus phirimis alaribus, caHcilms glahri.^, capsuh't--
quadrispermii, foliis obldngo cordatis. Browne, p. 153.

Leaves cordate-oblong,, naked ; peduncles umbellate ; bifid, many flowered.

Tiiisis, called by Browne^.tUe ,57?w/^ev' climbing wtivohuhis with smooth tups ; the-

5iND'HQS HORTU.'^ JAMAICEMSISk ,<?

coroil.i is bei!-shapetl, as in most flowers of tliis genus, blueish and small; the leaves
nre cordate or ovatp, with the e Igc snmewiiat repand and ronghish, ilie peduncles
shocter than the leat" ; umbellate, but the lateral pedicels are ofteu subdividedi

3. UMBEI.LATUS. tlMBKLI.EO.

Convok'-idus polyanthos, folio subyotundo, flare hit en. Sloane, v. !,
p. 154. Foliis(ordato-acumi7iaii^,foribus umbeUatis luteis, sus-
tentanilis longis alariins. Browne, p. 154.

Leaves cordate, peduncles unibeliate.

B-tem herbaceous, twining, filiform, stiff, subdi^-ided, pubescent, round. Leaves
aT)ont two inclies long, and as broad at the base, deeply cordate, lanceolate, angles of
the base rounded, edge sub-repand, entire, sul)-tonientose, dark green, hoary beneatli;
petioles three inches long, thickisli, round. Flowers many, ternunating on peduncles
.three inches long or more; partial peduncles three-quarters of an inch in length, three
flowered, each flower on a pedicel much longer than the partial peduncles. Corollas
yellow, the border plaited, obtusely pentangular. Two leaflets of the calyx a little
shorter than the rest. Anthers whitish, (jblong ; germ oblong ; style simple ; stigmas
two globular ; capsule two-celled, with one seed in each cell, black, angular-roundish,
velvet-\'iiiose. Sw.

This plant is common about the Ferry, growing among the bushes ; it bears beautiful
veliow flowers, and the stalks are always margined on one side, but the capsules are
('enerally small and oblong, and the figure of the leaves very various. Browne.

4. QUINQUEFOUUS. FIVE-LEAVED.

Levis vninor pentaphyUa, ccdicibushispidis,floribus quasi umbellatis. >
Browne's Iponiea 5, p. 155.

Leaves digitate, smooth, toothed ; peduncles even.
Stem herbaceous, twining, filiform, round, hirsute. Leaves subpedate, in fi.ves,
digitate, the two inner divisions ..mailer, lanceolate, acute, serrate, nerved, veined,
smooth on both sides ; petioles round, recurved, pubescent, short ; peiluncles axil-
lary, solitary, twice as long as the leaves, three flowered, ^recj, pubescent ; pedicels
one-flowered ; calycine leaflets oblong, permanent, smooth, pale, the three inner ones
larger ; corolla bell-shaped, white, tube narrower at the base, swelling in the middle ;
torder five-cornered, plaited, spreading.; capsule roundish, two-celled, two-seeded.
Sw.

This is Erowne's ipomea five, who calls it the smooth leaved tiger^s font, and says It
,is frequent in the lowlands of .[amalca, and generally found creeping upon the groun(^,
or spreading over the lower bushes.

5. REPENS. CREEPING,

Convolvulus maritimus major nostras rotundif alius. Sloane, v. 1,
p. 156.

Leaves sagittate, obtuse behind 4 stem creeping ^ peduncles one or two flow-
ered. ,.

feerm creeping, jointed, rooting, angular, compressed, sub-divided ; leaves te'r-

N

io BOnTUS JAMAICENSr?. bwdtjitem-

minatinj^, crowded, oblong, sometimes Wuntly sagittate, entire, emarginate, scarcely ,
veined, very smooth, somewnat snccaJent,. on loiigisii petioles ; pet!uii<;les i'rom ilie
axils , of the terminatini petioles, the length of tiie leaves, erect, one-iiowered ; ilow-
eis rathes large, wiiuish. It is a native of tlie samly coasts of Jamaica. Su>.

Sloatic says he could not see any difference between the European and this herh^
which grew on Gun Cayos, a small island olf Port Royal. It is very puroing, especi-
ally of wat,ery and hydropic liumours, and either given in powder, or boiiea lu brollis^
but very strong, and not fjt for weak persous. Sloanc.

6. HEHERACEUS.. IVY-LIKE.

Convolvulus folio hcderaceo, avi^uloso, lunuginoso fioremagno, carit~
Ico, patido,. Sloane, v. 1, ]>, 155.

Leaves triangnhu-, aciite ; flowers many, sessile, spreading ; calyxes acutc^,
nia'ny cleft ; stem twining.

The stalk of this is. round, hairy, and pretty large, having leaves standing at about
two inches intervals, on inch long hoary footstalks. The\" are shaped like those of ivy,
having three angles or points, whitish, hoary,^ woolly, soft, an inch and a half long,,
and an inch broad at the base where broadest. From the alse of the leaves come the
flowers, being several on the same footstalk ; they are large, blue, monopetaious, and
extrfemeiy pleasing to the eye.

7. TOMENTOSUS. T)0\VNY.

Convolvulus folio lariaio, in fres lacinias diviso, flnre oblortffn, pvrpu^
reo. Sloane, v. 1, p. 154, t. 98, f. 2. Scandtns, foliis trilohis-
gnandoyue cordatis septinerviis, peduncidis minus ramosis alaribuSo .
Browne, p. 152.
Leaves three-lobed, tomentose ; stem lanuginose.

This, by its round, whitish, woolly stem, turns itself round the trunks of trees, ris-
ing twenty feet high, and putting forth leaves at every inches distance, standing on
three-quarters of an inch long, footstalks. They are sometliing like the elder leaves of
ivy, being divided into tliree lacinise, an inch and a half long from the centre of the
footstalk to the point opposite to it, and a.s much or more from one section at base to
the other ; they are of a verj- white green colour,, "soft, and covered over with a short
wool. The Howers come out e.v alls ioliorum, standing on quarter of an inch lon^
footstalks in a pentaphyllous green calyx, are mono})etalous, an inch and a half long:
irvthe tubulus of the ilower, which opens itself bell-fashion, of a fine purple colour,
Tvuh some yellow stamina in the middle, and five paler streaks. After these folKjws a
Virown memhranaeeovis capsule, with four round protuberances, under a liiia lueni-
brane, containing three satined. seeds.- Sloane,

Of the above genus there are one hundred and ten species known. All the forego-
ing are indigenous to this island ; the foHowing-esotic species have been introJucfl^,
and are in tiie Hortus Easteusis : Scariimotria, purpureus 7}wjoi- and niinop, tricolor^.
dissec/us, canariensis, speciosus, and strif^oius.

^c CliRiST.MAS Gamrol .T.^i.AP iNniAN Creeper Purging Sea BixdweeD Scam-
MONY Sweet Eotatos Also the JoUowiiig atUde.

BINDWEEDSi

ft)U't.^s HORTUS JAMAICENSia 9

BINDWf^EDS. EVOLVULUS.

Cl. 5, OR. 4. Penfandria tefragjjnh. Nat. or. Campavace^.
Ilus name is derived from evoho, to roll ubout.

'Gr.N. cil.M}. Calyx a five-leaved periantliium ; leaflets lanceolate, sliarp, perma-
nent; corolla one-petalied rotate, five-cleft; statuina, five capillary spreading
filaments, almost t^e length of the corolla, with little tibiong antSiers^ the pistil-
]um has asomfwhat globo.se gernien, four capillary styles, diverging, length of
the stamens, with simple stigmas ; the pericarp is a somewhat globose ibur-celled
four-valved capsule ; the seeds are solitary, roundish, and cornered ou one sid^-
Wour species are natives of Jamaica.

1. MUMMULARIUS. MGNEV.

'Vonvolvulus minor repens, mnynmularici: folio, flore caTulen. J^Ioanc,
V. Ij-p. 1S^7, t. 99, f. 2. Ilerhaccus repens, Joliis iiibi-otmuU^^ Jluri-
bus tiiiinijue-crenatis sivgularibus alanbns. Browne, p. 153.

Leaves roundish ; stem creeping ; flowers sub-sessile

3^ rom a .small stringy fibrous root spring long trailing stalks, taking root here and
Shere, where they touch the ground, and putting forth, alternately, at small imeqiial
.ilistances, leaves almost round, three-quarters of an inch long, atid an inch broad,
having a small notch at tive end, and on petioles a quarter of an inch in length, and of
a brown colour. Flowers axillarv, on short peduncles, of d light blue colour ; legume
brown, containing two or three brown seeds. It grows very plentifully after raia in
the town savannas. Slouuc.

Swartz says the corollas are white, though Sloane might have perceived a blueisli
tinge, which is frequently the case. Browne calls it the small creeping convohulus,
ana observes that the flowers h.re deeply crenated. According to Swartz the styles are
three or foui', and the capsule three or iouv celled and valved.

2. LINirOLIUS. LIN'EAR-LEAVED.

Ilerhaceus erectw, foliis linearibiis, pcdioicmis loitgis tenuissimis bi-
\ bracteatis alaribiis. Browne, p. 152, t. 10, f. 2.

Leaves lanceolate villose, sessile ; stem npright ; peduncles three- flowered,
long.

This little plant is sometimes found in the lowlands, and seldom rises above ten or
fourteen inches from the root. The stalk is generally simple, or in-it very little divid-
ed, slender and npright ; the le.aves are narrow and few, and throw out so many long
nd delicate flower stalks from their ala;, each furnished with a very small exterior bi-
phyllus cHp about the middle. The styles are two and bifid ; and the cajisuies divided
jnto two or four cells, and contain many seeds. The whole plant has the appearance
f a very fine species of the flax. . *

S". SERICEUS. SILKV.

Erecfus herbacais subhirsutiis, foliis linearibiis, pedinicuJis brevibiis
siniplicibus solitariis ad alas. Browne, p. 153, t. 10, f. 3.

i-eaves lauceolate, sessile, silky underneath, peuunc]es short, one- flowered.
j N a According

52 H CRT US JAMAICKNSrS. ' Emcii

Acroi\1ing to Brov;ne this is so extremely like the linifoli'is, that they are barJly ta
be Llitilinmiisiieu witliout j;reat attention. The flower stalks are very s'jort, the cup3
Siiij^le^ aud every flower turniyiu.-cl with four styles. It grows in tiie lowlands.

4. GANGETICUS. G.-iNGETIC.

Ilerbaceits repens minor, corolla quinquejida, sty'e ad hamm vsque

qtuidripartito, florihus sin^ularibus ad aius. Browne, p. 1 i'i.

Leaves cordate, obtuse, nucrooniite, viilose, pctioied j stem diiiuae, peduncles-
one-flowered.

This little plant, the smaller creeping convchuhts, is found on the side of the raait
that leads to tJie foot of the Lonu Mouiiuiiii in Liguanea. It creejw and roots npoii the
groiind,^ but seklom grows above two or three iiulies in lengt:i ; the leaves are round-
ish, and the flowers tubular, but nioderati.lv open and divided at the inaroiu ; tlie
style is divided in four part^ to tke very base, aud tiie fruit is a tapaulej and fontaiiia
two or Ibiix seeds.

BIRCH TRKE. BURS'ERx^.

Cl. 23, OR. 2. Polygamia dioeeia. Nat. OR. Guntmifer^.

This is so named in memory of J<jachim Burser, a great wUector of plants.

Gen. CHAR. The hermaphrodite calyx is a one-leafed minute perianthium, three-
parted ; the parts ovate, acute ; tiie corolla has three petals, ovate, acute, spread-
inur, entire, deciduous ; stamina are si.< filaments, subulate, erect, fixed round
the base of the germ, with ovate erect anthers ; the pisLiiluin has an ovate ger-
jnen ; a short thick style, trifid at the tip, with very short and simple stigmas ;
the pericarpium is a fleshy obovate capsule, tiiree-cornered, three-ceiled, three-
valved ; the seeds berried, solitary (con)monly only one), compressed. Ttiere are
obscure vestiges of two cells, but a single seed occupies the whole capsule. The
calvx of tfie male flwer, on a separate tree, is a five-toothed minute perianthium;
corolla five-petals,, lanceolate, acuminate, refiex, shrivelling ; the stamina are-
live, eight, or ten, filaments placed round a slightly convex surface, scarcely
shorter than the petals, subulate, with oblong two-celled anthers ; the pistilluin
a rudiment,, no germen, style trifid, caducous,, or none. There is only one specie*
a native of Jamaica.

GUMMIFERA. GUM-BEARING

Terchinthus majoi', belitla corfire, fruetu triangulari, Sloane, v. 2,
p. 89, t. Ut9,. f. 1,2. Foliis eorda/o ot'otis pinnalis, cortjce levi
rujescenie florihus masculinis spicalis. Browne, p. 345.
Ferruginous villous twigs ;. leaves pinnate ; two or three pairs, with an odd one (
racemes axillary.
This is a very loi\v ree, with an upright, round, smooth trunk, covered with a livid.
shining, bark, peeling off in round pieces, like the European birch ; branches ter-
minating, smooth, horizontal ; twigs ferruginous and viilose ; leaves pinnate ; petioles
round, villoic, petioltdes compressed, clianaeiled, viilose benenth. Leaflets, two

W

KRCrt HOnrUS JAMAICENSTS. 93

or tJjrce pair?. besHes the odd one ; they are ovate vvitij a short point, entirp, veined,
and sDjuoU! ; rattjues axillary and terminating, shorter than the jjctioies, irpright,
man} tiowered, pubescont ; pedicels ahern;itt?, -short, oue-ilovvered ; flowers siiiairaml
white ; capsule red, resL'iiibhiig a drupe ; on the male trees the flowers are more copi-
us, uiio crowded io the racemes, but are scarcely larger. Sw.

This tree has a great many roots rnnning superfjrJally on >he Cfirth on eves-j' liand for
some yards round, I'roiu lue iBiikiie of winch rises a trunk as thick as a hogshead or
pi])e, cuvered \vith a brown red smooth, menjbranaceous outward bark, failing oif in
Ibund pieces hkc to that of the English birth, whence it= nane. It hath several crooked
branches, mounting to thirty feet high, covered witii a brown smooth bark, near tlie
top of vvhitii come out several two or three inches long stalks, sustauiing on half inch
long footstalks, several flowers one above another,, each made up of five thick yellowish
fiiort petaia, with stannnain the middle, and after these follow three-sided or triangu-
lar berrie.s, of a sv^iail peas bigness, witii a reddish brown coloured skin, very gummv,
jind sn;elling hke arebmthine, under which lies a white, very hard, triangular stone,
eontaming a kernel. The tree iiaving stood naked sometime has first its flowers come
out, and its leaves begin to bud a little while after, which are winged, smooth, of a
very fresh green colour, standing round the ends of the branches at ijalf an inch's dis-
tance ; the middle rib is five inches long, hoary, and set at an inch and a hall's dis-
tance from the beginning, with pairs of pinnse one against another, on an half inch
footstalk, the pinna are an inch and a half long, and half as broad near the round base,,
wiicre broadest, and sinning ; there is a small odd one at die end, and usually four or
eiglit j)airs, which, with the odd one, make up the leaf. The gum the treeyields is
Jiiought to be vci} vulnerary and healing. Sloane.

It is very common in Jamaica, although I do not take it to be the same with what
grows in England ; but it having the very same sort of bark, makes the English here
tan tliem birch-trees. They are much larger here than any I ever saw in Emj^land ;
besides, of these, after the bark i.* oil", the wood is very white, light, and brittle ; none
of the twigs are so tough as to make rods or brooms of ; and tlie gum that flows from
the tree is very odoriferous, white like mastic, and hath an aromatic absorbent taste.
I nave otten given and advised this gum to be taken^n the liis venerea with good suc-
cess, after uue purging. It is so well known, that it needs no particular desciiptioo*
liarhain, p. '20.

Tliis tree is very common in all the sugar islands. The hark is very tliick and exudes
a clear and tran.-.paient rcsin, which hardens soon in the air, and looks nmcn like the
mastic of the shops ; but it yields a cousideral)le quantity of a more fluid substance, by
incision; which has mucli tae smell and ap[)eai-ance of turpeatme, and n>ay he used
lor the same purposes with success. Dioune.

This tree grows readily from pieces of the lim's, and posts made of them and put irj
tlie giounJ, veiy spcedoy vtgeiatc and shoot out branches. Dr. Lio\>i>e Uiistook the
ta.k Oi the roots oi this tree lor the snnaiouba ot the shops, which is piocureu from a
species of quassia. The gum has been employed su:cessluUy as a traiiSj are. it vaini-^i ;
SOU it la soUbic ia spiriio of wiae. Tuo uecoction of t^ie roots i^ bmu.iig aiiJ iist. nj-

gent.

?J. HO TIT us JAMAICENSIS. bitte*

pent. In the French isliinds this tree is called gommier hiavc', and an infusion oi tliQ
buds and young leaves is recommended there in disorders ol' the breast.

BiuD Peppeii See Guinea Pxppf.ii.

BIRDS FOOT. ORXITHOPUS.

Cl. 17, OR. 4. Diadclpiiia decandria. N.^t. or. Papilionacece.

This name is derived from a Greek word for birds foot, the legumes or pods growing'
several together, in the manner and shape of birds claws.

Gen. ch.\R. The calj'x of the umbel is simple ; the perianth one-leafed, five-
toothed ; corolla papilionaceous ; the stamina have sim])!e filaments and antbers ;
the j)istillum a linear germen, bristle-siiaped style, tiie stigma a terminating dot ;
the pericarpium an awl-shaped legume, round, bowed, jointed ; seeds solitary,
roundish. One species of this geivas is a native of Jamaica.

TETRAPHYLLOUS. FOUR-LE.WEP.

^uadrifo/itim crectumjlore luteo. Sloane, v. 1, p. 186, t. 116, f. 3. .
Leaves in fours, flowers solitary, ,

This rises to about a foot high, being erect, branched, and having twigs set thick
jvith leaves alternatively, on petioles three-quarters of an inch long, there being con-
stantly, as far as I could observe, four on the same footstalk ; each of them are small,
and have a small snip or defect on their further ends, whore they are largest, being of
a j'ellowish green colour and smooth, with a prominent mid-rib on the lower surfacal
The flowers are yellow, solitary from the upper axils. Sloane,

BiRTHWORT See CONTRAYERVA.

BITTER WOOD. QUASSIA.

Cl. 10, OR. 1. Decandria mnnngynia. Nat. or. Gruinale^.

This was so named by Linneus, in memory of Quassi, a negro slave, who fonnd and
<3iscovered to Rolander the wood of one of tlie species.

The class and order of the bitter wood do not appear to be well ascertained ; they are
surely not decandria mojiogi/nia. Mr. John Lindsay's chai^actei-s are very correclj and
as follow :

Gen. CHAR- Male flower : calyx a small inferior perianthium, composed of four
squammose leaves, oval, persistent ; the corolla four-petals, obtuse, equal, ses-
sile, sub-erect ; the nectarium is four hairy, ovate, squamma;, inserted at the
base of the filaments ; the stamens are four, five, or six filiform, sub-erect, equal,
longer than the corolla, and inserted into the receptacle ; the anthers simple and
erect. Hermaphrodite flower on a different tree : calyx and corolla as in the male,
but the filaments scarcely longer than the corolla ; the pistillum has a fleshy,
roundish, elevated receptacle ; germen sub-ovate, composed of two, three, rarely

* four.

SITTER HORTUS JAMAICENSIS!. OB

four, parts, slightly cohering ; style tliickish, erect ; slignias two, threo, or four
simple dec;ind; tiie pericaijnum two, tlireo, or lour (irujjes, globuje, scarcely
ji-iniuu', black, siiuiing, and inserted into tiie receptiicle ; seeds solitary, globose,
unilocular, covered by a fragile shell.

POLYGAMA. POLYGAMY.

The-follnwing is an account of the quassia polyt^ama, or bitter wood of Jamaica, hy.
Jlr. Joan Lindsay, formerly surL^eon in Westmorianii ; which was read before the Royal
Society of Edinburgh, November 7, 1791:

" The quassia po/j/gama has long been known in Jamaica, and in some other islands ia
the West Indies, not only as an excellent timber, but as an useful medicine in putrid
fevers and fluxes.- Witii us it is called bitter wood, and in the windward islands bitter
ash. The bark has for some time been prescribed by pw.ctitioncrs here, and exported
to F^igland in considerable quantities, for the purposes of the brewers of ale and
porter. On tiiese accounts, a fuller description of this plant th.m has hitherto apjjeared
will be acceptable to the botanist and the jiublie at large. It is very common in the
woodlands oflJainaica, is beautit'ul, tall, and stately, some of tliem being one hundred
feet long, and ten feet in circumference eight feet above the ground. The trunk is
straight, smooth, and tapering, sending oil its branches towards the top. The outsidp-
bark is pretty smo.jth,. of a light grey or ash colour, from various lichens. The bark
of the roots is of a yellowish cast, somewhat like the cortex simaruba. The inner bark
is tough, and composeil of fine flaxy fibres. The wood is of a yellow colour, tough,
but not very. hartl. It takes a good polish, and is useful in flooi'ing. The leaves are
sub-alternate ; ttie small leaves are in pairs, from five to eight, standing opposite to
each ociier on-short footstalks, and en. ling with an odd one. They are of an oblong
oval shape, and pointed ; the ribs reddish, and the young leaves are covered with a
fine brownish down. The fiowers come out ia bunches or clusters from the lower part
cf the last shoot Ijefore the leaves, and stand 0:1 round footstalks. The flowers are
small, of a yellowish green colour, with a very small calyx. The male or barren trefo
has flowers nearly similar to the hermaphrodite, but in it there are only the rudiments-
f a style. The fruit is a smooth black drupe, round shaped, ar.d of the size of a pea.
There is but little pulp, and the nut covers 3 round kernel. These drupaj are gene*
rally three, sometimes two, and often only one, attached sidewise to a roundish fleshy
receptacle. It flowers in October and November, and its fruit is ripe in December and
January. Except tlie pulp of the fruit, every other part of this tree has an intensely
bitter taste. In taste and virtues it is nearly.eqaal to the quassia of Surinam, and I am
credibly informed^is sold in Lo'idon for the quassia amai^a ; and it may be safely used
in all cases vvbere that drug has been thought proper ; whether as an antiseptic, or in
cases of weakness iu the stomach and bowels. It may either be given alone, or joined
with the Jesuits bark. The happiest effects result from the use of this metlicine in ob-
stinate remitting fevers from marsh miasmata, in agues which liatl resisted the use of
Jesuits bark, and in dysenteries of long standing. It is in daily practice in dropsiej
from debility, either in simple infusions or tincture by itself, or joined with aromatics
, and chalybeats. Dr. Drummond, an eminent piiysician in Jamaica, prescribes it with
, ;great success in the above cases, as well as in amenorrlioea, chlorosis, dyspepsia, and
in that species of pica called dirt-eating, so fatal to a numoer of negroes. Tne bark of
the (luassia p.jlygama, but especially the wood, is intensely bitter. They may both be
Uicd m vaiiuus i'unns. In certain cases of tiropsy, aioinatics and preparations ai"e joined

-fS HORTUS JAMAICENSIS: irrE

to it, also in amcnorrhnea frntl chlorosis; and in worm fevers, the cahVapje bark, ot
other vegetable antheliuintics." The following are tiie doses as prescribed by Mr,
Lindsay:

From fifteen grains to one drachm by itself (or with tire Jesuits bark) of the wood or
bark.

From two drachms to half an ounce to one poiiiul of tlic watery infusion, and the
same quantities to one pound or one and a half pound in decoction. A wine glass full
to be given every three, four, or si.K hours, according to circumstances.

Is so called from its excessive bitterness : I think it exceeds wormwood, gall, and
aloes. I have seen a handful of the shavings but juytdip]ied in water, as quick as
thought taken out again, ami the water left so bitter that nothing could exceed it. A
trough was made of it to give water to hogs, and, to their owner's surprise, although
the hogs were ever so dry, they would not touch the water. This property of the tree
hath not been known very long in Jamaica ; and it was discovered by an accident : It
being a very free sort of wood to split, light, and white, the coopers hatl made casks
of it, unknowing its bitterness, to jnit sugar in, which was sent to England. Soon
after, the owner had advice that his sugar was so bitter it could not be sold ; The gen-
tleman thought it was a trick, or a banter ; but, upon a strict enquiry, found the occa-
sion of it. Of late, bedsteads and presses are made of it, to prevent bugs, cockroaches,
or worms breeding, as tliey do in other woods, for none of these vermin will come near
the wood ; neither do the workmen cave for working it, it bittering their mouths and
throats. It kills worms in the body, helps tlie cholic or belly ache, and creates an ap-
petite. The wood of this tree, at the first cutting, is very white, but turns yellow af-
terwards. Its bark is like the lance-wood, and its leaves like the English ash. .C(/;v
ham, p. 21.

The following receipts have been recommended, the first as a diuretic, and the
Second as a tonic in dropsy :

Infusion of bitter wood one pint Salt of wormwood half an ounce Gin tivo ounces

Mix A wine glass-full several times in the day. Dmretic salt, six drachms,

''inay be substituted in the place of salt of wormwood.

A small tea-cup full of bitter-wood infusion, two or three times in the day, with a
tca-spaonful of chalybeate wine, or with three or four grains of the salt of steel; vis.
green copperas.

*

The bitter wood has lately been employed as a subr^itute for hops in the brewing of
malt liquor, and has been found to answer the purpose extremely well. The bitter is
however not so agreeable as that of the hop, and the taste remains much longer on the
palate, after drinking the liquor.

From the qualities of the tree, it may be presumed that a decoction of the leaves or
bark, would make an excellent fomentation for sores. The wood is exceedingly light,
and, on that account, generally saved for laths for roofing ; but, as Burham says, the
workmen are not fond of it ; for, even after the wood has been laid for floors many yeai-s,
whoever rubs or scrapes it, feels a great degree of bitterness in their mouth and throat.
Ivfo insect will come near it.

There are two other kinds of bitter wood, noticed by Dr. Browi, for ivhich see the
ivext article. -j

See Mountain Da^^son. BITTEE

jirfETt nORTUS JAMAICENSIS. n

BITTER WOOD. XYLOPIA.

Cl. >3, OR. 7. Pol^and-ria polygi/nia. ^Nat. OR. Coadiniafa.

This senus was na.incd bv Dr. Bro>vne xvloniorum, bciny' the Greek word for tlie
^Bgli.sh name, but Linneus .shortened it to xylo])ia.

Gen. CH.4R.- Calyx a thj-ee- leaved perianthium ; leaflets crt'ate, concave, sliarpi.^li,
<!ecidiious ;. corolla six-peta!led, sessile, linear-lanceolate, eoriaceou.s, the three
outer.larger and thicker ; there are scarcely anj- stamina, but nuiiierous oblong-
anthers, fastened lo the receptacle at the base of tiie germs ; the pist ilium has
from two to fifteen germens, verv small, fastened to a three-corne-red receptacle ;
no styles ; stigma long and very slender : the pericarpinm has frora two to fifteen
capsules, pedicelled, four-cornered, corapressed, coriaceous, one or two- celled,
two-valved ; the seeds are solitary or two together, roundish, smooth, within a,
succulent hemispherical aril. There are onlv three species, tv.o of whicli are na-
tives of Jamaica ;

1. Ml'RICATA. MUREXED.

f'ruticcmvi ; foUis ovaio ananniat/'s, pvoductis, altcrnis ; capmlis
piinctdtis ; floribiis coiifcriis ad alas. Browne, p. 250, t. .5,. f.;2.

Xeaves lanceolate, pointed, with stiff bristles underneath, bearded at the top ;
pedtmcles many flowered ; fruit muricate.

Browne calls this tiie .'.va//-er /;;7'('r K'oof/, and sa^'s this little tree was found at the
vfoot of tiie nsountains in Sixteen IMile W'alk, where it grew to the height of fifteen or
'tvtenty feet^ but adds be made no remark on its bark or wood,

5. GLABRA. SMOOTH.

-FoUis ampliorihii.';, nitidis, ovatis.; pctiolis brevibusi fructibus gla^
bris. Browne, p. 25i.

Lea-ves oblong-m'ate, smooth ; peduncles one-flowered, sub-geminate ; fruits
smooth.

Browne calls this the larger hitler xvood, and'says, "I met with this tree in the
-BQOuntains, back of Bull Ba\, where it grew to a very considerable size, and raised its
-tranches to the height of fifty or sixty feet ab<;ve the root. The wood, bark, and ber-
ries, have an agreeable bitter taste, not unlike tiiat of orange seed ; and would proba-
bly prove excellent medicines, if brought into use. The wild pigeons feed much upon
the berries, and owe all that delicate bitterish flavour, so peculiar to them in the season,
wholly to this part of their food. I have cat many of the berries just olf the tree, and
found them both agreeable to the jxilate and grateful to the stomach. The bark is also
richly impregnated with tiie same juice, as well as the wood, and both jield a very
agreeable bitter in the month, while fresh ; but that delicacy diminishes greatly after
they are dried. The wood is easily wrought, and esteemed as a good timber wood ;
but must be used where it may iwt be easily exposed to tJie weather. This tree out^ht
to be cultivated, for it will probabl}^ be found very serviceable in time ; it seeds at Mr.
Anderson's mountain nea.r the Mine." Broxcne.

This tree has been confounded with the quassia polygama by Long, and in the Lin-
nae^ index to Barixam, from whom indeed all Long's observations upon it a"re tuken ;

O and

'S3 "HOBTUR J AM A I'D EN SIS. slack

and who mentions it to have leaves like the ash. This clearly points Barliam^s plant
out to be the (/uassia f)o/i/!^aina, which has pinnated loaves like tiic ash, whereas the
leaves ol' the xyiopia are alternate and ovaie-acumiaate, those of the lonner obloii^-
eval.

BLACKBERRY BRAMBLE. " HUBUSi

Gl. I 2, OR. .5. Icasandria poli/gt/nia; 1\ AT. OR. Senticof:/r.

This name is vt. rived from a Latin word for redness, on account of the redness oi'the
twigs and juice of the fruit..

Gen. cn.in. Calyx a one-leafed, five-cleft, perianthiiim ; segmems oblong, spread-
ing, permanent ;. tlie corolla has five roundish spreading petJils ; the stamina are
numerous filaments, with roundish anthers, inserted into tlie calyx ; the pistl has
numerous germs, with suiail styles and simple stigmas ; the berry is compounded
of reddish acini, collected into a convex head, concave beloiv ; eacii one- celled ,,
the seeds solitary, oblong ; the receptacle of the pericarp is conical. One species
is a native of this island,

JAMAICENSIS. JAMAICA; .

Ruhiis foliis longioribus subtus viclli lamigine ohdiictis et incanis fiore

etfructu minor ibus. Sloane, v. 2, p. 109, t. 213, f. 1. ylcitleatus,.

foliis digitato-ijuinatisy serrats, subtus ai gtnteis. Browne, p. 242,.

Leaves qninate or ternate, tomentose underneath ; stem, petioles, and leaves, '
pubescent, with recurved pn>Ales ; -panicles diffused.

This plant is very common in Jaraaica, growing plentifully on most-ruinate lands irv
Tihe mountains. It differs only from the common bramble of Europe in having the
leaves gash-serrate, with the ribs prickly ; the panicles teinunating, diffused ; the
flowers and berries smaller. The leaves are covered over with a whitish soft wool, and
are whitest on the lower surfaca The berries, when ripe, are of ,a black colour, and
very agreeable to the palate. If picked when red, and before they ripen, the}' make
an excellent tart, having at that period a very agreeable acid taste. The stalks are very
prickly and trailing ; climbing up m the small trees and bushes around them.

There is a larger and smaller variety.

Two other species of this genus have been introduced, but not much cultivated : the.
idccus, or raspberry ; and the si/lvaticus, or blackbei'ri/, both European plants.

BLACK CHERRY. MYRTUS.

Cl. 12, OR. 1. Iccsandria vionogynia, NaT. OR. Ilespen'dtp,
EN. CHAR. See Bayberrj', p. 75.

CERASINA. CHERRY.

^rbor baccifera, myrti folia latiore, fructu 7iigro cerasitio dipyreno,.
Sloane^ v. 2, fi. i07.

iJPediuicles^

*iACKR-/ED. H0TITU"S J AM AT C EN SIS,' ^l^

Fedisnc!cs lateral and tenninating, one-flowered ; leaves oblong, shining, dot-
ted underneath.

The whole of tiiis tree is smooth, Tl>e- young twigs have linear-lanceolate scales,
at first iinhri(.ate, but ;ftervvards remote and deciduous. J.eaves petio'eil, an iiicli loiig,
kiunt, the upper burface somewhat veined and shining, with a groove along tiie middle,
the unik'r veinless, pale, dotted, in clusters. Peduncles sometimes four from the
."*ame bud ; usually axdlary, opposite, and terminating, but often below the leaves,
)ne- flowered, filiform, an inch and half long. Segments of the calyx oblong, blunt ^
petals obiongj biunt^ small, vsihite. Vahl.

The branches of this tree are covered with a brown bark, with white spots on it here
and there ; the leaves set against one another exactly Uke those of the nnjrtiu latij'olia.
-The fruit is like black cherries, whence the name, having a very thin black skin, with
a very small purple and sweetish pnlp, inclnJing two wiiite stones, flat on one side^
spherical on the other, so tliat the two compressed sides being joined, they make one
lound sphere. Sloane^

BLACKEYED PEA. PHASEOLUS.

Cl, 17, OR. 4'. Diacklph'a decanHria. Nat. or. Papilionace^e.

This name is said to be derived from piiaselus, a little ship or boat, from its simiii*
tude to the pod of the kidney bean.

'Gen. char Calyx a one-leafed, two-lipped, periaridiium, upper Hp ernarginate ;
lower three toothed ; the corolla is papdionaceons ; banner heat-3haped, wingi
ovate ; keel narrow, rolled spirally contrary to the sun ; stamina are diadelphous
filaments, within the keel, spiral ; anthers simple . the pistil has an oblong ger-
men, compressed, villose ; a filiform style, bent in spirally, pubescent abo^e ;
stigma blunt, thickish, viilose ; the pericarpium a long- legume, straight, coria-
ceous, blunt with a point; seeds kidney-form, oblong, compressed. Two species
-are natives of this island.

1. SPHtEROSPERMUS. ROUND3EEDED.

Phaseolus erectus minor, sem'nc sphericn, alhido, kilo nigra. Sloane,
V. 1, p. 184, t. 117, f. 1, 2, :5. rectus ; siliquis gracilibus, tere-
tibiis, polj/sperinibus ; senii^iibus subrotuitdis^ hilo mgro iiotatis.
Browne, p. 292.

Stem upright ; seeds globular, dye 1 at the hiluni.
This species is called blaclieyed pmse. The stem about a foot high, branched, petj-
cles three or four inches long, the leaves are three together, the odd leaflet is an inch
and a half broad at the base, two inches and a half long, on a petiolule three-quarters
of an inch longer than the lateral leaflets, which are smaller ; they are all very soft and
of a yellowish green colour, and have their ribs from the end of the footstalks. Pe-
duncles axillary, strong, and nine inches in length ; the corolla is white. Legumes
three or four inches long, almost round and straight, clay-coloured ; the seeds are
very many, almost round, white, with a black eye, not so big as the smaller field pea.
They are accounted the sweetest and best food of any of the kind. Sloane.

2 '2. LATHYROIDES,

>Qa ' HORTUS JAMA le EN SIS. ^trssT^

'J. LATIiVROlDF.S. LATBYRUS-I.IKK.

Phaseolus oectus iut/tz/roidc.-:, flare atiiplc, coccincj. Rloaae, v. 1,
p. 13;!jt. 116, t'. 1. Minor ercctis j)ru'tnsis, joiihoblungis, lii.iiUa
minori, siliindsgracilibus. iiruuiie. p. 'l^J\..

Stem upright, ical'ets lanceolate.

This has an obiong large wliite root, going a foot deep into Uie groirnr!, from the
top of which grow several trailin'g brancl-.es, round^ smooti),. and green; stt pretty
thick with leaves,, three always together, leaf at the top of the footstalk longer ; they
^ire oblongv acuniiiiate ; the two lateral ones sub-sessile, entire, veined, smooth above,.,
pubescent imderneath. Petioles alteriiate,^ erect, stiff,, ihannelied, angular, reddish ;
i<tipules at the- base of the petioles, ojjposite, acuminate ;^ others at the base of vhe
leaves ; pedniicles I'jng, fastigiate,. mariy Ho\vc;red,, round, pub(:;scent. The flovvi-rs
are in a sort of spike, alternate,, mostly in j)airs close together, blood red ; thi; banner
of a paler red ; wings decj) red, twice as large as the banner; keel whitish,: legume
roundish, awl-shaped ; seeds roundish, separated, brown. This plant grows in moist
sandy grounds, and Browne says rt -is pretty common in, tlie savannas about Spaiusli
'i^owu.

Ste Horse Beans an-d Kidney Bean.s.

BL.SCK Ma.stic Sec Ba.stard Bully Tree..
.Black Olive See Olive- Bark.

N^ English Name. BLECHNUM.

Gl. 24, OR. 1. Ciypiogamia filiccs,,or Ferns.
Gay. citAR. Fructifications disposed in two lines, approaching to the rib of the
frond and parallel. One species has been discovered iu this island.

OCCIOENTALE.. WESTERN.

Fili-v minor, in pinnas tantuni divisa, crehras, own crenalas, auricii...
laws, et lineis ptdverulentis cnersa patie notalas. Sloane, v. I,..
p. 87, t. 44, f. 2. ii'impUx foliis atuplioribus oblongis Jalcaiis ei:
impetiolatis. Browne, p. 91.

Fronds pinnate ; pinnas lanceolate, opposite, einarginate at the base.
"Zrovine cvAh xh'i^xhe undivided hltchmun, with large oblong leaves. It rises by a
sinple undivided stalk to the height of thirteen or eighteen inches; tlie leaves loiij--
^ad narrow. "Sloane says the pinnas are many, with two small auricles at the base.

Elechum See Christmas Pride.

BLESSED THISTLE. CENTAUREA.

^h. 19, OR. 3. Syngenesia poh/ganii<t frustranea. Nat. or. Composite.

3LDK HORTUS JAM.'VICENSIS. io\

Gen'. C!;aR. Ctjlyx ccmnion imbricate; corolla compound, flosculous, difform ; the
recepf,^cle bristly ; tiie dcnvn isimple ; the rorolluht of the nidius funnel fofiu,
longer irregular. Ttiis plant is a n:,tive of Kurope, ;nid was introduced here ia;iuy
years ago, as vveil as ti;*; vuunus, or blue bottle, another species.

1. BKNEDICTA. BLF.SSKD.

Calyxes double-spiny, woolly, involucrcd ; leaves semi-Jecurrent, toothlettod,
spiny.

This plant obtained the appellation of benedictiis from its being supposed to possesfj
xtraordinary mediral virtues ; though not much in repute in modern practice. It has
been celebrated asan alexipharmic and a cure for' the plague. 'I'he bruised leaves
boiled in wine, and mixed with fionr and hogslard, laid on warm, are said to cure can-
cers and inveterate ulcers. The leases have a penetrating bitter taste and ungrateful
flavour. Dr. Lewis informs us that he has experienced excellent effects from a ligiiC
infusion of this plant in loss of appetite, where th-e stomach was inpired by irregulari-
ties. A stronger infosion made in cold or warm water, if drank fretil}-, and the patient
kept warm, promotes perspiration. The seeds are also considerably bitter, and havt;
sometimes been used with the same effect as the leaves. Browne mentions that it was
Gultivaled with great success in the- mountains of New Liguanea, where it seeded as
Tvell as in most parts of Europe : he adds that it makes a fine stomachic meiiicine, and
may be used with success iti all vveaknesses of the viscera, and over-abundant discharges
of bile. For medical purposes the plant should be gathered while in flower, dried in
the shade, and kept in a very dry airy place^ to prevent, its rotting, which it is very
apt to do.

2. CYANUS. BLUE.

Cal3'xes serrate ; leaves linear, quite entire, the lowest tootlied.

This is a common weed among corn in Europe, called blue bottle in England, and
Muc bonnets in Scotland. The expressed juice of the ncutrarfioi ets makes a good ink ;
ifc also stains hnen of a beautiful blue, but the colour is not permanent. Mr. Boyle
3ays that the juice of the central florets, with the addition of a very small quantity of
iluiii, makes a lasting transparent blue, not inferior to ultramarine.

Blood Flower See Bastard Ipecacuanha.

BLUE PEA FLOWER. CLITORIA.

Cl. 17, OR. 3. Diadelplu'a decayidria. NaT. OR. Pupilionace^.
This is so named from the form and colour of the corolla.

EN. CHAR. Calyx a one leafed, erect, tubular, five-toothed, permanent perian-
thium ; corolla papilionaceous, and supine, or turned downside up ; the standard
is very large, overshadowing the other petals; wings oblong, keel shorter than
them ; stamina and anthers simpU- ; the pistil has an oblong germen, ascending
9tyle, and obtuse stigma; the pericarp is a very long legume, linear, compressed,..
^JKC-celied, two-valvcd, with the tip subulate ; seeds many, reniforni. Three

species

'102 IIOIITUS JAMAICENSIS, BJ.-JE

sppcies are indigenous to this island, as follow ; the. f<;r)iatca, a native of the East
Itidies, grows in East's garden, having l)oeu broiiglit to this island some years

1. BRASILIAXA. BRARII.IAN.

Major acaiuhiis, Joliis subrotundo ovcit's, jlorihus geminatis.
Browne, p. 298.

Leaves ternate ; caly.xcs solitary, bell-form.

'I'his Browne calls tlie larger dlmliing rlitoria, which rises with a twining hcrbacpwis
. stalk five or six teei high, iiaving at eacli joint one teiiiate leaf on a long [u'tK^ie. 'I'lie
flowers conic out singly from the axils on Jong peduncles, encompassed about the
middle with two small oval leaves ; the tlow-ers. are very large, the standard broad, anil
of a fine blue colour. Browne says this species is very rare in Jamaica, he found it iiv
JSt. Ann''-', where it grew very luxuriantly.

2. VIUGINIANA. VI[lOINIA>r.

Phaseohis svhaticusjiorepatuln, dilute purpurrf>, siliqua tenui nigrttf,
seminc winorc maculiUo. Sloane, v. 1, p. 181. Minor scandens^
foliis sub-iillosis obl^jngo-oiatis, Jtoribus geminatis. Browne
p. 298.

" Leaves ternate ; calyxes geminate, bell-form.
This species is very common in all the hills and lower lands of Jamaica. The stem
is herbaceous, filiform, subdivided, seandent, and twining, round, striated, pubescent.
L-eaflels oblong, acuminate, with a blunt tip, entire, nerved, smooti), sometimes pu-
bescent, on short petiolules : peduncles longer than the petioles, erect, angular, stri-
ated, hirsute, bearing three or four flowers : perianthium double, outer t wo -1 caved ;
leaflets ovate-acute, concave, keeled, pubescent ; inner tubular, two-lipped, the two
upper teeth shorter, appioximating, the three lower longer, acute, the middle one
tliree times as long as the others : corolla resupinate, standard blue, with oblique
purple sti'eaks, at tlie back. part dusky, and tomentose ; seeds smooth, and of a gray
colour.

3. OALACTIA.

Phaseolus minor /c.cfesce7is _fiore purpureo. Sloane, v. I, p. 183, t,
1 14, f 4. Fcliis cvatis glabris pinnate fcrJiatis, spicis elungatis
Jtrminalihus. Browne, p. 298, t. 32, f. 2.

Leaves ternate ; raceme erect ; flowers pendulous.

This, by its round small ivoody stalks, turns itself round, and mounts about any tree
or shrub it comes near, rising to six feet high. At every inch putting forth leaves,
three always togetlier, on half inch long footstalks. The leaf opposite the footstalk is
the longest, an inch long, and three-quarters of an inch broad in the middle where
broadest, being roundish or oval, of a dark green colour, smooth, hard, and nervous.
The flowers come out from the alfe of theieaves, on very short footstalks, -three-quar-
ters of an inch long, hollow, papilionaceous, and purple. After these follow cylin-
dric legumes, two inches long, crooked and sharp at the end, containing several brown
.small peas. All parts of the plant are osilky ; it grew in the Red Hills and other places
^leatUuUy.-* (J'/oa^e.

JBrownfi

-i*OG HORTUS JAMAICENSIS. 103

Browne calU this the galactia, with smooth leaves and long reddish flowers. It gro7,-s
rhiefly in tlie i.)-.ver lulls, aiici is easily di>tinguishe(l by its long rodihsh ilower^, rnili'y
trauches, and wiuootii leaves. It ribfs soniotmies eight or nine feet.

BOG RUSH. SCHOENUS.

Cl. '^i OR. 1. Triandila nmnogynia. Nat. or. Calzmarix.

This name is dtidved from. a Greek, word, signifying a rope, for which some of the
species is adajjted.

Gen. char The calyx has chaffy gl-'jmcs, one-valved, heaped ; there is no corolla ; .
the stamina are tlivee capillary filaments, with obiotig erect anthers ; the pistillura
ha3-an ovate, three sided, obtu*; geruieii; style biiiiie siiaped, length of the co-
rolla ; stigma bitid or tririd, slender ; there is nj pi^ricarp ; the seed is single,
louadish, among the glumes. Niny s^iecies are indigenous to this island.

K STELL.\TDS. STAKRV.

Gramen cyperoides spica compacta alba, foliis ad sp team parfi'm alhis,
partimvitidibus. tiloane, v. 1, p. 119, t. 78, f. 1.

Culm subtriquetrous, spikelets conglon^eraie, with a leafy involucre, coloured
at tho base.

This hath a perennial root, it fjrows about a foot high, or less. Culm single, np
light, striated, smooth, sheathed with the leaves of tue base, roundish, but bluntly
tiaree-cornered -towards the top. Leaves almost the length of the culm, erect, linear,
acuminate, entire, striated, smooth. Sheaths surrounciing the culm, hirsute or ciliate
at the neck ; involucre manifold or three-fold ; leaflets very long< ternately-alternate,
spreading, linear-lanceolate, sessile, strirated, smooth, to^vards the base white coloured.
Spikes terminatin;^, clustered, sessile, small oblong, acuminate, whitish; chaffs or
glumes in bundles, imbricate ovale, acute, concave, scarcely keeled, entire, one-
flawered ; the filaments three, -the length of the glumes, upright ; germ roundish ;
style longer than the gmines, cloven to the middle ; sti/mas short, erect ; seed round-
i=^, flatted a little, l*;ge. It resembles the kyllin^ias, and is probably mixed with
vhem by authors, especially witn kijlLngia triceps. Hw. See KjjUingia.

From a fibrous and stringy root spring up several triangular blunt-edged stalks, oF
about a foot ui length. I'ne leaves are harsh to the touch. The spike is compact,
ma le up of many white spikes, set clos.^ in a head, and lias some long, harsh, grassy
leaves close under it, which for the first part or half are white, and towards the ends-,
green. The seed is small and yellowish. It groas in those places where water has in
xainy times stood on the gi"omid, as in the pasture beyond the Ansel's Ford. Sloane^

2. RESTIOIDES.

Culms at bottom, compressed ancipital, and very smooth ; flowers panicled ;
sheath lanceolate at the top.

ThLs is almost a fathom in height, the culm jointed, erect, striated, with swellinr?
J^oints ; the leaves sheathed at the base, long, wide, linear, quite entire, very finely

jtviatedi

!04 HOItTUS JAMAICENSIS. ^os

strbtcd !oTieit'.iciinally, rigid ; sheaths ancijiital, finely striated. Panidcs bursting
from anripital- lanceolate covered sheaths, tiubdivided into (hcliotomous sub-fastigiate
diffused branchlets, having sheathlets underneath at all the divisions, of a red ferrugin-
ous colour. Spii^elets solitary, or in pairs, sessile, two- flowered, polygamous, on
prickly serrate peduncles. Glumes four-valved, two-flowered; valves decussated^
ovate, acute, concave, slightly keele!, spmetnnes serrate, brown; there are no fda-
ments ; the germ is three cornered, style oblong, tiifid at top ; stigmas cirrhose.
Serrate bristles are placed upon the pistil. One of the florets is small, interior, and
two-valved ; tiie valves equal and lanceolate ; the filaments two or three, and minute ;
the pistil small. Tais is considered a singular species, and probably making a distinct
geuus, were the characters well ascertained.

3. I.ADIUM.

'Cuhno nmoso^ ftoribtis quasi umbellatis, umhellis gradathn assiirgen^
fibiis. Browne, p. 114.

'Culm bluntly three-sided, leafy, even; leaves pricklv in front, panicles-dif-
fused ; spikelets one-flowered, sessile, two-stamened.

Culm eight or ten feet high, single, jointed, smooth, striated ; leaves sheathing,
very long, keeled, half an inch wide, cartilaginovis-serrate along the back and edge,
striated, smooth, rigid ; sheaths closed in front, serrate : flowers in lateral panicles
fr.:)m the sheadis ; j^edunctes solitary, short, compressed, sheathed ; sheaths nimier-
ous, crowded, alternate, from which spring some ]iartial peduncles, which are elon-
gated, loose, diffused ; towards the top next the sheathlet subdivided into many une-
qual unibelled pedicels, frequenll}' terminating in an umhellet, with the ultimate pe-
dicels three-flowered. Spikelets three or four, ovate, acuminate, small, ferruginous ;
glumes or scales oblong, acute, unequal. At the side of the inner glume, surrounding
the germ, are capillary bristles the length of the glume; filaments very short ; genu,
linear-oblong; style shorter than ihe glumes, trifid ; stigmas reflexed, convolute,
permanent; seed ovate, acute, shining browi,. It grows in sea marshes, Sn).

Browne calls this plant the large Jioriddadiiim.

4. GLOMERATUS. TIEAPED.

Culm three-sided, leafy, flowers in bundles ; leaves flat; peduncles lateral, ia
pairs.

5. EFFtTSUS. OVERFLOWING.

Culm leafy, bluntly three-sided, even ; leaves entirely prickly in front, pani-
cles more erect ; spikelets one-flowered, sessile, tvvo-stamened.
Swartz gave this as a distinct species, but it resembles the ntanscus, an European
species, so nearly, that he hardly thought it could be made a distiuct species.

6. CYPEROIDES. CYPERUS-LIKE.

Culm three-sided, leafy ; umbel terminating ; spikelets glomerate.

Two feet high. Culm striated, smooth ; leaves sheathing, half a foot long, linear,
keeled, striated, smooth, with the keel of the val res sub-serrate ; spikes terminating,
umbelled ; peduncles, from the sheaths of the terminating leaves, several, unequal,
ihree-Sided ; involucre none, but only the two alternate leaflets, from the sheaths of
which the pcduuclus rise. Spikelets in little terminating balls (sometimes compound),

verT

iOG IIORTUS JAMAICENSIS. 105

yerj Trrnch crowded, sessile, acuminate, spreading, feriuginous ; glume cTiaffy, heaped,
unequal, sub-iinhricatc ; the inner ones more tender, narrower, less, one-flowered:
filaments three, \x-ry short; germ extremely small ; style longer than the glumes,
Irifid at the top, permanent; stigmas capillary, cirrhose ; at the base of the gerin are
, twO' bristles the length of the glumes ; seed iutlosed witliin the glumes, obovate, mostly
obconlate, blinitly tnree-cornered^ ferruginous, smooth. It is not a cyperus, because
the chaffs are not distich, and the seed is not three- sided. ii.

7. GRACILIS. SLENDER.

Culm three-sided, leafy, very long, filiform ; spilfes lateral, peduncled.

Height froni three to six feet. Culm very long, simple, loose, striated; leaves
"hnoar, very long, sessile,, keeled, striated, serrate; spikes axillary; peduncles suh-
tarv, elongated, filii'orm ; spikelets in Bundles, small, six to ten, unequal, round,
and linear, sessile, ferruginous, smooth ; glumes chafty, manv, tmequal ; the lowest
small, the rest convex,, acuminate, imbiicate ; the interior ones more tender, smaller,
one flowered; filaments three, very short ; genn roundish ; style awl-shaped, scarcely
longer than the glumes, trifid ; stigmas capillary, reflexed ; seed three-cornered, very
sniiill, ferrustinous. It ^rows in the woods in the hicrhest luountuins.

8. SETACEUS. BKISTIED.

Ctilm thpee-sided, almost naked, leaves babde-.sliaped ; spikelets aggregate 3
flowers two-stamened.

The height abouta foot. Culm simple, setaceous, weak ; leaves mostly shorter thau
the culm, . somewhat suiated, erect ; culms towar'is the upper part simply two-parted,
or subdichotomous,ir;to axillary, peduncled, aggregate; spikelets, th'ee to six in
number, awl-shaped and small ; lower peduncles often solitary, an/ inch long; upper
crowded, bundled, very short ; lower glumes smaller, . ovate, acute, keeled, termin-
ated by a very short awn ; upper glumes lanceolate, awnless, convolute at the top;
iilameuts two, very sliort ; style bifid ; stigmas capillary. At the sides of the gerur are
"two caj)illary bristles, the length r;f the glume ; seeds roundish, compressed at the
eilge, acuimnate, transversely wrinkled. This grows in dry pastures.

9. PUSTLLUS. DWARF.

Culm three-sided, naked, filiform ; spikelet-s terminating, sub-fascicled, sessile,
with a leaflet beneath, equalling the spike.

HeigVit about an inch. Roots capillary, simple ; culms almost upright, capillary ;
leaves radical, equalling the culm, filiform, keeled at the base, sheathing, ciliate at
the edge, striated, smooth ; spikelets three or four, very small, one above another,
ovate, acuminate : under the lowest spike is an awl-shaped leaflet, sheathed at the
ISase ; glumes chaffy, heaped, imbricate, separating the flowers, ovate, keeled, awn-
Ifess, one-flowered; filaments three, the length of the chaffs; anthers linear; genn
Toundish ; style filiform, three-sided at the base, trifid at top ; stigmas capillary, re-
flexed ; seed roundish, bluntly three-cornered, rugged, ferruginous, appearing as it
were echinate, wiien examined by a microscope ; witliout which the parts of fructifica-
tion are not visible. It grows in the southern parts of Jamaica.

10. SORhSAJtfENSIS. SURINAM.

Culm leafy, three-sided ; peduncles corymbed, tiie lower ones -alternate, dis-
aant,,tlie upper ones crowded.

P Fxom

:0 HOItiyS JAMAlCi'JNSJS. ' 30.-^/iCE;

From one to four feet high, growing in tufts. Culms simple, sBar-piy three-sided,
rusgecl, Icary below ; leaves slie*the<l, very long, equal to the cuim or Jonger, fiattishi
sijgiidy keeled, siriateci, linear, serrate-prickly along the keel and edge, stiliish ; the
upper pnes shorter aucl distant ;:>r!eathes alternate, crowded, keeled,' with a blunt
dagger j)oint in front ; cor3mbs pediuicled, laieraljiCotjipoiiad, shorter rhaii<the leaves^
ic'ore ilouering crowded, nodding, afterwards divaricatuig ; p'ediincles eiotvgated,
jroiu the sheathes of the upper leaves, solitarj-, remote,' loose ; ttie upper ones crowds
ed ; spikelcts cylindricalrsiibulatej very shortly pedicelledj patnious, ferruginous j
bractes capillary, longer than the floretSj at the base of ti>e pedicels-, lowei'''gliinnes
;-ho)Ter,. ovate, imbricate ; upper a little- longer, and between thern a middle 'Ho wer,
mate, and solitary, between the outer ones'.fe males, or an hermaphrodite ; filaments
three, very short; anthers linear ; genn ovate, margined, blackish, :Surrounded -tt
the base with from iwa to ibiir jointed bristled ; style long, undivided; stigma linear;
seed roundish, black-rust-coloured. Most commonly many of tiie spikelcts are male:
without atYy .females. : ^ ,

BoKHMERiA 'Stf Nettle Tkee.
Bo-VZBAST Mahoe See Dowis TiiSE,

BONACE BARK. Genus Doubtful

Cl. 4, OR. 1. Tetrandria mon(rg\jma.9
This is c-Jled hpnace hark ^>re by Browne,, who only describes the pericarp, ni^t
-Iiaving seen the flower; the other characters which foilovvare from Mr. A. Robinsou's
manuscript: - _:

Gen. char. Calyx- a monophyllous bell-shaped perianth, cut lightly on the brim,
into four iaftceoJated equal parts ; no corolla; germ ovate, in the base of the cup ;
style short and thick, w;tfa a peltated stigma; there appeared no stamens, but ia
some flowers there were four small giobose uectareous giands ; the pericarp v/as a.
dry drupe, ovate, of the size and figure of an olive, having a two lobed nut, co~
vered with a proper membrane, full,

BONACE.

Ccrtice fisso^ foli'is oblongis, racemis umbellulatis terminalibus.^
Browne, p. 373.
Browne says this plant is common near Montego Bay, where it grows to a moderate
size. The bark makes very good ropes ; it is fine, and spreads in some shape like that
of the lasreho bark, though not so free or regular The seeds have a sharp biting taste.
Mr. Robinson found the'fruit ripe in September in New Liguanea mountains, not far
from Yal lab's River. The tv\igs were brown, slender, and dichotomous ; the leaves
alternate and sessile, with entire reflected margins, of an olive green coioui', somewhat
rough and shining above, but dull and blueish green beneath, and marked with altera
nate veins. From the bosom, of the upper leaf grew a short common peduncle,' pro-
truding from Its summit three or four proper pediincies, hardly half a line in length,,
each supporting a small olive-iike fruit, scarcely exceeding half an mch in length,
coQtaining oue nut, covered with a fibrous integument,. JHaving tasted the fruit he

foan^

:ifOTTL3;' HvORTUS JAMAICENSIS. 107

ibund hi'smouth affebted with a burning acrimony, such as is cnused hy the bark of wild
cinnanion, or oi .wild rosemary. At Old Woman Savuiina, in Clar.-ncion, ther^ is a
itrger species of this known by the name of burn-nose bark, so called froai its sup-
posed efiects on those who smell it closely. A iree was also obsen'ed in Lime Savanna,

EouRREPyiA Sec Currant Tree.

BORRAGE- BORRAGO.

{., ^'. " -JPentamdria TnonogT/nia. Nat. oe. /hperifolitv,

"This name is cienvcd fi;om cor and agoj on account of its supposed cordial qualities,

6N. CHAR. Caljx five-parted, permanent ; corolla monopetraious, rotate, border
five-partedj. throat crowned with five emarginate obtuse prominences ; the sta-
mens have subulate converging filaments, oblong antliers, fixed on the inside of
the filaments; tiie pistil has four germs, filiform style, simple stigma ; there is no
periicarpium ; calyx larger, inflated; the seeds fcair, roundish, wrinkled, keeled -
outvvarfis at tiie top, globular at the base, inserted iongitudmaily nito an hollowed;

. - - ic

0FFICINAU9. OFFICINAL.

Al! the leaves alternate ; calyxes spreading.

The \yhole of this plant is rough, with white prickly Jiairs. The commoTi colour cf
^iie corolla is blue, but varies to flesh coloured and white. It came originally from
Aleppo and thrives well in Jamaica. The whole herb is succulent ai^d very mucilagin-
ous, having a peculiar faint smell when bruised. The young tender leaves may be used
in salads, ,or as a pjt-iierb. By the experiments of M. Margraaf, in 1747, it appear:;
xhat the juicejaiFords a true nitre.

This, plant grows and thrives very luxuriantly in the mountains of New Liguanea ; it
has been always esteemed as an excellent cooling cordial in all febrile cases ; and may
be justly regarded as a proper simpl^e to be used in such over-heated states of the
"blood ; it is generally administered in decoctions and infusions, with other cooling
medicines. A distiiied water of both the leaves and flowers of this ph nt has been
formerly kept in the shops, as well as a conserve of the blossoms ; but these are very
iitvle regarded in modern practice, especially in England, where aiost of the diseases
"proceed rather from inactiorji and the viscidity of the j uices,' Bi-ewne, p, 150. .

BOTTLE-COD ROOT. -CAPPARIS.

Cl, 12, pit. l.Poli/andria monogynfa, Nat. OK,Piitaminece,

"This name is deri'^'ed from a Greek word, signifying to cure melancholy.

^Ejf. CH ; GaKx a four-leaved, coriaceous, perianth j leaflets ovate, concare,

Pii.huU: ; Uie Corolla has four petals, obtuse, spreading, very large; the staniiiiLa

-sontjj^ aiim;crou5, fiiiibrifu, patulous, fiiaxnenta, with oblong, versatile, inclined,

,P 2 anthers^

ipS K OUT us JAMAICENSIS. bottl*

anthers ; ihe pistil has pedicdleil germ, no style ; stigmn. ohfxtse, seasir^^ ; the
pericarp IS a corticose bt'Trv, one-celled, jje'licclleci ; seeds miiuerous, rcniform^
, nestling. Eight species are iiulfgenoiis to tiiis isliind, us lolluw ;

!. CYXOPHALLOPHOUA.

Fniticosa, fcdiis ohloiigis nhtusis. _Browne, p. 24C, t. 27, f. 1.
Peduncles many flowered, terminal ; leaves oval, ootuse, perennial ; glands

This varies considerably in its hahir. or general appearance, arcordin^; to the r.oil ia.
%vhi(-ii it is found. Ia sunny hedi^es it is wealc, thin, and as it were supported by the
neighbouring vegetables ; but in fields and towards tlic s!)ores, it is a kind of shrub nr
little tree of twelve feel high, and of a pretty appearance. Theioiives- are alternate^
petiolated, smooth on both.side.s, thickish, somewhat stifT", and about three inclies
long ; thev are also either ovate, ob-ovate, or even lance-ovate, but more frequently
oblong. In the axilla, of the leaves there is a roundisli solitary gland, which is scartve-
ever missing. -The fiowers are beautiful, very patulous, and extremely fragrant, of a
vliite or greenish white ; the stamens often four inches long ; the silif.pte about a foot
lung, of various ilegrees of thickness, outwardly green, or greenish purple, with a red
sutin*e, and, when ripe, split longitudinally, each part rolling ijack to the very foot-
stalk, and successively letting fall the seeds, which are coated with a white bark exter-
nally, and greenish internally, and are surrounded by a st-arlet flesh or pulp. It is, very
common in the lower hills of Jamaica. Browne calls it the shrubbij brtynia.

This is called hofth cod roof, it is found in copses, and is disposed to run in bushes,
It is remarkable for having large while flowers, whose stamina are of an extraordinary
length. The pods are a foot long and unequal. When npe they open gradually, and
shew the seeds in a sort of crimson bedding. The root is large, yellow, fleshy, an4
tastes strongly like horse-raddish. Dr. Canvane recommends it as a specific in dropsy.
He orders a decoction of it ; but an infusion is preferable, because boiling dissipates
its virtues. The other species of this genus, which grow in Jamaica, have the same
sensible qualities as those of the mustard tribe, IVright.

2. BADUCEA.

Fruticosa, foliis singularibus, oblongo-ovalis, sxperne nitidis, siliqiih
minorihus tcretibus cequalibus. Browne, p. 246, t. 27, f. 2.
Peduncles one -flovvereirtl; leaves ovate-oblong, determinately crowded, naked.
This Browne calls the muUard shrub with a willow-lea/, and says it is common in ali
the savannas anci lowlands about Kmgstcjn. It grows generally to the lieight oi nine or
ten feet, aiid throws out a number of slender suo-ereci brandies, adorned with oblong
leaves, which a])pear duty and opaque as if they were dusted underneath. All the
parts of the plant nave a strung pungent saiefi and taste, like most of tfie m.ustard tribe.
-^Browne.

3. FFRRt;GINEA. IRON.

/Icaciis affinis arbor siliquosa folio svbrctu7ido singuJari, flcre staminea
albido, siliqua tereti ventriosa, cujus interior tunica est mucosa et
tleganter miitiata, Sioane, v. 2, p. 59, i'rutuosa ; JoUis singu-

-iaribus

WJTTts, KORTUS JAM.AICEKSIS. 10?

laribus ohlongis iitrinque actLfiSy suhtus quasi vUlosis ; fiorihus oc^ ,
tandris, rarcmis I'oviosis a!an'!>us. Browne, p. 247, t. -8, 1'. 1.

Pethincles nml)eiled; leaves permanent, lauceoliite, tjmeutose beueath ; tiowcis
eight stamened.

This is a small tree or shriil), u-ith strlateel rufous or ferruginous colcitred branches ;
^aves ovate-lanceolate, quite entire, lanuginoiis ash-colouroti beneatli, smoiAh on
tlie upjjer surface ; petioles ferrutiinous, short ; flowers in a sort of corymb, tenuuiat-
iugf, on bifid or trifid peduncles ; the corollas white, and fragrant, 'i'his plant is com-
mon m all the lowlands of Jamaica, and has obtained the name of ntustard shrui), from
its being strongly impregnated with an acrid volatile salt,

This tree riseth to about twenty feet higii, having a trunk as thick as ones thigh, the
bark is of a dark grey coio'iir, the branches !)ow downwards and are crooked, liaving
here and tliere knobs on theiu ; the leaves come out alternately, at about half an incii
distance, standing on a brown half inch long footstiilk, they are two inches long, and
ne and a quarter broad, having one middle and several transverse ribs. The tlowers
come out on the ends of the twigs,, and cdusist of a great many very long wiiite sta-
mina, inclosed in a grt^n capsule, to which foUoiv, three inches long, green, smuoti],
ventricose, pods, in which is containetl four or five peas, being green and soft, in-
closed in a white pulp ; the inward mucilaginous membrane of the pod is of a scariet
colons The pod opens of itself, and its contents are mucn covetecl by ants ; the pod
nangs to the tree by a two-inches long footstalk, and is small at the further emi.

4. TOROLOSA. TWISTER.

^riorescens, foliis ovatis utrinque aciiminatis, siliqua iorosa loyigis-^
sima. Browne, p. 246.

Peduncles sub-biflorus, round, terminating ; leaves lanceolate-ovate, dotted
with white underneath ; pods round, linear, torulose.

Browne calls this the larger hreynia, which grows to be a shrubby tree. He says it
23 rather a rare plant, and he only saw one, which grew near Port Antonio.

5. LONGIFOLIA. LONG-LEAVED.

Leaves linear-lanceolate, dotted with meal underneath,

6. SILIQUOSA. PODDED.

Peduncles many flowered, compressed ; leaves permanent, lanceolate-oblong,
acuminate, dotted beneath.

7. .TAMAICENSIS. JAMAICA.

peduncles many flowered ; leaves oblong, obtuse, emarginate, downy under-
neath ; coroilas campanulate.

8. BREYNIA,

Peduncles racemed ; leaves permanent, oblong ; calyxes and peduncles tomen*
tose ; floivers eignt staaiened.

This is a small tree with an upright smooth trunk and flexuose branches, scarred
Ritli the fallen leaves i twigs angular and pubescent j leaves uUernaie, scattered, acu-

niinate,

no HORTUS JAMAICET^SIS.- ekazileTto*

iriinrite, nerveless, snnooth on the upper surface and shining, beneath hoary, ierrugin-
ous, or ash-coloured, covered with vry minute ferruginous dots ; petioles angular,
hoary, ferruginous; peduncles terminating, somewhat brunched, ibrming-a sort of
umbel, compressed, marked with lines, ferruginous ; flowers rather large ; leaflets. of
the calyx rcBex, convex, while on the inside, ferruginous beneath, and somewh^it
rrtgged ; petals twice as hirge as the calyx, entire, white tinged with purple, spotted,
with rust colour on the outside, decidnotis *, nectariferous glands four, small, ovate,
acute, compressed, permanent ; filaments long, meeting at the base round the gelm,
v.Tth a pale red pile on them ; anthers almost erect, acuminate, curved inwards, yel-
low ; germ elongated, minute, on a very short pedicle ; style the length of the sta-
mens ; stigma thickened, obtuse, ferriigir.ous ; the fruit is a long cylindnc, subtoioi- '
lose, two-valved, legume; containing several kidney-shaped seeds. It is a native of'
chy coppices near the sea in Janraica,^ and nriost other islands in the West ladies. -Sw...

Besides the above native species of capparis, the spinosa, or caper shrub, was intro--

duced by Mr. East, in 17-74.

BRAZILETTO. C.^SALPINIA.

Cl. 10, OR. 1. Decaticlria moncgynia. Nat. or. Lornentacem. *
Gen. CiiAR. Sec Earbadoes Pride, p. 51. The two follov.ing species are natives of
Jamaica :

. 1. ^ERAZiLIENSIS. BRAZIL.-

Pseudo sffntalum croccum. Sloane, v. 2j p. T84, t. -182, f. 3, 4.

Arborea, inermis '; Joliisinmorikus paribus hipinnatis, ligno kct'^
inesino. Browne, }>. 2'27. ' ' - '.

'Tnajraied, leaflets ovate-oblong ; m'ldrib pubescent ; calyxes tomentose ; sta-
aiens shorterthan the corolla.

This is the tree vdiich affords the brasiletto wood, so m-uch used in dying. The
Isranches are slender, and fall of small prickles ; the leaves branch out into many divi-
5.ions,'the leaftets oval, indented at top and opposite, very like those of tne logwood ;
the peduncles from the side tjf the branches terminated by a loose pyramidal spike of
white flowers, beautifully variegated with red. The corolla has five leaves, the upper
one has its i.iagues tububid and its bractea patent, the whole resembling. a little trum-
r)et.'~ The poas intilose several small round seeds. Mr. Hellot gives the following me-
thod of imparting durability to the colour of braziletto dye' ; it consists only in letting
decoctions of the wood stand fpr some time, in v/ooden casks, till it grows stale and
ropj' ; pieces of woollen cloth dyed in tiris liquor acquired a colour so durab/e, that,
tlieywcfe not in the least altered by exposure to the air, during- four montiis in the
winter season. Mr. A. Robinson observes, that the seeds of this tree are often de-
stroyei hy inFccts, and tihe pod4 a long-while heh^i^ tr?-:-',' drop,

Tijis tree grows in every part of Jamaica where tiie sou is dry and rocLy; it is an ex-
cdilent timber wood, but sekiom exceeds eight or ten inches in diameter, in the ftiost

.perfect state. The wood is elasticj . tough, and dui^abie, and bears a tine polish ;. it 'n.

^ - - ^^

sauAP - H OR :;-' :-'

of a beantiful orange coloLir, full o: iv.siii,. aud yield.; a Uuo, lull tincture by jiuaiK>n ,
but is seldom cut for the 'ly.^'rs iise ia*J';?ro'>n.-i^.''TO'.'"e. . .

The true brasiHs . . : , -lA-rrce ^icv come in

Brasil ; the Brasilians oalliug it ihiirifihiv. reddish

and thorny biirk ; the leaves small and biiuhj .<i a .w;v .-Miir.-Li^ ,4"^-"'= jrsiittle,

"sweet, ;\nd of a beautiful red J tiie pods flat and^nrickh', in which;:. it seeds.

like the gourd seed. This Wood is iise'd anioag tlie dyers^ aiid the st^tioacis make red
inii of it ; viz. Take raspings of the wQod,^ infuse fbem. m vintgar or some strong iixi-
vium, and, with gum arable and afuim, putrtheiniil a glaSied pot, and gently' infuse
them for some hoars. Some dye the roots oi a/thea with it, to clean the teath withai.
5. have met with two sorts gro wing-in Jataaica ; one-eVery way as red asbrasil. It hath
a red'o-ura, with a-Vestringent taste; its wood is very tough and. strong ; ther whet-l-
Wrights in Jamaica s<iy. tliey make the best spokes for wheels. A decoction of the
"wood strengthens the stomach, abates fever^ , and ta! iftflammi--.' '

tkSuxions in the eyes. Barkam,, p._2Z.

2. BiJUGA.

Senna spuria arborea s-pinosa, louis alaiis ramosis sen decnmpo.^itis,
flore liiteo, siliquis hrevibus sulcatis nigris, sahina odore. Sloane,
V. 2, p. 50, t. 181, f. 2, 3. Spinosa^ foliis minoribus ebveise-corda-'
lis, bipnuiatis ; racemis iernunuHbus. Browne, p. 227.

Prickly, leaves doubly pinnate, with tv f ob-cocdate leaflets, they and

the calj'xes smooth ; stamens equalling the corolla.

SIcane calls this Indian savin iyee. It rises fifteen feet in heighthj having a "trunk
EOmewhat crooked, aboiH the thickness of ones thigh, covered with ^whitish grey, al-
ijiost smooth bark. The tree has several crooked and prickly In'anches, with leaves
coming out at unequal distances, being decomposite and winged; the m.iddle rib is
"four or five inches long, divided into as many pairs of petioles, on each of which are
two pairs of smooth shining leafle'cs, half an'inch in diameter, very green, smooth, and
rdmost round, having a defect or indention at one end, a little pointed at the other and
shini.i". Flowers in several spikes three inches long at the tops of the branches, of a
deep yello'w colour. The legumes are. of a blackish colour, smooth and flat, having
some sulci on them, and containing large brown, smooth, round, peas. All parts of
this tree, if bruised, have a very balsamic strong scent. It grows by Passage Fort and
"the road to it very plentifully. Sloane.

This prickly shrub is common about the Ferry, and the lower lands of Liguanea, birt
it seldom rises above eight or ten feet in height ; the wood is of a brown colour, the
foliage of a dark gloomy green, and the flowers of a fine yellow, which are succeede4
"by pods of a thickish oblong form. The lower segment of the cup is not fringed, noj;
any of the flower leaves vanegated in this species Browne,

See Barbadoes Pride.

BREAD FRUn'. ARTO CARPUS,

.2!, oa. 1, Monosciainonandria, Hat, oiLUrtice.

Tnb

U2 HORTUS JAMAICENSIS.

nEA5>

Tliis name k <lerivecl from two Greek words, signifying bread and fniit.

Gkn. char. There is no cahx to the' male flower, Lho aiueittuin is cylindrical, all
covered with ilorcts; the corolla to each two petals, obloiiir,. concave,, hhirit, vil-
Icse ; the stan.en is a bingie fiJaBjent v\ilhin eadi corolla, filifona, tiie length of
the corolla, ohiong : Tiie female ilouer has no cai\'x nor corolla; the pistil has
Tfry many germs, connected into a globe, hexangnlar ; style to each filiform,,
stigma single or two, eapiilavy, regime; the perkarpium is an ovate globular
fruit, compound, muricate ; seeds for eaA:h g(;ria solitary, oblong, covered wiili,
a pulpy aril, placed on an ova4;e receptacle. There are two species the iulegfi-^
Jolia oijaavk tree^ and

INCISA. ^TOTCHEX)-.

Leaves gashed.

This tree grows to the thickness of a man, and forty feet hig-h or more ; -the trunk is-
apright, the woTkI soft, s'raooth,. and yellowish, the inner-bark white, composed of a .
net of siifiish filtres, the outer bark smooth, but full of chinks, jiale ash colour, with
t^mall tubercles thiidy scattered over it. Wherever the tree is wounded it pours out a
glutinous milky liquor. The branches form an ample almost globular head ; the lower
ones which are the longest, spring from the trunk alternately ten or tv/ehe feet above
the ground, spreading out almost horizontally,, scattered and in a sort of whorl ; twigs
ascending, hearing flowers and fruits at their ends. Leaves alternate, petioled, ovate,,
deeply divided above the middle into seven or nine lanceolate acute lobes,, with nnmded
siiuises ; they are otherwise quite entire, ^smooth on both sules, even, spreading,
Ijright green,, paler nnderricath, membranaceous, a foot and a half or two feet in length.,
ten to fourteen inches wide, veined, having a thick nerve to each lobe, diverging from,
the common rachi?. The younger leaves, like all the more tender jiarts of the tree,
are glutiiious to the touch ; petioles roundish, even, ascending, two inches in length ;
stipules in pairs, involving the'younger leaves, lanceolate, acuminate, conc3:\'e, entire,
smooth within, hairy on the outside, deciduous, five or six inches long : peduncles at
the ends of the twigs, and in the axils of the upper leaves, solitary, round, uprightj.
having a few hairs on them, and two inches in length. The male flowers are among
the upper leaves, and the female flowers at the ends of the twigs ; tlie male ament i.4 .
club-shaped,, fleshy, upright, a span long, covered witli inumerable small, sesslle-
fiorets; tlie proper perianth is very small, two-valved, the valves equal, oblong, blunt,,
concave, closely adhering, shut, yelhjwish brown ; these have no spathes. The female
flowers have bivalve spathes, ovate-lanceolate, compressed, acuminate, upright, bent
in at the tip^ soft, a span in leogth, at first closed, then deciduous, placed at the end
of the peduncle ; spadix globular, covered with very many connate germs ; these are
ob-conica1, immersed in the receptacle, somewhat convex at the top ; styles scarcely
any ; stigmas projecting points, v/ithering, in some varieties bifid. The truit is a glo-
bular berry, smoothish, marked v/ith hexagons on the surface, pale green, when-:
largest, a long span or nine inches in length, filled with a white farinaceous, some-
what fibrous, pulp, which, when the fruit is ripe, becomes sweet, juicy, and yellow;,
it is fastened to a.club--shaped, fieshy receptacle, which is longitudinally fibrous, and^
a hand in length.

This valuable plant is a rtative of the South Seas, and upwards of three hundred
plants were landed in tliis island, in the year 1793, from his Majesty's ship Providence,
Captain William Bligh. These plants were distributed in the most judicious manner,

under

STtKAD HORTLS JAMATCEXSIS. 113

uiKicr the direction of a conimiltoe of tbe honourable House of AssemW" ; and have
been culu\-aled ia every part of tliis island with great success, though not in so exttja-
S:ve a iiianner as they desi-rvc. The trees thrive well almost evcr\- where, and s>tow to
as large a size as in their native soil, bearing abundance of fruit, and fortnirsg an cxr
cellent addition to the many other articles of subsistence which this island possesses.
The warts which cover the surface of the thick rind of this valuable fruit are of a qua-
drangular or diamond like figure, but without points. Tiie internal part of the rind or
})eel, consists of a fleshy substance lull of twisted fihres, which has the apyjearauce of
fine wool ; these iKliiere to, and in some measure form it. The iieshy part of this fruit
becomes soi'ter toi\'ards tiie midJle, where there is a surall cavity formed without any
'fiuts or seeds, except in one variety, which has but a small number, and this sort is
not good unless it is baked, or prepared some other way : but, if the outward rind be
taken oft', and the fiGrous flesh dried, and afterwards boiled with meat, as we do cabbage,
. it has then tiie taste of artichoke bottoms. The leaf iis large and dark coloured, and,
when young, has a covering which is pushed off as the leaf gathers strength. The
trunk, branches, and leaves, when Ixoke^ or cut, exude very plentifully and freely a
milky juice, which boiled with cocoa nut oil makes a very strong birdlime. Caout-
chouc, or Indian rubber, may also be obtained from it by exposure to the air; or if
oxv-tnnriatic acid be poured into it the caoutchouc precipitatos immediately.

There is a variety with deeply gaslred and another widi entire leaves, but the prin-
cipal variety is that which bears fruit with seeds, and is much taller and larger m every
respect than the other. The seeds are almost as large as chesnuts, oblong, omewhat
angular, produced into a point at each end, scjjarated by several little meuihranes or
coats, formeil by the abortion of some of the germs ; they are attached to a fleshy and
very considerable placenta, which occupies the centre. Tliey are farinaceous like the
chesnut, and are eaten, in some places,, by the savage inhabitants, either boiled or
j-'oasted. In Otaheite they reckon eight varieties of that without seetl^, differing in the
form of the leaves and fruit. One of tliese they name uru, which has a: globular^mootlt
even fruit,, and is the most common. A second, named viaira, has an oval smooth
fruit, with the leaves more deeply cut : A third, called /xr/tY/, has the fruit oblong and
rugged, as it were seal}' : A fourth tatara, has an oval fruit, with mamillary germs,
muricated by the permanent style. It is believed most if not all of these varieties are
to be found in this island,, and perhaps the different modes of cultivation may still fur-
ther increase them. The wood of all in body and branches is very soft and brittle^
having a considerable pith or hollow ; and the branches, especially of young trees, are
very liable to be broken by high winds.

The fruit, when used as a bread kind, is gathered before perfectly ripe, and is be.";t
roasted whole in an oven, and the rind afterwards scraped off, the inside is then soft
and white, tasting much like sweet cassada, to which its texture has also considerable
resemblance, but it is not palateable if kept for any length of time after being cooked.
Fritters may be made of it, and it forms a good ingredient in puddings, in any vvay it
affords a great deal of nourishment, especially when boiled, and being, it is said, of a
gentle astringent quality, is good for persons of a lax habit. The tree is useful not-
only for food but for clothing ; lor the bark is stripped off the suckers and formed into
a kind of cloth.

It is a hardy plant enough, and easily propagated by suckers, and cuttings of the
roots, '.rhe suckers rise in great numbers from the horizontal roots, which extend a
considerabJe length ironi tiie tree. When the roots are taken fur plants, each slip or

Q cutting.

11* HORTUS JAMAICENSIS. rea

cutting must have an eye or joint to germinate from ; they shouM he at least the size
of a man's finger, and divided into pieces five or six inches in length, and Liid just be-
low the surface of the soil in a shadj' place, and watered every evening until they strike
root and send up shoots. On cutting the plants the ends should he covered with clay,
tar, or any other suhstance tliat will preveoi the sap from oozing, which greatly facilitates
the growth. They will bear fruit in four years, or even loss time, in a favourable situa-
tion, from the time of planting. From the first appearance of the fruit tiicv arcfitfor
the table in little more thai] a month.

See Jaack Tree.

BREAD-NUT-TREE. BUOSIMUM.

Cl. 22, OR. I. Dioecia monuTKb'ia.

This name is derived from a Greek word signifying eatable.

Gen. char. Male calyx a common globular amentum, cftvered on all sides with irR~
bricate, orbicular, peltate, membranaceous, deciduous scales, three larger, sur-
rounding the base of the ament, and others smaller, of an irregular shape, be-
tween each of which the stamens break out. There is no corolla; the stamens are
solitiiry fiiaraents, very short, cylindrif, with bilamellate anthers ; lamellas orbi-
cular peltate ; lower gaping from the upper; dispersing a globular pollen ; the
pistil has the germ at top, included in a spongy anient, very small, ovate, abor-
tive ; style single, upright, bifid at the tip ; stigmas reflex, simple. The female
blossoms are on a different tree, having an amentum like the male; no corolla;
the pistilLum has a globular germen (the scaly body of the anient itself) ; the styl
springing from the middle of the gerrpen at top, long, bifid ; stigmas simple,
sharp, a little reflex : the pericarpium is a berry pedicelled, corticose, spherical,
one-celled ; the seeds solitary, with a two-lobed kernel, surrounded by a tiiin
membrane, and bipartite. Two species grow in this island, the spuriiim, or miii-
Kxod, and the

ALICASTRirat.
A)'boreum, foliis ovatis altemis, fructibtis solifariis. Browne, p. 372.
Leaves ovate-lanceolate, perennial; aments globul&r, pedicelled, solitary, ax-
illary ; fruit corticose.
This tree is frequent in the parishes of St. Elizabeth and St. James, and in both has
been computed to make up athird part of the woods. The timber is not despicable,
but the leaves and younger branches are more useful, and a hearty fattening fodder for
all sorts of cattle. The fruit, boiled with salt fish, pork, beef, or pickle, has been fre-
quently the support of the negroes and poorer sort of white people, in times of scar-
city ; and provetl a wholesome and no unpleasant food. When roasted it eats some-
thmg like our European chesnuts, and \s CAhcA bread -nut. The leaves and younger
shoots are full of gum, which renders them disagreeable to most cattle at first, but they
soon grow very fond of them. Browne.

They are propagated by the birds and rats from the seed ; and sometimes they ha'.-e

faeea

5STATr n O R T V S . J A M A I C E N S T 9. 115

been planted in the dryer pasture lan'la of the Soutlj side. I iiave oWcrvo'd that every
t>id feace in such places is a nursery for liiese and <ither valuable irces ; L;ch obscva-
iion may furnish a good, hint for the successful planting them, the shade of the fence
generally keeping the ground bcneuih much more cool and moist than it is in the open _
pasture:" the soil is also richer, from the mould" of decayed leaves and vegetaties.^-
Ilogs are extremely foni^W of this fruit, which makes, them fat. What is called ii;e
bread nut in Sc. Ann is a tree of large diameter, and very proper for cabinet worlc. It
is excellent timber. Long, p. 768.

These trees grow to a very considerable size, haring been found five feet in diame-
ter and sixty feet in' height before they branched. Tne trunk is very scraigbt and the
foliage boautiful. 7-he wood is finely veined, very hard, close-grained, and ponder-
ous ; the heart is not.unhke m-ahogiuiy in colour,, and the sap like box. It blossonis-in,
April and May. It has lately been found to make good puncheon sfaves, which answer
nearly as weh as the w^hite oak, and will be a very great ach^mtage to those districts in
tliis island, where they grow in abu.iulance. Were proper care taken to eukivate them
generally, which might easily be accomplished, they would furnish a source of future
supply, ami eoatribute to render this island still less dependent on. the woods of Ame-
rica for so necessary an article to our commerce as puncheon staves. But this is not
the only advantage that would arise from the propagation of this valuable tree, as it
would also furmsh a rich resource in times of scarcity, or famine^ as food for the ne-
groes; and tiiey are .said to bear fruit in four years from the time the seed is planted.
Mr. Robinson, in his manuscripts, mentions a gentlewoman in St. Elizabeth's who,
}iaving plenty of these trees on her property, during the months of July, August, and
September, when provisions were not to be had for her negroes, fed them with bread -
nuts. Two negroes and nine mules, he says^ supplied two hundred and thirty negroes
with them. Possessing plaats of sudi inestimable value^ indigenous to our awn soil,
if proper care was taken to cultivate tlrem generally, we .should have no occasion to call
in the aid of exotics from the South Sea,, or elsewhere, to guard us against want. In
Kurope they plant oaks, but in Janraica nothing is worthy of attention, it would seem,
that does not produce immediate profit. To induce a better system, it is a pity the le-
.rislature does not offer a premium for the encouragement of those who may propagatej
to a sufficient extent, the useful plants of certain parts of this island, in such districts-
aa are not naturally enriched by them.

See MiLKVvooD.

Ereynia See Bottle-Cod-Koot .

BROAD LEAF. TERMINALTA.

Cl. 23, OR. l.-r-Poli/gamia vionoecia. Nat. or. Elceagni.
Gen. char. Hermaphrodite flowers, at the lower part of the raceiTie flowering first.
Calyx a one-leafed superior perianth, five-cleft, coloured within ; segments ovate,
acute, equal ; no corolla ; nectary pitcher-shaped, in the bottom of the calyx,
consisiin"^ of five small hisped corpuscles ; the stamina arc ten filaments, awl-
ehapod, firom erect spreading, longer than the calyx, and inserted into-tlie bottom

0,8 of

us HORTUSJAMAICENSIS. broost

of it, wit!) roundish erect anthers ; the ])istil has an inferior germ, ovate-oblong;
style riiitorm, erect, lengtli oi ihe .stanifiis ; slignia simple; the pericarp is an
oval boat-shaped drupe, depressed, two-gnxived, or ( onipresseJ aciuuinatc ; seed
an oval-ohlong nut, two-valved; kernel oblong. Males superior, flowerin;^- later :
calyx as in the herniaphrotlite ; no corolla ; nectary and stamina as in llie lierina-
phrodite. Two species are natives of Jamaica.

1. I.AlirOI.IA.. BKO.\0-LrCAVKI>.

Arbor vuirima Jorte pricnifera, cortirc, rannnhino, folio /onfif/ssimo
Ja/iss/nnjq. Sloane, v. 2, p. 130. Foliis amplis scrratis, ob-ovatis
cum acumine ; capsulis biganminis. Browne, p. 255.

Leaves ob-ovate, subs'errate ;. drupes tJeshy.

This tree has a very large trunk, and grows to a vast height, covered with a grey or
very light brown bark, seeming- to be loose and come off in long pieces ; it has here
and there some knobs or e!<,iin(Mices on its surface, the leaves are large and long. It
grows in all tha inland great woods of Jamaica. .Sloane.

This tree grows to a very considerable height, having a proportionate body, being
frecj^uently sixty feet high before it reaches the brandies, and twi-lve feet m circumfer-
ence. The trunk is generally straight, and tapers gently from the bottom to the top.
liiie branches stretch horizontally, and so equal that the leaves seem to be placed in a
pertect level, as if regularly clipped. These branches project from tiie tree at certain
intervals, wiiere the stem is left bare, and diminishing in length as they approach the
sunmiit, <iives the tree a very beautiful appearance. The leaves are eight or ten inches
long and four bi'oad near the point, where broadest. At the base they are narrowest,
being there reduced to almost a point, and increase gradually until within about tsvo
inches of the end where they are rounded olt. They come out from the branches in
little circular clusters of ten or twelve together on a common barky inch long footstalk,
having each of thein a green round pedicel of nearly the same length.- They are of a
deep green colour, but paler below, having a .strong prominent mid-rib antl veins. It
is a very good timber wood and splits easily into shingles, which will last from twelve
to iifteen vears before they decay. The heart of the tree is the worst part, and it fre-
quently happens that boards of it split into two from having some inches of soft pitliy
substance in their centre. The larger sized trees, are on this account most frequently
sawn or split-into two, and the two halfs lined for boards the reverse way. In A. Ro-
binson's notes, the kernel of the fruit of this tree is said to be as good as an almond
iernel ; and the decoction of the root cures the diarrh<jea.

2. ARBUSCUlji.

Leaves ovate-lanceolate, entire, pubescent ; branches dichotomous ; racemes
.erect.

Broadleafed Broomweed See Marsh Mallows.

BROOM WEED. CORCHORUS.

Cl. 13, OR. i.Pol;yandria monogynia, Nat. og. TiUacece.

Thi

HROO.u HORTUS JAMA ICKX SIS. IH

Tliis generic name is cleriveJ from a Greek name for a pot-hcrl>, sakl to bo very
bitter.

Gen. char. Cal^-x a five-leaved perianth ; leaflets linear-lanceolate, acute, erect,
deciduous; coioila five-jxetajled, oblong,, oh.tnse, narrower beneath, erect, iengtiv
of tlie caiy.\ ; the stamina are numerous iibiuients, capillarv, shorter than the co-
rolla, with small anthers ; the pistil has an oblong gcrni, furrowed ; style thick,
short; stigma two-cleft ; the pericarp is an oblong, five-celled, five-va!\ed, cap-
sule; seeds very many, cornerecL pointed. Two species arc natives of.Iamaira,
siliquosus and testuuns ; and two others^ natives of the East InUies, have lately

- been introduced by Dr. D. Brown.

I. SII.IQUOSUS.. PODDED.

Carc/ioro ajjini!}, chaiiufdryox folio, flore staminco, scminjhux alris
quadrauiiulis dupliti. seric d/spnsi/is. SloiUie, v. 1, p, l-^V, t. 94,
f. 1. Foliis minoribus ovulis. cveiiatis, Jloribiis singnlafibus.
Browne, p. 147.

Capsules linear, compressed,, two-valved, two-celled ; leaves lanceolate, equally
se^-rate.

This Browne calls hroomrveed, and it is also named itervjandcr Icavrd corchoriu. It
is an herbaceous plant, but branched like a shrub, witli a round smooth stem, and al-
iernate, upright, pubescent branches ; leaves petioled, alternate, small, nerved, smooth,
*vith smaller leaves in the axils ; stipules subulate, opposite. This is a common plant
in all the sugar colonies, and seldom rises above three feet ; it grows in sandy places,
.and is genei-ally used for besoms by the negroes. Szeartz K Bro~u'iu'.

Burham calls this plant pimprrmdl, and says it ' Has a very deep-hlackish coloured
yoot, which sends uj) a round brownislt woody stem, rising three or four feet high, be-
ing divided into branches on every hand. The leaves come out sevei^al Ujgether, some
greater, some smaller, at half an inch distai^ce, on half-incU long foot-stalks ; they ar
iialf an iiich long, and a quarter broad at the base (where broadest), of a grass-green
colour, indented about the edges like germander, but smooth. Opposite to the leaves
.come yellow flowers,., being stamineous ; after which follows a two-inch long dark pod,
X)r seed vessel, shutting like those of the sesimum, but more like the spirit- weed, only-
having two roiunl sides, and a partition in the middle ; in which are two rows of seeds,
i)lack and quaelrangular. The pod, when ripe, opens at the end, ar;d scatters the seed
iike as the spirit weed. Barham, p. 145.

2. AESTUANS. BURNING.

Subvillosa, foliis rotimdioribu.s iinduluiis atqiie dtntatis ; dfntibus pos~
trcmis in setas inermes abeuntibus.^ Jtoribus alaribus. Browne, p.
232, t. 25, f. I.

"Capsules three-celled, three-valved, three-sided ; angles bifid, scabrous ;
leaves oblong, the lowest serratures setaceous. This has three bifid styles.

The stem is strong rising two or three feet, divided at top into two or three braiiches ;
leaves on long petioles, and between them several smaller leaves nearly of the same
form, silting close to the branches ; the flowers come out singly on the side of the
branches. Browne say.s it is a native of Jainaica, but not common ; the stem and
branches sleadur ; leaves roundish, jagged, and undulated ; the bark of a brown colour,

3. OLITORIU.S.

n 8 HO n T U 8 J A M A i C K N S I S-, BVf.i?NR *.,

3. OI.ITORIUS., GARDF.v.

Ca})sules oblong, ventricok: ; ihe lowest scrraUircs of , the leaves setaceous.

This is a native of the East Indies^ and is called the bristly havid C, or pommon.'
Javs iDultcw. It: grows ahoiJt two fet^t hii;li, h;iving sessile soiiiary yellow flowers. It,
is sown in great plenty about Ali^ppo as a. pot herb, aiul the Jews there boU tiia leaves
and eat with, their me^t.

4. CAP.Si;:,ARiS. GAP3ULAR.-

Capsules roundish, depressed, wrinkled.; the lower senatines of the leaves,
setaceous.

This has heart shaped leaves, and is also a native of the East ludies. It rises witii *.-.
slcjider stalk abqut three feet high. - '

See MfiLOCHu and Mountain Broomweed.

Brown Jolly See Egg Plant.
Bru NFELSiA 'See Trumpet Flower.

BRYONY. BRYONIA.

Cl. 21, OR. 10. Monoecia syngenhia. Nat. or. CucurlUaccte.
Gen. ciLiR. The male calyx is a one-leafed, bell-shaped, five-toothed, periantli^
the corolla five-parted, bell-shaped; filaments throe, verysiiort; anthers five,,
two connate on each of two fiiaments, and a single one on the third. The fewale
flowers have the calyx as in tjie male, superior, deciduous ; corolla as in tiie male ;
the pistil has an inferior germ, a irifid style, eniargiuate stigmas ; the pericarpiura'
is a sub-globular smooth even berry ; seeds few, fastened to the coat, sub-ovate.
One species is a native of Jamaica.

R.4CEM05A. HACEMF.D.

Fpliis h'irtis, trilohisvcl quinquelobts, denticulatis i racemis minorihnt
uhribus. Browne, p. 355.

This Browme calls the viountain bryony, and says he found it growing wild in the
mountains of New Liguanea. It runs a great way and bears small roundish berriesj
which contain each three or four, c)r six seeds. I'iie stigma or top of the style, is, in
each female flower, divided into three thin reflected lobes, and the fruit seldom ex^
Oeeds three-quarters of an inch in diameter. Browne, p. 355.

No English Nmne. BUCHNERA.

Cl. 14, OR. 2. Diclynamia angiospermia. Nat. or. Pcrsonat/v.
This was so named by Linneus in honour of A. E. Buchner, a German naturalist.
Gen. char. Calyx a perianth, one-leafed ; obscurely live-toothed, scabrous, per*
iarient; corolla monopetalous, tube long, filiform, bowed ; border flat, five-cieftj

equal ^

3UC HORTUS JAMAICENSIS. vi9

qua! ; stnmina ver}' short, in the throat of tlie corolla ; anthers ohlenjr ; the pis-
tiiium has an ovate oblong germ, filiform style, aiicl obtuse stigpia ; the pericarp
is an acLKiiinate capsule, caveretl, two-celled, gaping at the top into two parts ;
partition contrary ; the seeds numerous, angular; receptacle fastened to the mid-
dle of the partition. One species w,i's discovered in this island by Swartz.

F.LONGATA.

Leaves entire, opposite ; calyxes somewhat hairy, longer than the fruit. Siv,
Py. p. 92,

BUCK THORN. RIIAxMNUS.

Ci,. 5, OR. 1. Pentandriamonogynia. Nat. or. Dimiosm.
This is derived from the Latin name of a plant in Pliny.

'Gen. CH\R. There is no calyx ; corolla an imperforatt^ petal, externally rude, in^
teroally coloured, funnel form ; tube turbinate, cylindrical ; border spreading,
divided, acute; scalelets five, very small, each at the base of each division of the
border, converging ; the stamens ai'e filaments, as many as there are segments of
the corolla, awl-shaped, inserted into the petal under the scalelet ; anthers small ;
the pistil iias a roundish germ, filiform style, the length of the stamens, stigma
blunt, divided into lewer segments than the corolla ; the pericarp is a roundish
berry, naked, divided into fewer parts internally than the corolla ; seeds solitary,

roundish, gibbous on one side. Batted on the other. Schrober says that part of
the flower called the corolla is more properly tlie perianth, and the st'uleiets should
bu named petals. Four species are indigenous to this island.

' J. COLUBRINCS. SNAKE.

Arhorens foliis ovatis venosis, capsulis spheric is in ferns ad medietafem
caliptratis, pedunculisumbellulatis alariiuSj-corHce g-labro. Browne,
p. 172.

Flowers hermaphrodite, one styled, erect; capsules tricoccous; petioles fer-
ruginous-tomentose.
This is a small upright tree, with most of the branches spreading out horizontally.

*rhe twigs, petioles, peduncles, lower surface of the leaves, and outer surface of the
calyx, are covered with a feiruginous nap. The leaves are oblong-ovato, acute, entire,
the upper surface smooth and shining, alternate, for the most part distich ; raceiries
short, corymbed, axdlary, seven-flowered or thereabouts ; flowers without scent, all

pointing upwards, with greenish scales ; calyx deeply five-clelt ; anthers standing out
beyond" the scales ; style single, ending in a trifid stigma; capsule roundish, three-
grooved, three-cellecl, ihrec-valved ; tiie valves opening two v/ays at the top ; seeds
solitary, rountlisli, flatted a little, emarginate, black, and very shining. In high
mountain woods it attains the.hcight of twenty feet, while in coppices on the coast it is
rarely seven feet high, with leaves four inches long ; whereas in the former they arc
six inches in length. In the island of Martinico the French know it by the name of 6o:s

^conhimrCf or snake wood. 1'he bark is of a pleasant bitter taste,

2. SARCOMPHAI.irS,

MO IIORTUS JAIMAlCl'.NSlS. TSI'CK

2. SARCOMPK.U.l'S.

I-oJiis oiafis ^lahris filferin's ad aplcem Icnitev emarginaits, corticfif
i)iti'riorifcrrugi)io. Browne, p. 1*9,

Leaves oval, coriaceous, quite entiro, eraargiimte.

Th\s\s cdWed baslard ligiiH)}! vft^e fiiiilicr rvond, q;\-ows \n manv parts of thfi island,
and rises "cnc.-rally to a very coiisidorable hciglit ; tiie trunk is often aljove two feet and
a half in ciiameter, and covered witli atliick scaly bark. The wood is hard, oP a dark
colour, and close grain ; and is looked upon as one of the best tiinberwoods in the
island. Byozumc.

It beare a globose fruit with the calyx at the base, abont tbreP-qnartors of an inch in
diameter, and of a very obscKre j^urple ; the pericarp is smooth, f)ut little or nothing,
shining, having a mealy, moist, esculent ]julp, not in the least disagreeable, within
which is an ovate nut, penetrated by two ovate holes at its upper end, leading to the
tHO cells, in which it not a little resembles the coco-nnt. The outsicle of this nnt is
5: mewiiat rugged. When young this tree appears widely ditfereut from what it does
when old, it then having tliorns 'and shining small leaves, though the loner branches
of the older trees are thornv also, 'riie leaves have also sometimes thorns upon their
Hiargiiis, which makes it probablv, m that state, ihe ivgrifolium Jo/io iaiuiore, S(c. of
Sloane, v. 2, p. las, t. 188, f. 2.

3. SPILEKOSPEllMUS. ROUND-S-EEDED.

Flowers hermaphrodite, "in racemelets; berries roundish, three-celled, pellucid,
leaves oblong, serrate, smootli. Ss'. Pr. p. 50.

Trunk ten or fifteen feet high, with a smooth bark ; branches subdivided, spreading ;
leaves alternate, acuminate, unequally serrate, nerved, smooth on both sides, very
finely veined ; petioles roundish, smboth ; peduncles axillary, the length of the peti-
oles, short, upright, many flowered ; flowers pedicelled, small, green,_or yellowish ;
stipules small, acuminate, at the base of the peduncles ; calyxes ovate and cut round
at tiie base, permanent, five-cleft ; segments acute, spreading, thickish, deciduous ;
petals very minute, placed between the divisions of the calyx, on very short ])edicels,
concave ; fjlamentu five, shorter than the calyx ; anthers roundish, three-cornered,
covered at the back by the petals ; germ rouiulish, at the bottom of the calyx ; style
shorter than the stamens, trifid ; stigmas blunt, contiguous ; berry spherical, some-
times three-grooved at the top, the size of a small pepper-corn, placed on the calyx,,
pellucid, pale-green, containing from one to three oblong three-cornered seeds. It
grows in the more temperate parts of Jamaica, in jnountain coppices ; fiowei-ing ia
August and ripening the berries in October. .yu:;.

4. ELLIPTICUS. OVAI.-LF.AVED.

jirhorescefis minor foliis ovatis veyiosis, peduncidis innlellulatis, alari-
husfnicdbus sphericrs, Browne, p. 172, t. 29, f. 2.

Flowers hermaphrodite, sub-trigynous, axillary, sub-unibelled ; leaves elliptic,
acute, quite entire, somewhat villose underneath.

This is a shrub becbming in a manner a tree ; the branches are round, alternate, rod-
like, often reclming or spreading, covered with a smooth brown bark ; leaves alternate,
i>lunt, nerved, and veioed ; nerves approximating ; petioles round, filiform, longish,

snisoth f

SUCK HOETUS JAMAICENSiS, 121

sinocth ; peduncles shorter than the petioles, round, smooth, many-flowered ; fiowen;
peclicelled, disposed in a iiitle' umbel, whitish green ; .there are a few minute scales at
the base of the umbels j calyx cut round at the base; border five-cleft, deciduous,-
xegmeYits ovate, spreading ; petals or scaieleis inserted between the se>;ment:i of the
c?Jvs,,iniaute, vaulted ; filaments the iengtii of the petals, and concealed under them ;
gei-m ronsdish, placed at the base of the calyx, or on the receptacle ; style three-parted
to the base ; stigmas biuat. Fruit placect at the base of the calyx, sab-tricoccoas,
three-celled, covered with a juiceless skin, and, when that hursts,, divisible into three
tJarts, like those of a capsule, opening widxin' and at the top ; with membranaceou:^
partitions ; seeds solitary, oblong, flatted a little, smooth, black. The fruit, when
rioe, and without the skiin, being cut transversely above the middle, appears to be tri-
capsular and sex-valvular. It is very nearly allied to the co/M.6r/!MS, but that has the
branchlets, petioles, and pedunclesj, ferruginQU^-t;oiantose ;, the style three-sided,
tnfidoniy at thQ,top.- Ji'w, '- ' - ' '' .

Near the~mat^ia of the leaflets is^a sm.aii gland on each side, and beyond this tliere
is one, sometimes two or more, at uncertain distances. It happens frequently that
there arc three glands on one side and only one on the other, which may be plainly
seen on the under side of the leaf with, the naked eye. In the centre of the cup may
also be seen a large depressed nectarmro, divided by so many eccentric furrows into
.five equal pariSj bedewed with nectar, which the bees and other insects feed upon.
The nectarinm is permanent, and seems united or fixed to the b-ise of the perianth, and
forming a rim or. border round the fruit, while the base of the cup adhered to its
iiottom. The tree grows iiibout twelve feet high.

- - .., ,

Browne calls' this the skrubhu rhnmnus with bilocular berries, but in the figure th'Q
fruit seems to be tricoccoas. In Martyn's Dictionary this is also made ceanothus reti^
tinattis.

BUqK WHEAT. POLYGONUM.

Cl. 8, OR. 3. Octandria dis-'onia. ~ Nat, OR. Holoracec?.'
GM. CHAR'^-yce Arsmart, ;?. 32.

SCANDENS. CLIMBING.

Fegofyninx scoiidens, seu volicbilis nigra major, (lore cipucid 7hem^
branaceis, subrotundis compressis, Sloane, v. I, p. 138, t. 90, f. i.

Leaves cordate ; stem erect, scandent.
This woodbine has round, red, succulent staik.s,' by which it winds and turns itself
round any tree or shrub it comes near, rismg seven or eight feet high. It has every
inch or half inch Wwards the top leaves growing oat of tiie stalk alternatively. They
have a quarter of an- inch long footstalks, are grass-green, juicy, smooth, thick, an
inch and a quarter long, and one inch over at the base, being of a triangular heart
figure. The dowers come out from the upper axils, they are very mau}', in spikes
three niches long, on a very short peduncle ; they are round, flat, sv/elled out in the
middle, and green, having a thin white merabraae round thejn, like a parsnip seed :

R when

fc22> H OUT US JAMAICENSIS. -buddlka

when th seed is ripe these membranes become somewhat larger, and the protuberant
part in the middle turns brown. It grew -among the trees, near the ruins of a monas-
tery in Spanish -Town. Shunt.

The grains of this yjlant are hot and dry, and of thio and subtle parts ; they ar ft. good \
against hysterics, andai-e esteemed great provocatives. Rarhanu, j). '25,

See Arsmart. .

No English Name. BUDDLEA.

Cl. 4, OR. 1. Tctravdrla monogyma. NaT. or. Personatce.

This was so named by Dr. Houston from Adam Buddie, who is often mentioned iii <
llay's Synopsis.

Gkn. CHAR. Calyx a small four-cleft perianth; corolla one-petaliod, bell-shaped,
four-cleft halfway, erect, tliree times larger tiia,n the calyx stamina four filaments,
very short, placed at the divisions of the c-orolla, with verv siiort simple anthers ;.
the pistil has an ovate germ, style simple, shorter by half than the corolla, stigma
obtuse; the pericarp is an ovate, oblong capsule, two furrowed, two-celled; seetls
numerous, extremely minute ; adlieriiig to a fungous receptacle. One species is
a native of Jamaica.

AMERICANA. AMERICAN.

Verba.sci Jlore minore, arbor, florihus spicatis luteis tefrapetalis, semi-
mbus singitlis ohlougis in singulis vasculis siccis. Sloane, v. 2, p.
29, t. 173, f. 1. ^Issurgens incana, foliis majoribus moUilunugine
obductis, spicis assaygentibus lerniinalibits. Browne, p. 144.

This shrub rises from five to ten feet, branched, and all over hoary ; leaves ovate-
lanceolate, opposite, serrate ; flowers in long slender spikes, axillary, and terminating ;
composed of little, opposite, many flowered crowded racemes ; corolla coriaceous,
scarcely longer than the calyx ; divisions upright, yellow within, hoary on tlie outside,
Sxt<.

This has a trunk as thick as one's leg, a white smootli, bark, with several brancbes,
whose ends are bowed down towards the ground ; the leaves come out opposite to one
another towards the ends of the branches ; they have scarce any footstalks, are three
niches long and half as broad, green abo^e and white underneath, somewhat like vibur-
num leaves. The tops of the twigs are branched into several inch-long stalks, every
one of which is very thick and close beset, with many tetrapetalous small yellow flowers,
v.'hich have a pale greenish calyx and no footstalk ; to each of which follows an oblong
or oval brown capsule, which is filled with a pretty large brown seed. It grows near
the banks of the Rio Cobre, in most gullies. Sloana.

Dr. Browne caHs it the long-spiked bieddieia, and says it is very common in the CQoler
hills of Lignanea ; that it rises there only four feet or better, terminating in long slen-
der flower-spikes. It is used in emollient baths and fomentations, and thought to have
11 the properties of the true mullein. Browm.

;2W.l, HOUTUS JAMAICENSIS. 123-

The glohcsa, or round headed buddlea, a native of Chili, with leaves lanceolatej
heads solitary, has also beea introducctl into this island.

BULL-HOOF OR DUTCHMAN'S LAUDANUM. PASSIFLORA.

Cl. 20, OR. 4. Gynandria pentandria. Nat.- OR. Cucurhitacc.r.

This name was altered by Linneiisfromthe old name jinx passionis, which was given
to it from a fancy that all the instruments of our Saviour's passion was seen in tiie
flower.

Gen. CHAR. The calyx is a five-parted -perianth, flat and colatired ; corolia five-
petals, semi-lanceolate, flat, blunt, of the same size and form with the calyx ;
nectiiry a triple crown, the outer longer, encircling the style within the petals,
more contracted above ; the stamens are five awl-shaped filaments, fastened to a
colimin at the base of the germ, and united at bottom, spreading ; with incumbent,
oblong, blunt, anthers; the pistil has a roundish germ, placed on the apex of a
straight cylindrical column ; styles thre-e, thicker above, .spreading, stigmas capi-
tate ; the pericarp is a fleshy berry, sub-ovate, one-celled, pedicelied ; the seeds
very many, ovate, arilled ; receptacle of the seeds triple, growing longitudinally
to the rind of the pericarp. Eighteen species of this genus are enumerated as in*
dJgeiious to Jamaica, of which the bull-hopf\s one.

MURUCUJA.

Foliis tenuioribus, trinerviis bicorniius, lunafis ; siitu ajiteriori obtvso^
Browne, p. 228.

Leaves cate, undivided at the base, dotted underneath ; nectary one-leafed.
Stem herbaceou, grooved, smooth ; leaves ovate or oblong, two horned, with ari
jntevme iiate bristle, tiree-nened, veined, smooth, entire ; dots on the back hollowed,
pellucid ; petioles grou,gj^ smooth, destitute of glands; tendrils sub-axillary, fihform,
long; flowers in pairs, a.ijij^^y^ scarlet, large; peduncles longei- than the petioles,
having two very small hhtoi^ ^.^ip^igg in the middle ; petals almost upright, blunt, a
liale smaller than the calyx; ' otary one-leafei^, tubular, growing on the petals and
talyx, with a yellow crown at the ^^.q^^. ; column longer than the corolla, erect ^ berry
, ovate, the size of a pigeon's egg, p dicelled. .i'a;.

This plant is a clvmber (like most of the ^^^^ species), whose fruit is of an oblong-
, oval form, about the size of a large olive, anu f ^ ^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^ ^^^^ ^jp^ g^^j^ ^j^^
syrup and the decoction of the plant is now n)u^, ^^^^ -^^ ^j^^ leeward parts of the
island, where it is frequent ; and is said to answer vx-^^tually all the purposes to which
the syrup of poppies and liquid laudanum are g^'n^M, ,i,^tgrgj -fhe flowers
have" been hitherto the most in use; they are common.^. .^^,, ^ ^^ pyunJed and
mixed immediately with, wine or sjjirits, and the composit. ^ ^.^u tj^ougin, a very

effectual and easy nzxcotxc Browne. jo j

See Granadilla Honey-Suckle Passion Flowers-,,^^^^^ Lemon

R2

BULLY

BULLY-TREE. ACHRAS.

Cl. 6. OR. 1. Hca:andriam:mogT/mc, Wat. oR. Buynos.-e.
This generic name is derived from the Groek i;ame c>f a tree in Theophrastus, corn
monly translated the wild pear.

Gen, char. Caiyx a six-!eafed perianth ; leaflets ovate, concave, erect ; outer
ijroader, shorter, inner-coloured'; corolla one-petalled, ovate, of the sameheight
v.ith the calyx ; border cut into six sub-ovri:ie flat divisions ; scales at the jaws of
the corolla, equal in length -to the divisi<3ns, narrower, spreading, emarginate ;
ihe stainliia are short awl-shaped fdanaents at the jaws of the corolla, alternate,,
v/ith the divisions bent inwards, with s4rdrp-aytheis ; the pistil has a roundish flat-
ted germ, aw!-sbaped styie, longer than the corolla ; stigma obtuse ; the pericarp
is a globose siiccilent pome, twelve-celled-, seeds solitary, ovate, shining, scared
on one side, and pointed at the base. Two species only are reckoned in this island
the mammosa, ot viaimnee sapota, and the */;/.'/, or iiaseberiy. The naseberry
buliy-tree has been thought only a variety of the former, but is certainly a very
distinct species.

Species DoubfJuL

Anona maxima, foliis laurinis giabris mridi fusch,'/ruciii r/iimmo

roiundo viridi Jlavo, senmizhiis fuscis, splcndentibus, fissura alba

noiQ.tis. Sloane, v. 2, p. 172, t. 169, f. 2. Caudice altissimp

J'ructti ininori, scmine nmcronato.. Browne, p. 201'. - /

The naseberry bully-tree has a trunk as big as an oalc, and riseth much liighee hav-

nutmeg, having its outward skin rough like a naseberry. The W^?f^ nrst austere,
but^ after lying, swe^i., and has within it a great many oblong, p^Pyessed, blacK,
-shining, seeds, with a white edge, sht, or fissure, exactly like tb^ oi thf nasebenyj.
only in every thing larger. It is one of the largest trees in the^and, and the timber
af great use. The fruit is eaten and not unpleasant. S'loan^

TKlc ;. =n r!.llpd bv tl.r .fnmflirans. for its fruit wheiv^"^ '^ ^s black as a buliy or

This is so called by the Jamaicans, for its fruit w^hen^p >s as niactc as ? buUy o
damson, but in shape ofaLucca olive; pigeons f.^uch upon tiiem, and they maks
them very fat : its timber is very strong and I astiiv'^^'^' '''*'"> -V- 25.

The naseberry is called the bully-tree, "bj^'^^ '^ generally grows the tallest of all
the trees in the woods: its fruit is sma!U^^^^^^%^,ffl^ oblong and narrov/. It is es.
teemed one' of the best tunber trees of^"''^^'^^- The bark of the naseberry bully-tree
(as well as all s])ecies of the achras) V^l T T^yp^t""^^"'' and all indiscriminately
Lw go by the ime of ..r/..r /.H^''^^^ ^hf';^^^^

imposed on some of the people C-Jf^&i^lf'^f the one or the other to be the true
Jesuits bark, and on this acc^^^'^f, frequently administered hem aniong the negroes,
where they were often obj^^^'^ to answer all the purposes of tnat medicine as all bitter
astringents will do on rp>^^ constitutions when the disease proceeds immediately from
a weakness of the visci-^ ^nf ^ gross undigested chyle : this brought them first into
3omevo"-ue and tV"^"^'='^ ^'^^" frequently, since that time, brought into England

iSuE HORTUS . JA'MAICENSIS. 525

for further experiments ; but are much more likely to prove successful here than in
America, whore thos0 fevers th^t generally pot on the appearance of intermittenis, are
attended with nervous syniptoms, and oiLcn mortal ; tiiereiore must require medicines
that act more effectualt}- on the whoje habit, and whose active particles can stimulate
and provoke the oscillations of the hon'Ous filaments in the more remote parts of the
body. These different barks 'yield a large quantity of extraa, which in taste and ap-
pearance seems to be the same with that of the Jesuits bark, vvhich has occasioned it to
be frequently substituted in the room of that drug-j and tliis, I am persuaded, costs
many a life in those colonies, where remittent fevers are so frequent and mortal, it is,
however, an excellent astringent, and a very convenient and elegant preparation in
that form, which rnay be adminisierec'^ with great ])ropriety and success, whenever as-
tringents of a long continued actionaare properly rscjuired. Browne-, p. 202.

The bark cf these trees has been also found very useful in curing putrid ulcers, by
..giving a strong deccctiort of it inwardly, and fomenting the ulcers therewith.

See Mammee Sapota and Naseberry,
BuLLRUSH See Hush,

BUR BARK. TRIUMFETTA.

Cl. 11, OR. 1. Dodecandria monogyma. Nat. or. Coluynnifenr..
"3o natned in memory of G. B. Triumfetti, author of Hortus Romanus,

Gen. cinp.. Calyx a five-leaved pe'rianthium , leaflets lanceolate, arilled below the
tip, decyiiious ; corolla five-pctailed ; petals linear, erect, obtuse, concave, bent
back, avviibnJ below the tip ; stamina are sixteen filaments, equal, ascending, length
of the corolla, awl-shapetl, erect, with smiple anthers; the pistil has a roundish
germ, style lenyh of the stamens, stigtna bifid, acute; the pericarp a globular
-capsule, fenced 01. everj'. side with hooked prickles, four-celled; seeds two, con-
-vex on one side; an^i^r on the other. One species is a native of Jamaica.

SEMIT.XLOBA, HALF-THREEvLOBED.

Agrcvnonia lapV'-^eainodora, Jolio suhrotundo dcntato. Sloane, v. 1,
P.'^'\' ^''-^^'^^^i foliis inferioribiLS angulato ovatis, serrato denta~
th ; fioribus iernaii, . fasncUHs geminatis ; Joliis sub-oppositis.
"Browne, p. 233. >:.

Tlowers complete ; leaves half-threej^g(j_
"This rises to four or five feet high, being divjg^^ j,j^q several smaller branches to-
wards the top, v/luch are beset witii several leaves, vitkout any order. They aie almost
round, rather club-shaped, though a little pointed, \^.\^ ^wo smuations, indented round
the edges, woolly> of a deep green colour above anu j^^ ^^j^^^^^ ^^^.-^ ^^^^ ^^^^^
nent ribs going from the centre of the footstalk through t ^ j^^^ ^^^^ flowers stand
on the tops of the branches m a spike, are yellow, the peta. j^,^ Yik'e those of Eng-
lish agrimony, only narrower. After these follow, on a c^^u^^j footstalk, sev-rdl
:!3rown round burs, thick, set with hooked prickles, stickmg to a-, thing. .SW,!?.

"The

r? H'ORTUS JAMAICENnS; bur

The anthera of the plant are always in the form of a heart, and the blossoms, which
generaUy grow in two distinct parcels near the alie of the leaves, are sustained by a few
narrow siipulffi, that perform the ofhce of an involncrum, and half tlie capsula is echi-
nated, trie other smooth. The plant is coinniun in Jamaica, and rises iVeipiently to the
" height of six or seven feet, wlierfe" tho sf>ii : is r-icii and well supplied witli moisture.
The leaves and tender bufls, when infujsed.for any time in water, yield a fine clear mu-
cilage ; irom whence we j'.iay conclude it to be an excellent emollient. The bark is
tough and strong, and serves for ropes and other little conveniences of that kind> among
those who inhabit the inland parts of the country. Browne,

BUR-GRASS. CENCHRUS.

Cl, 23, on. 1. Pol^'gamia monoeria. Nat. or. Gramin<i.
Gen. CHAR. Calyx has many involucres, laciniate, cchinatc, gathered into a head,
each sessile, including tliree calyxes, biflorous ; perianth a bivalve glume, lance-
olate, concave, acuH'inate, biHorous, shorter than the corolla ; corolla one male,
the other hermaphiodite : stamens to each three capillary filaaients, length of
corolla, anthers sagittate ; the ])istil has the germ in the hermaphrodite roundish,
style filifonr, length of the stamens; stigmas two, oblong, hairy, spreading;
there is iio pericarp ; the seed is roundisli. Four species are natives of this
island,

1. ECHINATU3. HEDGE-HOGGED.

Grameyi echhiattmi maximum spicanihra vel aiba. Sloane, v. l,,pj
108. Spica ohlonga simjdici tchinaia, BrownCj p. 367.

Spike oblong, conglomerate.
This grass has several two or three inch long thready roots, sending out several inch
and a half long leaves, of a yellowish green coloui-, from the midi-''c of which rise se-
veral six inches long stalks, jointed; the joints are three-quar'<2rs of an inch distajit
from each other, at which are now and then branches which ar'' crooked, having leaves,
and at the top an inch aud a half long spike of little burs, (^ large round prickly seeds,
sometimes reddish and sometimes green ; the prickles b^"'o lo'>g) strong, and sharp,
standing on every side, .having within them some oblf^'S' large, flat, whitish seeds.
.Of this there are of various, sizes. From the H^s go sometimes reddish jointed
branches, on which jrrow tufts ef smaller leavp-' makmg the grass creeping. It is
troublesome to travellers on foot, these small '^'^^ or, echmated seeds, sticking close to
their garments and stockings. Sloathe.

The cenchnis, with a simple oblonz-P^^'cle, and multiparted cups, is one of the
most common sorts of grass in the '^^^, pastures of Jamaica, and is looked upon both
.s a wholesome and pleasant fooc'-^'^ ^'^ ^'^''ts of cattle. Browne.

2 .j-rdtJLOIDES. TRIBULUS-LIKE.

Gramen ./"''^^'""*,^t-"/""^ procuuibcns culmo longiori et spicit
gfi.^,j.^oribits. Sloane, v. 1, p. 108, t. 65, f. 1.

.Spike "lomera" fe^.ale glumes globular, muricate-spiny, hirsute,

/

nvriQ-^ liORTUS J A MAI C ENS IS. 127

This has a fibrous root, which sencU out many trailing, round, }'ellowish c\ilms, about
a foot and a half long, the joints an inch aiiri a half disiunt, at each of wliich is a leaf
sheatlring the inlernodes, two or threo inches long, green-coloured, and harsh like
those of the carex. At the top stands an inch and a half long spike, set round with
small burs, at intervals, having on every side strong sharp prickles, Ijcing first green
thea of a straw-colour. It grew at Gun Cayos, off Port Royal harbour. Sloane.

3. ORAN'ULARlSi GRAINED.

G'rawev ryperou/cs polysfachwn, spicis ad nodos ex utn'cidis sen folio-
rum alts echinatis prodcuntibus. Sloane, v. 1, p. 120, t. 80.

Racemes double ; fruits globular, wrinkle-netted.

TliKXAXiiC manisuris granular is oi ^wzn?,, who gives its specific character, as fol-
lows: Spikes lateral, outer-valves orbicular, with callous dots ; sheaths hairy; culm
erect.

It has several two or three inches long strings as roots, from v/lience rises a jointed
stalk, three or four inches high, solid, triangular, or flat on one side and round on the
other. That part of. the leaf sheathing the internodes is rougli or prickly, the other
part harsh, grassy, with a sharp back like the cyperus grasses, and about half an inch
broad, next the culm, where broadest. Towards the top, the leaves, which are always
at the joints, are shorter and more swelled, having a row of prickles on the back. Out
of the alffi ri>e branches below and small footstalks above, sustaining one, two, three,,
or four inclics and a half long, green spikes, made up of" small seeds, standing each
above a very small, scarce discernible leaf. Sloane.

4. SETOStJS. BRISTLY.

Spike linear-oblong ; involucres bristly ; bristles unarmed, the interior ones-
yiliose at the base ; hairs ciliate ; glumes even. Sw. Pr. 26.

Burn Weed See Thorn Apple.
Button Tree See Alder Tree.

BUTTON WEED. SPERMACOCE.

Cl. 4, OR. 1. Tetrandria vionosynia. Nat. or. Stellatte.

This is so named from two Greek words signifying a sharp pointed seed, these plants
"having prickly seeds.

Gen. char. Calyx a small four-toothed perianth, superior, permanent; corolla',,
one-petalled, funnel-shaped, border four-parted; stamens awl-shaped, shorter
than the corolla ; anthers simple; the pistil has a roundish germ, simple style,
but cloven above, stigmas obtuse ; the pericarp is two capsules, connate, oblong, .
gibbous on one side, flat on the other, obtuse ; each two-horued ; seeds solitary,
roundish. Five species are natives of this island.

1. TENUIOR. SLENDER.

Scandens, foliis ohtongis venis arcuatis refertis, Jioribus paucicribus
constipatis ai alas. Browne, p. 141.

Smooth;

i23 HORTUS'- JAMAICENSI8. bottoj*

Smooth, leaves lanceolate ; stamens included ; flowers whorled ; seeds rough^^
haired. . '.' '

I :,,., T>Iai)t has hj. .: ^.. .. j.v _ .: . , .-:;.! is found according to Browne only in the
tvoods, where it grows, sometimes upright and sometimes as a cliaiber, and is^therefore
called climbing spermacoce. When erect it rises to the height of two or three feet, but
ciiinhrng to double Or triple that length. The root is jjerenniai, a foot in length,
shooting perpendicularij' into -the earth and lightlv mai"ked with transverse rugae, and
of' an acrid nauseous taste. It throws up divers jointed, slender, quadrigonai stems,"
%vith marginated or foliated angles, climbing ox\ neighbouring plants or creeping on
the ground. It has a brown bark, and the branches come out by pairs. The leaves
are placed at the joints in opposition, from one to Uto or three inches in length, and
about a quarter of an inch broad ; tneir margins are furnished with minute spinous
denticles, beStc-r known by handling-th'an by the eye, they are furnished with eminent
arcuated side veins, and are of a stiif brittle substance, I'ugged and hardj. having no pe-
dicel, but embrace the stems with broad ciliated bases. Between the.se larger leaves
come three or four smaller ones, standing in whorls round the .stalks. The fiov.-ers
grow in slender whorls tovvar<!s the top of the stalks, round, white, and sessiile, having
a whorl of leaves close under them; succeeded by two oblong seeds, having small
horns, and ripening in the calyx. The flowers are placed singly, at the alas of the
leaves, when it ci'eeps along the sea beech.

2. VERTICILI^ATUS-. VEUTICILLATE.

Pulegium jruti'cosum crectum verticillin de^isissunis. Sloane, v. i^

p. 170. Frutiadosa atque ramosa, foliis linearibus, fioribus con-^

stipatis ad aids supremas: .SrowHe, p. 141.

Smooth, leaves lanceolate ; whoids globidar.

Stem shrubby, square, three or four feet high ; branches opposite, decussated,

fastigiate, four-cornered. Leaves opposite, decussated, /anceolate-linear, Vrith a

middle nerve, entire, even on both sides ; branchlets aivillary, length of the leaves,

opposite ; stipules connate, membranaceous, with whitish bristles ; whork of flowers

embracing, round the joints, small, white, clustered very close together in globular

heads. Calyx superior, minute, with two teetii, or three or four ; tube of the corolla

very shorf, four-cornered ; border four-cleft, erect, minute ; filaments standing out,

fastened to the middle of the tube ; anthers incumbent, whitish; germ ovate, ancipi-

tal ; style siidrt, en|arginate at top or sub-bifid ;. seeds naked, compressed, bipartite,

crowned, smooth, black, having a small furrow on one side. . This plant grows very

conmionly in all the low a.nd high lands oi' Jamaica, and in the driest soils. I,t bears all

Its flowers at the upper joints of the branches.

3. HIRTA. HOUGH-HAIRED.

Erecta sub-hirsuta, foliis oblongis venis aixuafis refirrtis, superiorihus
' onajoribus dppropinquatis, fioribus constipatis ad alas-. BrownCj,
p. 141.
Rugged branched; leaves ovate-lanceolate; flowers clustered, axillary j sta-
mens standing out.
Stem herbaceous, fit)m one to two feet high, four-cornered, stiff, striated ; branches
erect, four-cornered, with theangles rough-haired ; leaves sub-sessiie, entire, nerved,,

roughw

SUTTON HORTUS JAMAICENSIS. 12ft

rough-haired ; stipules connate, memhranaceoTis, bristly at the edge. Flowers sessile,
small, white ; calyx four-toothed, very short ; tube of the corolla round, funnel-shaped,
border four-parted, rcHexed ; hlaments standing out, anthers blue ; germ hisped ;
style length of stamens, bifid at top ; stigmas blue, refJexed ; seeds two, covered and
united by a skin, crowned with the teeth of the calyx, rough-haired ; when stripped
of the skin, black and smooth. Sw.

This is common about all the fields in Liguanea ; it seldom rises above twelve or
fourteen inches, and is easily known by its cblong leaves and arched veins ; it is very
like the worm grass at first appearance, but the stalk of this is quadrangular, and hol-
low, that of the other roundish and smooth. j^runnie.

4. VILLOSA. HAIRY,

Villose, simple, leaves ovate-lanceolate, pubescent, the uppermost in fours ;
flowers in whorls ; stamens included.
This species is distinguished from the hirta by its more simple stem ; oblong leaves,
the uppermost in fours ; its villosity ; the whorls of the Howers, and shorter stamens
within the tiffoat of the corolla. They are both annuals. Sw.

5. SPINOSA. SPINED.

Erecta simplex, fol its ianceolatix, 7iervis denticulatis, Jlaribus consti-'
patis ad alaj. Browne, p. 1 40.

Suffruticose, leaves linear-ciliate, with spinules.

Stem herbaceous, almost simple, subdivided at the base, hard, leafy, four-cornered.
Tugged, a foot high. Leaves opposite and decussated, sub-sessile, lanceolate-linear,
acuminate, nerveless (except the middle) ; nerves and margins tooth-letted backwards,,
and somewhat spinulose. Flowers in a sort of globular axillary whorl, invelucred v,'ith
the stipules, clustered, white ; stipules membranaceous, bristly at the edge, rigid ;
calyx two or four toothed ; teeth linear, longer than tlie corolla ; tube short, border
four-cleft, with ovate segments; filaments included; anthers whitish; style bifid j
stio-mas erect, included. Sjd.

Browne says this plant is common in all the savannas about Kingston, it rises gene-
rally by a simple upright stalk to the height of fourteen or sixteen inches, having from
space to space, lanceolate, opposite, embracing leaves. Flowers numerous, white,
gathered into compact axillary heads, that grow gradually larger and more distinct as'
as they draw nearer to the top.

CABBAGE.

li* nORTUS JAMAICENSIS. ciBBACis

CABBAGE. BPARSICA.

Cl. 15, OFi. 2. Tc/radj/iiaviia sili^uosa. Nat. or. Ctucifera.

Tliis generic name is sapposeJ ta. be derived fiom a Geeck word, signifying a gar. _
iS" herb.

Gf.n. CHAR. Calyx a four-leaved, erect, converging perianth; corolla tetrapetal-
OU-, cruciform i npctureoiis ghiiids four,, ovate, of.whicii one on eayli side hctweea
the shorter stamen anci the pislil, and one on each side bctjveen tlie longer stamens^
raid the calyx; filaments sa'oulate, erect; anthers erect, acuminate; the pistil;
has a columnar germ, the length of the stamens ; and a short .style the thickness,
of the germ; stigma capitate, entire; the pericarp is a long siliqne, flatted on.
both sides ; partition with a prcawueiit Golunmar top, two-celled, two-valveci |
valves shorter th^n^the pijirtitiou.,

OLERACEA. ?OT-HERB.

Root caulescent, columnar, fleshy.

This is the common cabbage, so well knwvn in its description and cullioation. Be-
sides which several other species and varieties have been introduced into this islantl^
and all thrive remarkably well ; growing in new and ricli land to as large a size or even .
larger, andwith as compact and fir>m heads as in their ujutive soil ; awA^ from the nature
of the climate, they have a much mellower and sweeter taste than in Europe.

All the species of cabbage are supposed to be liard of digestion, to afford little nou-
rishment, and to produce flatulencies. They tend strongly to putrefaction, and run
into this state sooner than almost any other vegetable ; v.hen putrefied, their smell is.
likewise the most offensive, greatly resembling that of putrefied animal substances. A ,
lecoction of them is said to loosen the belly.

See Turnip. ,

CABBAGE BARK TREE. GEOFFROYA.

Cl. 17, OR. 4. Diadelphia decandria. NaT. or. Papilionaccte.

This was so named by Jacquin, in honour of M. Geoffroy., author of a Materia Me-
-ica, v/Jio died in 1731:.

Gen. char. Calyx a one-leafed, bell-shaped, half five-cleft, coloured, periati-
thium ; the tv.'O upper divisions diverging, spreading ; corolla papilionaceous,
banner roundish, emargiaate, flat, reflex ; wings the same length with the banner,
blunt, concave; keel compressed, the same- length and figure with the wings j
stamens diadelphous (simple and nine- cleft), the Jenglh of the keel, anthers
roundish; the pistiUum has a roundish "erm ; style subulate ; stigma-obtuse; the
pericarpium is a large ovate drupe, witwa longitudinal groove on each side; the;
seed a sub-ovate nut, woody, rather flatted, with a longitudinal groove on each
side, acute, two-valved. There are two specie|^oue. oY which is a natire of Ja-
maica.

BfERMiei

-casBAO* HO TITUS JAMAI'CENSIS, t31

INF.RMIS. UNARMED.

J^i'l/'is ohlongis, ohovdtis 72itidis vinnatis, cortice glahro cinereo.
Browiif, p. 367.
Without thorns ; k';itlcts lanceolate.

Tliis tree (which, is cu Hed sometimes the bt7^t'-Ti\ifer tree, from its disagrcoiible smell),
">ises to a considerable height, and towards the toj) sends off several hniiiclies; tlie ex-
ternal bark is smooth and grey, uiternally it is black and furrowed ; the leaves are pin-
Tiate ; leaflets opposite, oblong-ovate, or lanceolate, acuminate, smooth above, nerve-
less beneath, oa short petioles ; flowei-s in clesters upon large branched spikes ; calyx
Tery slightly five- parted^ with short ovate divisions ; corolla ]mle rose-colonr ; keel of
the coroUa ovate, S-preading, very slightly divided into two parts ; t!ie friiit -a large
siib-ovate drupe, inclosing a woody nut. Tiie wood of this tree is hard and durable,
and takes a good polisii ; but it is chietly retctirkable on account of the quality of its
tark, which has been f )un 1 to be an excellent vermifuge. It was first noticed to have
this qualit}- by Mr. Peter Duguid ; but the tree and its virtues have been best descnber!
1>V Dr. '\Vrin-ht. This l)ark was a sweetish mucila<iinous taste, and a disagreeable stncll.
It is given in cases ot worm^ iu form of powder, decoction, svrnp> and extract. The
decoction is prepared l)y boiling one an.l a half ounces of tiie bark in a rpiart of water
till it acquires the colour of Madeira wine ; and the dose from two tabie-spoonfuls to
four, for three nioniiiigs, then a dose of oil. 'Jnpowler fil'tcen grains, uhh as much
jalap, is a good purge. It commonly produces some sickness ami violent effects, as
vomiting, delirium, and fever. These are said to be owing to over-doses, or to drjnk-
-ing cold water ; it should therefore alwa s be begun in small doses. When vomiting
tnd a burning neat ot tiie stomach take place tlie cure is elfected by chamomile tea, or
bv bait ol tirtar or of wormwood take;i in lime juice, and swallowed while in elferve-
ecence. If th<,'se do not stop tlie vomiting speedily, clysters in a Ulition seldom tail to
have the desired effect. The manner of preparing and exhibiting this meuicmc aro
stated as follows by Dr. Wright :^-

" The decoction. Take fresh^dried or well-preserved cabbage bark, one ounce.
Boil it in a qjiart nf water, Over a slow fire, till tiie water is of an amber colour, or rather
of dee]) coloured Madeira wine ; strain it off, sweeten it with sugar, and let it be used
immediately, as it does not keep maiiv days.

" Syrup of cabbage-bark. To any (luantitv of the above decoction add a double
portion of sugar, and irtake a syrup. Tms will retain its virtues for years.

" The extract of cabbage-bark is made fey evaporating tlie strong decoction in balnea
Traritv to the proper consistence ; it must be continually stirred, as otherwise the resin-
ous part rises to the top, and on this probably iis eflficacy depends

" The powder of wd'-dtied bark is easily made, and looks like jalap, though not of
equal specific gnivity.

" This bark, like most other powerful anthelmintics, has a narcotic effect ; and on
this account it is always proper to begin with small doses, which may he gradually in-
"creased till a nausea is excited, when the dose for that patient is ascertained. Rut by
frequent use we can in common determine the dose, though' we chuse to err rather on
the safe side.

" A strong healthy grown person may, at first, takefour table spoonfuls of the de-
tctction or syrup, three grains of the extract, or thirty grains of the powder for a dose.

" A youth, three table spoonfuls of the decoction or syrup, two grains of extract,
Of twenty grains of powder.

S3, A

132. HOKTUS JAMAICKNSIS. cabbagb

'' A person of ten years of age, two table spooufuls of the dtcoction or syrup,, one
grain and a b;iif of pxlract, or f.fieen grains uf the powder-

*' Children of two or three years okl, a table spoonful of the decoction or syrup, one
grrJn of extract, or ten grains of the powder. CijilJren of a year old, half the quantitj'.

" Tlicso Hiay be increased, as above (jbserwd, till a nausea is excited, wiiieh will
depend on the strength, sex, and habit of body of the patient. ,

" Care must be taken that cold uiiier be not drank during the OfXJnition of this me-
dicine, as it is in this case apt to occasion sickness, vomiting, fever, and deiirnmj.
AVhen tins happens, or when an over large dose has been given, the stomach must be
vaslied with warm water; the patient must speedily be purged with castor-oil, and use
plenty of lime-juice beverage tor common drink ; vegetable acid being a powerful an-
tidote in tliis case, as well as in an over dose of opium.

" The decoction is what is mostly given here, and seldom fails to perform every
thing that can be expected from an anthelmintic medicine, by destroying worms in the
intestines, and bringing them away in great cpian titles. By frequent use, however^
these animals become familiarized-, and we find it necessary to intermit it, or have re-
course to others of inferior merit.

" The writers of the Edinburgh Medical Commentaries take notice, that the decoc-
tion of cabbage-bark always excites vomiting. "We find no such effect from it here,
and uray account for it by their receiving it in a motddy state. A syrup, therefore, is
given tliere with better effect. They observe also that it has a chureiic virtue, which we
have not taken notice of here.

" This bark pui-ges pretty briskly, especially in po\vder, thirty or forty grains work-
ing as well as jalap by stool^ but in this way it does not seem to kill worms so well as ia
decoction.

" Five .grains of the extract made a .strong man sick, atid purged him several times ;
but, by frequent use, he look ten grains to j^roduce at length the same effect.

" It must not be concealed that fatal accidents have happened from the imprudent
administration of this bark, chielly from over-dosing the medicine. But this cannot
detract from the merit of tlie cabbage-bark, since the- best medicines, when abused,
become deleterious ; and even our best aliments, in too great quantity, prove destruc-
tive. Upon the whole, the cabbage-bark is a most valuable remedy, and I hope vriU
become an addition to the materia medica."

The following modes of preparing and using this useful vermifuge have also beea
recommended : Take four ounces of the green bark, scrape off the outer rind, bruise,
and put in two quarts of water ; boil them to the consumption of one half the water,
and to the strained liquor add a little sugar ; a wine glass full of this every moi-niiig is
sufficient for a grown person taken for three or four days. A dose of one and a half
ounce of castor oil should be given afterwards. One tea-spoonful may be given to a
child of twelve months old. It sometimes brings on i^ausea and vomiting, when the
dose should be lessened. A fresh decoction should be made every morning, or the old
one made to boil before using, as it is very disagreeable after being kept over-night.
These directions were given by the late Dr. Affleck, who adds tiiat it is a most excellent
medicine for destroying worms, and tlie most effectual yet known ; that it frequently
happens that no worms appear, but seldom fails to remove the symptoms, and should
be given to children every four or six weeks.

Another mode is to dry the bark, bruise it ia a mortar, put water to it, and boil until

rAnmat HORTUS JAMAICENSIS. 1?3

Hattiiins' the colour of Madeira wine. When this is settled, talce such part of it as is
clear, aiul let it cool, and add to it one third its ([iiantity of rum. Put the vessel con-
taining tlif; i'n^xtur!'tnto cool water, and, when used, it may be sweetened. The dose,
to be given for three morninss in succession, and afterwards a dose of caitor oil, is as
follows : To a child of eight or ten months old, a tea-spoonful ; of two years, two tea-,
spoonfuls; of six years, one and a half talkie spoonful ; of twelve years, half a wine-
glass ; a full grown person, a wine-glass full. A decoction of the bark made \eiy
strong, and given to a horse or mule to the quantity of u pint at a lime, aiid repciited
occasionally, cures them of bots and worms.

CABBAGE TREE. ARECA.

Cl. 25, on. 1. Monoecia- eyvncandrfa. Nat. or. Palmte.

Gen. CHAR. Male flower calyx a bivalve spathe ; spadix branched; proper peri-
anth three-leaved ; corolla three acuminate rigid petals ; the stamina nine fila-
ments, the three outer longer than the rest : Female flowers, in the sarrje spadix.
Calyx a spathe common with the males ; proper perianth three-leaved ; corolla
three acuminate rigid petals ; pericarp a sub-ovate berry, fibrose, surrounded at
tiie base with the imbricate calyx ; seed ovate.

OLER.4CEA. POT-HERB.

Talma altlssima non spinosa, fructti pruniformi, minore, racemosaf
spano. Sloane, v. 2, p. 115, t. 215. Finnis infenie taginanti-
bus, caadice uguali annulalo, fruclu viinori. Browne, p. 343.

Leaflets ouite entire.

The true cabbage-palm is the most beautiful, and perhaps the tallest of all trees.
The trunk, is perfectly straight, and marked with rings at the vestigra of the footstalks
of the leaves. Near the ground it is often seven feet in circumference, but tapers as
it ascends, and attains the height of one hundred and seventy or two hundred feet.
The bark is of an ash-colour till within twenty or thirty feet of the extremity of the
tree ; when it alters at once to a deep sea green, which continues to the top. About
five feet from tiie beginning of the green part upvvards, the trunk is surrounded with
its branches in a circular manner ; all the lowermost spreading horizontally with great
regularity ; and the extremities of many of the higher branches bend wavenigly dowrtr
Wards, like plumes of feathers. These branches when full grown, are twenty feet lon^'
more or less ; and are thickly set on the trunk alternately, rising gradually superior to
one another : Their broad curved sockets so surround the trunk, that the sight of it,
while among them is lost, which again appears among the very uppermost branches,
and is there enveloped in an upright, green conic spire, which beautifully terminates
its great height, and which soon xuifolcls itself into a new branch. The above meii-
<Boned branches are somevvliat round underneath, and slightly grooved on the upper
side : They are likewise decorated v/ith green pinnated leaves, from eignty to one
hundred and twenty each side ; some of these are near three feet long, and an inch
and a half broad, growing narrower towards their points, as well as gradually decreas-
ing in length towards the extremities of the branches. As there are many thousand
ieayes upon one tree, every branch bearing many scores of them, and every leaf being

set

134 HORTUS JAMAICENSIS. cabbaw

set at a small ani equal disTaTue from one auotber, the beauty of such a rrn;i}!ar U>(ty
groupe ot waving tuliage, .susceptible of motion by the most gentle gale of ivnul, is not
to be described. Tlie oil or bottom branches witlier and drop oft' while now ones shoot
;it top, and there are generally from eight to ten brandies on the tree. 'I'iie middle rib in
each leaf is strong and prominent, su}>portni>i- it ou the untler side, the upper appear-
ing smooth and shining. The pithy part of the leaf being scraped off, the inside tex-
ture aj)pears to be so many longitudinal thread-like filaments. Tiiese spun in the san)e
manner as hemp or flax make good cordage, as well as fistiing nets.

Upon removing the large green bark immediately under the branches, what is calleJ
the cabbage la discovered lying in many thin, snow-wiiite, brittle, flakes, in taste re-
sembling an iilmond, but sweeter. What us called the cabbage ilower, grovvs from that
part of tne tree where the ash-colours-d trunk joins llie green part. Its hrst appear-
ance is a green husky spatl)a, growing to above twenty inches lor.g and ab<:>ut frnir
broad; the inside being full of small white stringy filaments, full of ahern;ite protu-
berant knobs, the smallest of these resembling a tringe of course white thread knotted :
these are very numerous, and take their rise from smaller footstalks ; and tiiese foot-
stalks are likewise all united to ditTerent parts of the large parent stalk of all. As this.
husky sjjatha is opened while thus young, the farinaceous yellow seed in embryo, re-
sembling tine saw-dust, is very pleiitituiiy dis[)ersed among these stnugy iilaaients,
";iich answer the use of itpices ia other nwjre regular-flower.-;.

The cab!iage tree grow.s very pk'ntifuUy in many parts of Jamaica, and in a fav\2ra-
ble situation iln-ows out one of its circular rings on its stem m.jndily, or about thirteen
in one year, which makes its growth during that perio 1 full forty inches. This ob-
eervation was made on a young tree for three years running, in which time it grew full
ten feet, being then about thirty feet high from the ground to the branches.

Dr. Smith, m his Introduction to Botanj', ol).serves, that in the palm trees of hot
countries the .sap is said to ^o\v from a wound at any time of the year. Tais is not the
case, at least in the cabbage tre, the coco- nut tree, or the prickly pole, the bark ofmll
wliich is thin and contains little or no sap, and the wood bard and dry, yielding no per-
ceptible moisture on being wounded.

The cabbage trees are said to abound in the morasses towards Negril Bay, where
they grow to the height of one hundred ami fifty or one hundred and i.^ty feet.

One would iiuagiiie that a tree of such vast height and slender, with its middle part
so hollow and pithy, would easily be blown down, which is rarely known to l)api)eji,
even in the greatest hurricanes. During these they have been observed violently agi-
tated to and fro, and their t.jps almost touching the ground, notwithstanding which
they recovered their erect posture without breaking, a plain proof how tough and
strong the uh.ileboue-like fibres of this tree are.

Barhadoes cab'tage tree^ Jamaica cabbage tree, or Kwuntain cabbage, these trees,
$a3's Long, are, in fact, I believe, the same species ; and the difference between them
in respect to their figure seems to be owing entirely to the situation in which they
grow, whether in open ground, or in the midst of woods. In the former case nothing
hinders them from assuming that graceful form peculiar to their nature ; in die latter,
being inclosed on all sides with other lofty trees, they rise spin lling a^d often crooked ;
and seem to be confined in tiieir growth to a continual ascent, preserving an uniformity
-of bulk in the shaft from tlie root upwards, uutii they have overtopped the whole
*v'Ood.

The

AB3AG8 irORTUS JAATATCENSIP, i;>5-

The Barhadocs cabha^e, which is planted here for ornamenr, is onr of the most
beautit'ui ireo's i.i liie w:)rld. No limilsserru t<^ l)e set t-.tiitr tu its Uj^e iji ascent. Li-
V<>\\ ineHtions some at 4hu first scLtit-meiit of Barbadoes above two Imiulrcd fi;et in
height ; and Ray speaks of another of two liuiidred aiifl seventy foec or tiicreab.nits.
One hun(h-ed feet is a comaion height. It is propiigated froin the seeds. Tiie upper'
j>art of the trunk, from whence the foliage springs, resem!)ies a well-tiu-ned, finely
polished balustftr, of a lively green colour, f^ently swciiiiig froiii its pedestal, and di-
minishing gru:liuilly to the tiip, wliere it expands into the braj'iches,.eleg:uitlv arranged, '
and u-av!jing like plumes of ostrich feathers. Froi tJie ceiitre of-'lhe smuaiit rises the
spuiiia or slicathj icrininatiiig in an acute point. The trunk itself is net less graceful,
bein<i a straight, smopUi, slightly annulated column, large at the. base, iind- tapering
froniT thence to tlie insertion. of the baUtster or cabbage: Tins tree is so much rever-
<'nced for its majestic form, that it is not destroyed like the others, for tlie sake of the
cal)bage. The Jamaica moninrnn cabbagG is cut for this purpose ; and the calibage,
stripped of its onter green c( at, appears perfectly white, cylindrical, and formed of
several concentric t'j/z?!iT. The inner tunicle.s are sliced, and either eaten raw, with
onions, pepper, and vinegar, or boiled and served up witJi butter; in which way,-
it most resembles the European cabbage in flavour; or converted into a pickle,' in
which state it is sent to Great Britain.

The outward texture of the trunk of these trees is used for laths, and other purposes.
The spathfe are made into mats by the negroes. Th-e leaf is composed of longitudinal
filamcntA, or thread-like fibres, v/hich, beiiijj',properly sepai-ated, are spun like hemp, <
and formed into twice and cordage. .

The tunicies are extremely thin, and may ea.sily be exfoliated and dri-ed-; after beinj-'
prepared in this manner, they may be wrote upon with a metallic pencil or Hi/lus ; ana
will retain the characters so long as the substance lasts, which may be as long as vellum,
if care is taken to keep Lt dry ; for this property it seems to resemble the papyrus of-
the ancients. The best cabliage is obtuned from this tree when it is young, and not
above fifteen or sixteen feet in height. From tiie real sunmiit of the stem spring two
branches full of small flowers ;, these are tJuHoivetl by small round berries, about the size-
of a hazel nut, which are devoured by tlie birds, wlu) mute the stone or seed, by which-
means tnere is a continual nursery of .these trees, which otherwise would soon be ex-,
tirpated ; for whenever they are cut down, no fresh shoot arises again from tlie root,'
and v.'henever robbed of their top or. cabbage, they cease from growing. The external
root of the trunk is impenetrable to a musquet bail, though it is scarcely an inch thick.
The Spaniards are said to have cased their buildings in the country parts uitli this co--
vering, which made them defensible against enemies, and equally ju-oof against the-
assaults of earthquakes and hurricanes.. Within this hard integument is a pithj', fari--
Blceous substance, similar to some other of the palm kind.

Dampier, speaking of the trees growing in the island Mindanao, one of the Philip-,
pines, mentions a species called by the natives the //3^^, This tree is not unlike the
cabbage, the bark and wood hai-;d, and inclosing a white pith. They cut down the tree,
and, splitting it in the middle, take out the. pitb^ which they boat well in a mortar ;
Uien put it into a sieve made from the same tree, and, pouring water upon it, stir it.
about, till the water carries the meally part through into a trough placed underrfeath.-
After it has stood until it has settled, they pour off the water, and, taking out the sedi-.
ment, and drying it, bake it into cakes ; this meal they call sago or sagu, which is ex-.-
ported to other parts of the world, dried in small grains, like comfits. In Java it is,

called

1-6 HORTUS JAMAICENSIS. caebag*

cs]\eAhuli(m, and, ncGordinjr to Linnspiis, is made of the pith of the n/cas eircinalis.

In the Moluccas the tree i.s called laudon, the pith of whuh funiishes them with this
Fott meal for firer.d. as the leaves serve them for the covering of their houses ; and tlie
!arj;er veins for rafters, as the lesser make good cordaj^e ; while tliese leaves are ycqng,
they are coveied with a kind of woolly substance, which affords materials for stuffs.
They resemhle the cocoa trees.

From these descriptions there is reason to believe that the sago tree is of the palm
kind, as it bears aifinitv to those of the West Indies in ratjst respects. The ingenious
Mr. Robinson, whom I have bei'ore mentioned, was of this opinion, and resolved to
make some experiments upon this grouiiil. He took the pith of the mountain cabbage,
caused it to be pounded, and the mealy jJart pa'^sed with water through a coarse cloth
laid in a sieve. The experiment succeeded to his wish ; he obtained a fine white meal
ill large quantity, which, in the judgment of many persons who tasted it, surpassed ia
goodness what was imported. It was in the form of an impalpable powder, and in this
state boiled to a thickness much sooner than the common sago. That hich comes
from the Kast Indies is probably grannlateil by means of some gum intermixed with it ;
and the art of bringing it into a granulated form is all that remains for perfecting tiie
Jamaica manufacture ; for Mr. Robinson doubted, whether in powder it might keep so
long z^m tlie granulated form, but tiiere is no certainty that it would not. Long, p. 744.

The following account of the method of procuring sago from the pith of the moun-
tain cabbage, alluded to bv Mr. Long, is from tiie manu^crlpt of Mr. Robin.son :

" On the 7ll) ofFobruarv, 176:?, I was st an estate of Matthew Wallen, Esq. called
Chisvvick, in the parish of St. Thomas in the East, when I went down into tlje morass
and ordered a mountain cabb-ige to be cut down, which seemed about twenty-five ieet
in length, and very thick. J found the pith of this tree very hght and spongy, inter-
mixed with many longitudinal ligneous fibres. On tasting, it appeared mucilaginoufs,
with some slight piquancy, not disagreeable. The tree being cut into i\inks, which
were split an \ the pith taken out, agreeable to Dampier's method, some of it was well
beaten in a woorjeii mortar, which being put into an ohl' oznabnrg towel, held over a
pail, I poured some water over it, and, being well stirred about, to mi.v it with the
pith, soon felt pulpy and soft. 1 then strained it with the assistance of another person,
by twisting the cloth hard with our hands. After this we continued beating and strain-
ing the pith till we had got a large puiich bowl full of the liquor, which was set by to
settle till next morning. This liquor tasted much like new corn-water, for it was sweet,
and'thickened like light pap, but had a rawness in it. In the morning I poured off the
water, which still retainefl its sweetness, but somewhat thinner in its consistence. In
the bottom of the bowl I found a small quantity of an impalpable ash-coloured farina
deposited; this I poured into two or three soup plates, and placed tliem in the
sun for evaporation ; which completed, I obtained half a pound of a fine impalpable
ash-coloured farina or meal ; a little of which being boiled, presently came to the con-
sistence of pap or sago, with an agreeable taste. A lew days alter I went to see my
much esteemed friend, .lasper Hall, Esq. who ordered another cabbage-tree to be cut
down. The negro who felled it, after cutting it into junks and stripping the cortical
part off, brought the pith home ; which was white and fair like the last, but ponderous
and sappy, an 1 it appeared, bv imany circumstances, to come from a much smaller and
younger tree. On seeing it, t concluded we should obtain a much greater quantity of
cajfo dian fioai the lat ; but ia tliis I was mistaken. Here we had the advantage of a

marble

ACOONS HORTUS JAMATCENSIS. 137

-marble mortar and pestle, with which we beat all the junks of p-ith out, having first cut
it into small pieces, with knives, which we did as easily as it' they ii-id been turnips.
We squeezed this pith twice over, that we might obtain tbe more. We liad much more
liquor than the last, and it seemed to be very much thickened with sago, hut it diJlerecl
r.Hich in taste, being sourish like whey, without any of the sweetness of the hist, and I
thought it had a small touch of bitterisli. This having stood all night, on being de-
canted or poured carefully off the next morning, yielded not one grain of farina. 1
ordere:! a liltie of the ItquGr to be boded down, which r.pon tasting from time to time
I perceived increase in bitterness, and therefore ordered the liquor to be thrown away.
On my returning to Chiswic, I was told ihat-the water remaining, ;dter being jioured
off the sago, had been Jjolled, according to my directi(jns, till, at last, it became black,
bitter, and pitchy. We hail another cabbage-tree ctit dovvii, which I found was sappy
and heavy, and, by the size of the cabbage, judged it to he too young, but not so
young as the last. The juice tasted sour like the last, and yielded next morning a tri-
fling quantity of sago. At Lougville park I tried the pith of the small thatch tree,
which had a greater quantity of ligneous longitudinal fd)res, and was of a brownish co-
lour. This being put in a towel, and water poured thereon, the meal or farina, which
nvas free and unconnected, presently passed through the strainer. This 1 gave not
-time to settle, but directed the water to be evaporated from it over a slo\v fire ; but, ii^
-the end, it became bitter, black, and pitchy, Anollier cabbage-tree cut down, ap-
peared to be pretty old, as I judged from the trunk. The fibres were reddish brown,
and all ligneous, with very little soft pith, which seemed to be in grains. This was
beaten well in a wooden mortar with a pestle of the same, and the liquor obtained from
it was not ill-tasted, of a reddish hue, and, when strained and evaporated, produced
a powder of the same colour. A little of this was boiled as sago with cinnamon, which,
being sweetened, was very tasty, but had nothing of the viscous quality of the sago.
From the upper trunk of the same tree I found the pith veiy succulent; and the licjuor
obtained from it was very sweet, like that of young maiz, as the first ; 1 know not wiiat
quantity of sago it yielded, nor what c|uality. Another cablxige-tree cut down seemed
^ very old one, being little short of one hundred feet in length. Four jnnks from the
top were cut off ; the uppermost containing the most pdth, white, and \ery light, but
-the fibres ligneous : the othcT three jnnks continued to increase thence downward, in-
creasing the rigidity of the fibres, but decreasing in cjuantity of pith. The colour too
t receded from its whiteness to a reddish cast in fibres and pith."

Cacao See Chocolate Nut.
Caccos See Water Lily.

CACOONS, OR MAFOOTOO WYTHE. MIMOSA,

Cl. 23, OR. 1. Polygamia mnnoecia. Nat. Oil. T.omentaceie.

This was so named by Tournefort from miimts mutabilis, on account of the shiftino-
or moving qualities of tlie leaves of many of the species.

Gen. char. Calyx a one-leafed perianth, five-toothed, very small ; corolla one
petal, funnel-form, half five-cleft, small ; the stamens are capillary- filaments,
very long, with incumbent anthers ; the pistil has an oblong germ ; filiform style

T shorter

tn HORTUS JA]SIAICR>:SI-S. c-ACOONS-

shorter tlmn the stamens ; stigma truncated ; the pericarp is a long legume^ with
several transverse partitions ; seeds many, ro.mdish, of various forms. Ons;
~ Many male flowers full ofi\ some are female ot/'}&)\i hermaphrodite in the diJfereJit
spiCies of this genus, ami no part of itsfriutifiratioyi inconstant.

SCANDENS. CLIMBING..

Pliaseolus maximus perennisy folio decom-posito, loho niaximo confortol
Sioane, v, 1, p. 178. Gigalovjuni. Scandens claviculum ; foliis
bipinnatis ovatis ; siiiqua maxima. Browne, p. 362.

Unarmed, leaves conjugate, terminated by a tendril ; leaflets two-paired.

This is frequent in all the upiand vallies and woodlands on the North side of Jamaica.
It climbs up the tallest trees, and spreads itself in e^'-ery direction l)y means of its cirrhi
or claspers, so as to form a complete arbour, and to cover the space of an English acre
from one root. This circumstance has a had effect on the trees or bushes so shaded.
Light, air, and rain (so necessary for all plants) being shut out, the leaves drop off,
the tree gradually rots, and the limbs lall down by the weight of this parasite.

The roots of this pltuit run s'uperficially under the ground or herbage. The trunk is
seldom tliicker than a man's tbigh, and sends off many branches, with numerous shining
green leaves, each of wljich terminates in a tendril or clasper, that serves to fasten it
to trees oi-bushes. Piiinas four-paired, petioled, oblo:ig, blunt at top, emarginate,
nerved, smooth on both sides, shining. Tendrils long, upright, bifid at the end. -
The flower spikes are from -the axillai : they-are slender, and the florets on them small
arad numerous. Petals five, erect, oblong, green ; filaments twenty to twenty-four,
yellow, shorter than the corolla, and springing from its base ; anthers globular. The
pod is perhaps the largest and longest of any other in the world, being sometimes eight
or nine feet in length, five inches broad, jointed, and containing ten or fifteen seeds.
Tlrese seeds are brown, shining, iilattened, \ery hard, and called cacoons. These are
the same mentioned in the Philosophical Transactions, N 222, p. 298, by Sir H. Sioane,
as being thrown ashore on the Hebrides or Orkney's. This happens in the following
manner: The" seeds or beans fall into the rivers, and are conveyed to the sea. The
trade winds carry them westward till they tall into the Gulf stream, which forces them
northward along the coast of America and the Bahama islands. As the winds blow fre-
quent and strong from Americia, these seeds are driven to the eastward, till at lennt^
they are thrown, ashore and left with the tide as aforesaid.

Tb.is bean, after being long soaked in water, is boiled and eaten by some negroes ;
but in general there seems to be uo other use made of it than as a sort of snuff' box.

The following observations are from the manuscript of Mr. Anthony Robinson :
*' In August, near Liguanea barracks, I examined the male blossoms of this enormous
climber with a microscope. The anthers were oblong and didymous, on the upper
ends was ptaeed one globose transpaFcnt gland ; the base of th& pedicels is giandulous ;
the gland of the common pedicd, arcuated ; from each side of its. base is- produced a
slender linear stipule embracing the stem ; the base of the gland, after running half.an
inch up the stem, j,)ins the gland that supports the peduncle. The pedunclels naked
about one inch from the gland upwards ; at the base of the spike are two or three small
glands and smooth, terminating in a suhulated stipule ; and the spike itself is beset
with a number of these stipules without glands. The leaves are bipinnated, consisting
of two pairs of wings placed ujion a common midrib, which terminates in twoxiaricles

Qt

Calabash IIORTUS JAiMAICPNSIS. 133)

or tendrils. The first pair of the wings is the least, and consist of four pair of lobes,
but the second or last are made up of hve. Tlie lubes upon the {irst pair are less than
those placed upon the second. The lobes are of a lunated form ; the first pair the least
increasing to the last, which is the largest and about two inches long, their margins re-
pandous, their extremities emargiiiated. One side of the leaf runs further downward
than the other ; the lobes are smooth, shining, and of an elegant Uvely green on the
upper side, but of a whitish green below, and not shining. The middle rib is promi-
nent on both sides, but somewhat more beneath ; the side veins are delicate, jjarallel,
und arched ou the margins ; they are produced ui no certain order, by pairs, or alter-
nate; the lobes have tlie same virtue of collapsing together on a change of the atmos-
phere as other piants^of this kind."

,S^ Cashaw East India Ebony Gum Araiuc In<3a Trfe Nephritic -Tree,
-Poponax Sensitive Plant \Vild Tamarind.

Caiacico See Spurges.

CALABASH TREE. CRESCENTIA.

Ci.. 14, OR. 2. Didijnamia angiospermia. Nat. OR. Putaminccv.

This was named in honour of Pietro Crescentio, an Italian writer on agriculture.

Gen. CHAR. Calyx a one-leafed perianth, two-parted, short, deciduous; divisions
roundish, concave, obtuse, equal; corolla oe-peralled, unequal; tube gibbous,
crooked, torulose ; border erect, five-cleft ; divisions unequal, tooth-sinuated ;
the stamina are four filaments, subulate, length of the corolla, spreading, two ai
little shorter,; anthers incumbent, obtuse, twin ; the pistil has a pedicelled ovate
germ ; filiform style the length of the corolla ; stigma headed ; pericarp an oval,
hard, one-celled berry ; seeds very many, sub-cordate, nestling, two celled.
There are two species, both natives of Jamaica.

cujeta.

At'hor cticurbitifera americana, folio sabrotundo. Sloane, v. 2, p. 172.
Arborescens ; foli.is conjertis oh-ovato-oblongis, basi angmtioribus ;
Jructu sphcerico maxivio. Browne, p. 265.

LeaveS' wedge-lanceolate, crowded.
This tree is called narrow -leafed calabash, which seldom rises higher than twenty
feet, and is easily distinguished from all others by its peculiar appearance. It divides
at top into very long, thick, scarcely sub^divided branches, stretching ouX almost hori-
zontally, adorned with leaves disposed in bundles or tufts scatteringly at irregular dis-
tances. Ttre wood is light, tough, and pliant. The bark is unequal and ash-coloured
or whitish. Tiie leaves are uncertain in their number from tlie same knot or tubercle ;
tfiey are oblong, attenuated at the base, on very short petioles, acute, entire, shining,
veined, bright green, four or five inches long. Peduncles one-flowered, solitary,
scattered over the older branches, and frequently on the trunk itself, three inches above
the ground ; flowers large, sometimes entirely green, but often differently variegated
-with purple, red, and yellow j it does not wither, but becomes putrid, and in that

T 9 state

HO- H--OrtTU8 ^AMAICENSrS. CAtAiix^f

stale coiliales a ca.laverous, niiuseous, sn6 intoierablc Elcnch. I'f Ijappcrisnnt iincom-
nioiily, th.t there are live ftrtile st.imcns, ao-l in that case three of tliem are longer
than ihe ether two. T!)e i'uriu of the fruit Virt'ies on (liii'erent trees, l)eing splierical,
splieroi'dal, or shaped like a bottje ; it diH'ers also iu si?.e, from two, inciiej: lo a loot in
diameter. These, hyw ever, are only varieties. They are covered with a thin skin of
a greenish yelk)iv coloiy when ripe,,ancl under t'lis is a liard thin wood-y shell, inclosing^
a pale yelio.viKh soft pulp, of a tart unsavoury flavour, surroundiag- a.great nuiuber of
iiat seens.

Tiie wood of tl>is tree being very tough and flexile?, rrnders it, very fit for the
j)iirposes of coach iriukers,..as well as-for making sadiiles, mule and a.ss crooks, stools, ,
chairs, an 1 other iurn.itare, as also shalis or handles ior ciu-penters tools. Tiig shell of
thp fruit, wuen cleared of its contents, is frequently large enough to contain a gallon,
and is used iis bottles, or made into cups and spoons, by the negroes. It is of so close
^ texture, that it s'.ryes to boil water, and bears the tire as well as an earthen pot. It .
is frequegily converted into buLton njoulds,. The fruit being split, roasted, and applied
to an apostuiue speedily ripens.it.

1 suppose the SpaniarJ,s gave the name to tiiis tree, its fruitbcing as big as a man's
head (which they cail.a/ffAa5A^,..bu.t rounder; it is so well known in most pi.rts of
America, that it needs no descri[)tioa. I have seen such difference of the fruit of these
trees as to contain from an ounce to a gallon. When thev are green, they are full of,
white juice, pulp, and seeds, which the cattle eat of in very dry times ; but which is.
said to give theu" Hesh an odd disagreeable taste, and also their luiik ; but I believe
that taste is from.a weed.called guiiiea-hen weed,. and not from the calabash. It is said
that the pulp,Jf eaten, will make a, cow casX her calf, or a mare her colt. It is certainly
knoivn [if not too well kiiown) to be a great forcer of the menstrua,. and of the birth and
after-birth ;. therefore ought to be very cautioush' given or taken. I once made a spirit
from this fruit, which was so nauseous as not to be taken alone. This is an useful tree-
for Indians and negroes to make necessary funiitui'e for their houses, as dishes, cups,
and spoons, of seAei'al shajjes, bigness, and fashion; I have seen them made, and-
jiely wrought and carved. Lai ham, p. 27.

The juice of calabash, in the qilaptity of four ounces, is giv-en as a purge in all cases
where the putient has received a bruise about the trunk ; and a syrup of tne sani , with
the addition of liine-jui(:e,*a little nitre, and pai'agoric elixir, is by some highly ex-
tolieii in coughs and consumptions. Small caiabasiies r.jasted, and thepulp spread on
cloth, amke a good poultice for bruises and intlainmutions. IVright.

As a purgative, the dose is a quarter of a pint of the expressed juice. The pulp of the
fruit made into syrup. Dr. M'Vicar Affleck relates some singular instances of its effi-
cacy in i)uniionary conqiiaints, that were attended with hectic fever.* Jacquin says,
E pulpu fructum sj/rupti/ii conjiciunt incvUt, sumtiii wcdicammis celehn/tifc, potissi' .
vncii in varus pcc/ons iiiorliis, ituj. contusion bus intcritis Jactpiin's Stirp. American.
Xhe syrup is made by tukiiig v oung caiabasiies about the size of an orange ; roast them, .

then

The, following is.one of ilie case, as related by Dr. Affleck : A spoonful was piven every morninp to a lady ,
labouring unilcr ^i licctic li-vs-i . cmigh, and Icjss of appetite, ivliich contiuued three niciitli.s. .Mje recovered in about
four wteks, and liv d in ^ . li .lealtli many jears alter. She was given over by aa old lady, her luotkej, at'ict oiau/__
wediewf.;. bad l^ecu usi-d tvitUoul clt'cct.."

ALAi-v H OUT US JAMAICEKSIS. - in

tlicii squeeze the Juice from the guts through a coarse doth ; to a pint of the juice add
U poiHui of sugar and ijoil into a syrii|j. A table spoijiilul or two to he takoii two or-
Uiicc times ii day, by itself, or in btriey water.- JJancer's Medical Assislant.

2. Cl'CURIUTlNA. GOURD.

Aihorescens.j'oliis singiilaribiis vvalis nitidis, fruciii yninori, Browne,
p. 26ii.
Leaves ovate, sub-coriaceous,, distiifct; fruits ovate-acuminute.

Tlie trunk of tiiis tree is niiddle sized, utiurnied, smooth, and even. The branches
sub-ciivided, erect, not.spreudiug, stilf and stiaiglit, angular, even; leaves opposite,
alternate, or scattered, never in tufts, broad, ovate,, with a short point, quite entire,
nerved, absolutely smooth, shining-above, paler beneath ; [jetioles short, thick, smooth ;
pednncies two to live, terminating, shorter tiumtlie leaver, longer than the petiole-^,
one-howered. Corollas nodding, the size of those of the riijctc, init. more dusky ; the
base of tiie tuije and throat is wliite, the belly red, the border jjaie, the st'gn)i'nts tlusky.
Tiie fruit, is pedicelled, ovate-ublong with a short t^oint, one-celled. It di Hers from
the first species in its habit, the upngiitness of Us branches, its fiat, oblong, siuningj
coriaceous jeaves, terminating flowers-on longer pedicels, corolla with the border en-
tire, and ovate-acummate fruit. It flowers tne wliole year, it is a native of Jagiaica,
in tlry rocky places near tiie coast. Tne wood is hard and_ white, but tlie shell of the
fruit so thm air I Ijnttie as to be imfit for the purjjoses of the former species, lioth are
easily propagated liom the seeds.

CALALU, hramhed. SOLANUM: '

Cl. 5, OR. 1. Pentandriamoywgynia. K'ai". or. Lurid<e,.

Gen. CHAR. Calyx a one-leafei perianth, half five-cle'V, erect, acute, permanent j
corolla one-pecalled, wheel-shaped, tube very short, border large, half five-cleftj
from reries, flat, plaited; stamina are five awl-shaped filaments, very small ; an-
thers oblong, converging, sub-coalescent, openins; ;!t the top by two pores ; the
pistil has a roundish genu ; style filiform, longer t'' " "^^"^ stamens, stigma blunt ;
the pericarp a roundish berry, smooth, dotted at ii -elled ; with a con-

vex fleshy receptacle on each side ;. seeds verv ii, nestling. Many

species aftbis genus grow in this island.:

NIGRUM; BLACK.

Hinniiiuit dijj'umrn ; Joliis ovulis, runuUi^ ,. > itiaiiS}>ti-nhe Hulls ^<1'
rum spars s. Browne, p. 174.
Bfanches angular, toothed; leaves repand, smooth.

Solanum bacciferum, sen qlficinarum. This has a green stem, as big . ..les little
finger, rising two or tJiree feet high, the branches spreadinp themselves on every suie ;
the leaves ai'e about an inch and a half lonu', and half as broad in the middle, vvhei \t
is broadest, standing upon a very short fuot-staik ; , they are soft, of a dark-green colour,
and jagged on the edges. Tsiwards the tops ol the bunches come the flowers, several
tagetiier, upon a short foot-stalk ; each flo ver is made up with five white or pale-yel-
Icw.kaves^.iyith orangd-Cijlour apices, standing up iii the uuddie of tiie tiower, making

aa-

li-j HORTUS JAMAICENSIS. Ai..tEW

an mrtbo. After these follow round berries as big as English pease, smooth, and black
\tihen ripe, containing a tiiin greenish pulp, with a great many round flat white seeds,
I was surprised to see the Angoia negroes eat it as calahi, or as we do spiiiage, without
any prejudice, being so like the deadly night-shade in Europe. Tlie bark of this plant,
briused and put into water, intoxicates fish, so tiiat the)- may be easily taken, but doth
not kill them. Tue leaves are reckoned cooling, re^tringent, and anodyne ; the juice,
being jnit up the alius, eases pain and aljates intiamniation, and it doth so in erj/fipelas,
or St. Anthony'^ fire ; but it ought to be cautiously used, being very cooling and re-
stringent, and tlierefore too repercussive or repelling. The juice I know to be good in
cancerous tumours and inflamniations, and tire dislilled water is good in fevers. The
leaves, juice, or oil, applied lo tlie head, is good in frenzies from heat, and for inflam-
mations, and fissures or cracks of the nipples of the breast. BaThuin, p. 1 17.

P

w'hicii is equally common ni li-urope, and ot a virose heavy smell, and very imicwm.

quality in cold climates, is void of both m Jamaica, where it is daily used for food, and
found by long experience to be both a pleasant and wholesome green. The length of
the common lootstalks, and the length and smoothness of the branches, is the only dif-
ference between the two plants, if they be not wholly tlui same ; but the European
seems to grow more twiggy and luxuriant. Browne.

This plant is commonly called gooma or goovicr ralalu, and grows very luxuriantly in
new ^rounds. It has an agreeable bitter taste, -iind is much esteemed as a greisn, pot-
lierb,and purifier of the blood, and is gently aperient. It has no deleterious qualities
like the European plant.

iJee Canker Berry Egg Plant Night-Shades Potatoes Tomatos Tuiikev

Berries.

Calalu, Mountain See Pokeweed.

\LALU, prickly. AMARANTHUS.

Cl. t.C '..'. 5. Monoecia pentandria. Nat. OR. Miscellan(s.

Thiso-enerif n^r; jis derived from a Greek word for incorruptible, because the flower
being cropped does not soon decay.

CeN. char. Male cahx a five or three-leaved perianth, upright, coloured, per-
manent, leaflets lanceolate-acute ; no corolla but the calyx ; stamens five or three
capillary, the length of the calyx ; with oblong versatile anthers : Female flowers
in the same raceme with the males ; calyx and corolla as in the male ; the pistil
has an ovate germ, tiiree styles, short, subulate ; stigmas simple, permanent ;
pericarp an ovate capsule, somewhat compressed, as is the calyx on which it is
placed, coloured, and of the same size, three-beaked, one-celled, cut open
transversely ; seed single, globular, compressed, large. Three species are na-
tives of Jamaica, the following and polygomides or goosefoot.

I. .SPINOSUS.

^iUJ0.ut?A K OUT US JAMATCENSIS. T43

1. SPINOSUS, PPuICKLY.

BUtmn americanum spino.fum. Sloane, v. I. p. 143. ^culeafus rie-
jcscens, Jioribus confertis sessilibus, capitulis alaribus. Browne,
p. 341.
Racemes terminating, compound ; axils tliorny. ,

Sloane calls this the red weed of Barbadoes. It hjs an oT)Iong deep reJJish root,
with some fibres, sending up a roundish red, strong, striated stalk, which has several
branches of the same colour. The leaves cf>n;ie out along the branches without any
crder, of a reddish colour, harving usually under thera some sharp short prickles. The
flowers come out in long spikes on the tops of the branches, of an herbaceous colour,
after which follow small, black, shining, flat, seeds. It grows every where by the
way sides in Jamaica. Sloane.

This plant is frequently used as a vegetable^ and is perfectly wholesome and
agreeable.

2. vmim.s. GREEy.
Blitum mijtiis album pol^spermon folio subrotundo. Sloane, v. 1, p.
143, t. 92, f. 1.

Qromerules axillary, germinate; male flowers trrfid ; leaves ovate, emargjnate ;
stem erect.

The root is laige, strong, perpendicalarl}' fixed In the- earth, straight, reddish to-
wards the top, and sending out round it several branches on every hand, often trailing
on the ground, and very rarely erect, two or three feet long, striated, green, and suc-
culent, along which come out several leaves on long petioles, bluntish, now and then
covered with a brownish farina. The flowers are spflie fashioned, very numerous along
the branches, and greenish. To each fltJv/er follows a round seed, compressed, black,
shining, and little, inclosed m a pale green memlirane. It grows every where in thft
lowlands and plantations, and is to be gathered every where, very plentifully, after
xain. When the leaves are stripped off" and boiled as a sallet, it is one of the pleasantest
J ever tasted, having something of a more fragrant and gateful taste than any of these
ierbs I ever knew. It is used in clysters in the belly-ache, as the best and most com-
Eion emollient herb the country aff'ords. Sloane.

See Goose Foot.

Calalu, Spanish ^^e^ Poksweep. .

1\1) EnglhJi Name. C ALLICARPA.

Cl. 4, OR. 1. Tetrandriafmo-itogynia. Nat. or. Dumosae,
-^ES; CHAR. Calyx a one-leafed, hell-form perianth, mouth four-cleft, erect; eo^
rolla monopetalous, tubular, border four-cleft, obtuse, spreading ; stamens fili-
form, twice the length of the corolla; anthers ovate-incumbent ; the pistil has a -
roundish germ ; style filiform, thicker at top ; stigma thickish, obtuse ; pericarp
a globular smfxjth berry ; seeds four, oblong, shaped like a meniscus, compressed,
*alious. Swartz found two species of tliis genus in Jamaica.

1. FEBRUGINEA*

144 HORTUS JAMAICENSIS. camphiM

1. FERRUGIxNEA. IRON,

Leaves broad lanceolate, senate, somewhat rugged underneath ; cymes ter-
minating and axillary. S':c'. Pr. p 31.

2. RETICULATA. NETTED.

Leaves elliptic lanceolate, sub-serrate, wrinkled ; tomentose hoary underneath.

CALTROPS. 'TRIBULUS.

Cl. 10, OR. l.-~Decandria monogym'a. Nat. or. Gruinales.

This is so named from having three spikes to the fruit.

Gen. char. Cal^x a five-parted acute perianth, a little shorter than the corolla;
corolla five-petailed, oblong-obtuse, spreading ; the stamina are avvi-sliaped fila-
ments, small, with simple anthers ; the pistil has an oblong germ, length of tlie
stamens, no st^de, stigma headed ; pericaq:) roundish, prickly, of five to ten cap-
sules, gibbous on one side, often armed with three ur four dagger points, angular
,u the other, converging, with transverse cells ; seeds many, turbinate, oblong.

MAXIMUS. GREAT.

iTribuJus ferrestris major, flore maxhno odordfo. Sloane, v. I, p.
209, t. 132, f. I. Foliis senispimiatis, e.itvmis majoribus, floribus
singuhu'ibus. Browne, p. 220, t. 21, f. 3.

Leaves about four j^aired ; outer leaflets longer ; pericarps ten-seeded, awnless.

This has pretty thick, compressed, channelled, succulent, brittle, stalks, which
trail upon the ground, near two feet long, shooting on every side from the top of the
root as from a centre : the leaves pinnate, opposite, commonly three or four pairs of
smooth sessile leaflets, the furthermost pair the largest. The flowers come out towards
the ends of the branches, of a pale orange or yellow colour, having an agreeable odour,
and are succeeded by roundish prickly fruit, ending in a long jjoint. It grows in all
pastures of Jam.aica, and is frequently gathered with other fodder plants, and fed upon
indiscriminately by all sorts of cattle. Sloane says a salve made of this herb with suet,
.is good for Ihe ringworm.

See Turkey Blossom.

CAMPHIRE TREE. L AURU.S!.

Cl. 9, OR. \.^-Enneandria monogynk. Nat. or. Hoioracea,
GgN. CHAB. See Avocado pear, p. 37.

CAMPHORA. CAMPHIRE.

Leaves triple nerved, lanceolate-ovate.
The camphire tree is very near akin to the cinnamon tree, from which it differs irt.
Jiie leaves ; those of the latter having three ribs running longitudinally from the foot-
stalk

-cA-NBTiwE EOKTus ja:maicensis. \u

5talk to the po'in^ where they soq* diminish ; whereas in tliis the ribs are small, and
extend towards the sides ; th> siirfaiSe is saiootii and shinifig. There are males and
Lcniiaphrodites on diSerent trees.

The root is lar^e, thick, and ifcat-hiated ; the trunk often three feet in diameter ;
the tree is very ramose, its hark grey wh, and rough on the trunk, but green on the
Voimg branches. The wooel is white, but becomes reddish in drying. The leaves
stand irregularly, and resenible those of the ha,y-tree. '^I'hey are thrcje inches long and
-half as broa 1, sijaiewhat curled about the edges, and terminate in a long narrow point;
tlicy are of a bright green abi^'o and gryiaii belo\V. Tlu; flowers are vevv sukiU and
-.viiite ; they stand in clusters on tlie tops oi' ramose pedicels, rising from rhe a'ie of the
leaves ; tlie fnutis a black shuung berry.

-Thistree is mentioned in tiie Hortiis Eastensis ^s having been introduced into this
island by Dr. Clarke, in the year 1775, and has since been successfully cultivated in se-
veral parts of the island, it no doubt wonhl be a valuable acquisition if general] v
planted. The Clunese call it tclmng, and, to obtain the campliire, they take the fresh
tranches, chop tlieiu very small, ami lay them to steep in spring ualer for three da3'6
and three niglits. After they have been soalicd in this manner they are-jnit into a ket-

tie, where they are boiled for a certain time, during vdwch the\- keep c(>ntinually stir-
ring them, with a stick made of willow. Whca. they perceive that the sap. of these small
chips adheres su0iciently to the stick in the form of a white frost, they strain the whole,
throwing away the dregs. This juice is afterwards poured gently into a new earthen
bason, well varnibked, in which it is sudereti to remain one night. Next morning it is

"-foim^ coagulated, and formed into a solid m;iss. To pnvify this iirsi preparation^ they

j)rocure some earth from an old earthen wail, which, when pounded and reduced to a

very fine pow'der, they put into the bottom of a'bason matle of red copper; over thi,;
"layer of earth they spread a layer of -cainphire, and continue thus until there are four

strata. 'The last, which is of very fine earth, they cover up v.'ith the leaves of the plant
fo-ho^ ()\ pcnnij -royal ; and over the whole they place another b?son, ioining it very
closely to the former by means of a kind of red earth that cements tiieir brims together.
The bason, thus prepared, is put over a fire, which must be managed so as to keep up

: an equal heat ; experience teaches them to observe the proper degree ; but above all

t.hey must be very attentive lest the plaister of fat earth, which keeps the basons toge-
'-ther, should craek or fall off; otherwise the spirituous parts would evaporate and ruin

the whole jjrocess. When the basons have been exposed to the necessary heat, they
are taken off and left to cool ; after which they are seperated, and the subHmated cam-
pliire is found adhering to the cover. If this operation be repeated two or three times,
the camphire is found purer and in larger pieces. Whenever it is necessary to use any
'Cjuantity of this substance, it is put between two earthen vessels, the edges of wliich are
surrounded with several bands of wet paper. These vessels are kejit for about an hour

over aU' equal and moderate fire ; and, v;hen they are cool, the camplnre is found in
its utmost perfection and ready for use. This method of procuring camphire, even
from the heart of the tree, may be practised in all seasons of tiie 3 ear ; which would
not be the case were it extracteil like other resinous substances that only flow during a,

certain short space of time. Besides, by lopj^ing the branches of the camphire tree,
less hurt is done to it than by making incisions, which are always ha;2ardous. The Abbe

'.Grosier, from whom the foregoing account is taken, informs us, that in China some of
these tree!! are found above one hundred cubits in height, aitd so thick that twenty per-.

U E0114

r^

M.6- ' H O R T U S J A M Ai C EN SIS. . c.ANDi.it

sons cannot inclose itliem. This trunk,., when old, emits sparks of fire, but oFso .s\iUtIe'
a nature a^i i!Otfe"i^w to injure the hair of,tli.osc.\vhQ afe i>ear it.,.

Pure caniphii'C i.s very wliite, , pellucici, somewiiat, unctuous to the. touch ; of a bit-
terish aromatic tusto, } ct accoujpaBisd w^tti a sense of coolness ; of a very fragrant
KiTieli, somew'hat like that of rosenuiry,, but much stronger.. It.has b_een very longOs-
teenietl one of the lapst etKcacioui;- diaphoretics v.aad has ben x;elehrai:ed in fevers,
ilialignant and epidemical distempers. In dehri*,. also,, where opiate.s couiil not pro-
cure sleep, but. rather aggravated the symptonuj, tliis medicine has been often observed
to procure it. All these eifecis, hou-v:vcr, Di't Cuil.en attribulejs to its, sedative property,
and denies that caiuphire has any other m.etiicinal vutues than those of an antispasmodic
and sedative. He allows it to be ver^' powerful, and capable of doing much good or
much harnu Fxom experiments made on different, brute creatures, camphire iippears.
to be poisonous to evei;y cue of them.. In some it prodaijed sleep, follo\ved by cieatli,
without any ojjier symptom. Iji others, before death, they were, awakened into con-
vulsions and rage. It seems, tgo, to act chiefly on the stomach ;. for an entire piece
swallowed, proauced tiie above-mentioned effects with very little diminution of weight.

See Ayo.c.\Do-PiiAii B.^v Trees Benjamin Cinnamon Cogwood SASSAFiijiS.,-

GANDLE OR ROSE WOOD. . AMYRIS.

Cl. 8, OR. \.^-Octandria monogyyiia. "Nat. or. Tercbinthacea;.

"This name is derived from a Greek word signifying ointment or balm.

Gen. CH.4R. Calyx a one-leafed perianth, four-toothed, .acute, erect, small, peiv
manent ; corolla four oblong, corrcare, spreadpg. petals ; stamens awl-shaped,
erect filaments ; anthers oblong, ereet, the. length of the corolla ; the pistil has a

superior ovate germ, a thickish. style the length of tlie stamens, and four- cornered
stigmas; the pericarp a drupaceous a^oujidish berry ; seed a i^ound shining nut.
'Several specie^ are natives of Jamaicar

1. .balsamifera. balsamic.

Arhoreii^, foliis bijugatis ovatis glabris, raccmis hxis termvudibu?,
Browne," p. 208,

Leaver two-paired.; .
This tree grows frequently among the gravelly bills in this island, and rises to a con-
siderable heiglit, Tlic trunks are remarkable for liaving large protuberances on them.
The leaves are laurel shaped. The fiowers are small and white, in branched spikes.
The fruit i^ described as follows in A Robinson's manuscript: The full grown ripe fruit
is of a black smooth and shining hue,.. orrather of a verj deep purple, about three-
quarters of an inch long, and when green marked with many deep specks, like a green
lime or lemon, which. aire small cells replete, with a most fragrant essential oil or balsam.
The ripe fruit consists of numerous green globules or vesicles, not unlike in form and
make to fish si^awn, rejileie with, and iiiiraerged in, a juice sweetish and aromatic.
The shell of the nut is jjurple, brittle, external!}' rugged, having a bilobous kernel,
rrovered with a thin moist skin of a very deep purple. The nut is turbinated at botjx
eudsi the kernel highly aromatic. .Thistre,Qis known also by the name of shvubbjj

CANDLB HORTUS JAMArCENSlS. v.Y

itwfe'wood. By sul>jecting the wood to distillation, Dr. Wright thinks a perfume equal
to oil of rhodium may be obtained. It is called :^uite candleirood, because it burns s
fieely as frequently to be used for that purpose by the negroes.

This tree if. found in the woods of St. Ann's, and those bacl< of Bull Bay in the pa-
tish of Port Royal ; it grows to a considerable size, and is considered as one of the most
valuable timber trees in the isliuul. The v.'ood is white, and of a curled grain when
--joung, but grows of a dirty ash-colou? by age : it bears a fine. pohsh and has a fine
smell. The young trees are freqweutly cut for firewood in -the nionntains; -they are
full of resin, bnrn very freeiy, anu with a most agieeahle smeU. Th** wood is heavy
.t.nd in great. vogue aniprsg ciil)inct maimers. AH tue parts of this tree are full of wai-m
aromatic particles, -and may be used in batlis and foni-entatiftHs wjon e-ccasiou.
Brozimc, p. 208.

Sweefwpod, or sTirnbhy sweetwwd, or losf-wood. Professor T,inii^uSj having ob-
tained a spfecimen of the balsam of niccoa tree, was of opinion, tlrat it was a species of
this genna. Mr. Robinson, pursuing tins hint, found three species, -difiering only
irom each othvri'inthe size of the trees, dimensions of- their leaf, and greater or less
aroma of tlieir bark and wood.

TlKy grow ir^ great abundance on the rocky, hills of tke south side coast, and other
parts more inland ; and arc remarkably frequent in Healthshire, in St. Catherine.

Their leaves and bark are impregnated v.ith a fine balsamic juice, and,, if the body
was tajjped at the proper season of the year (supposed to be August), might be found
-to transride. a thfck liquor Teseuibling that of the Gilead balsam, to which the taste of
'^his bark, and wood of the smaller branches, bears a very exact relation.

The leaves, infused ir, boiling water, aftevthe manner of tea, ,hav3 a very pleasant

-ilavour, and odoriferous scent, and may -be drank with milk and sugar, instead of -tea.

Tiiis infusion is highly cephalic, strengthens the nerves, and-is particularly restorative

to weak eyes ; insomuch, tiiat 1 knew a gentleman, who, by.theconstantu.se of it for

-SO aie weeks, hy way of i reakfast, was able to read a small print, a*nd view objects dis-

-lincllv, without the assistance of spectacles, which he had been unable to do. for some

years before.

The leaves, dried thoroughly in the shade, might be very securely packed, and ex-
ported, for farther trial of tiieir virtues, which, in Jamaica, chd not seem to be impaired
'by their dryness, or length of keeping.

There is then the strongest reason to-believe, that the ai'ri/ris-ma.y,hy incision, pro-
duce a balsam not much infej-ior to the celebrated balm of gilead, or ojwhahammu ;
jvhich, for loetter information of tiie inquisiti\e reader,! shall here descrilie, from com-
petent authority. It is a liquid resin, of a very light yellowish colour, and a fragrant
smell, not unlike that of citrous ; but the taste is acricr and aromatic It is pellucid,
tenacious^ or glutinous, sticking to the fingers, and may be drawn into long threads.
It scarcely ever becomes fluid or liqvnd, by the heat of the sun, in the westerly part of
Asian Turkey, where it is produced.

Its virtues are said to be these : It is one of the best stomachics known, if taken to

ihree grains, toswengtlien a weak stomao-h It isa capital vuhierary ; for, if applied

to a fresh wound, it cures it in a very short time. When fresh, it is said to have a uuich

greater efficacy, than when old. It is given internally against putrefaction of the vis-

^^era, and abscesses of the lungs, liver, and kidneys. It also cleanses foul ulcers, an?i

U 2 he.*k

14* HORTUS JAM'A-iCKNSia o^nrh;

hcaLs tham rerj- soon.* But it is difficult to obtain it unsopl)isticate<l ; forAvhich and
other leiisijus, it well dcservi's Uio ex])cninent ol ingenious gcntjcuion iij this island^
to find it' a halaam or rosin be oijtuiivible Innu the uiiH/ris ; .since the discovery would
naturally lead to form such a siihsiitute i'or the true iialsam, vvhicii is so seldom to he
<roi m us gtnuiine state ; and there seeinis no weak irround fur presmiuny that tiiis sub-
stmite wouid aaswcr simiiar. good puvposes in nieuKinc Loxg'.

This species, is su-pposed-.to btvthe wood noticed.' by Kirliam, under the uame tree
rosemary., as follows : " This I happened to meet with by chance. Pulling down,
some old iiouses, I snjelt a, vers' strong smell of rosemary, which niaJe nie enquire into
t]je reas(.in of it. They told me, that there was some roiKinuuT-^ooil among the timber-
jt the house.-?. I- then des>ircd they wouid get, me som.e of it^. \vhi.ch they clid ; I found
it was only the bark that bmeit, which no vosenmry exceeded. Some will have it to be
a sort of clove-bark tree, which grows in great pienty'npou thG/niain continent. 1 first
found this tiee on Baciielor's plantation^ which was afterwards mine, and is now well
known to ail or most planters in Jairiaica. i'carried some of tjie bark with me to Engv
land in the _year Mil, which kept its scent very well ; and 1 question not but it would
be fjund, upon experjen.ce. to be. very useful to distillers, and of many medicinal uses." '

2: MAIUTI.MA. MARITIME.

Baccifera trifuh'a racemosa, floscidis albis iefrapetalis, friictu nigro
moriopyrcnojoctido. Sloane, a-. 2, p. 101. Fraticosus mivor, folii^
orhiculatis venosis,. piimalo icrnatis ract^inis terminatricibus.
Browne, p. 209,.

Leaves ternate, . crenulate, , obtuse.

This tree, which is called yr/Z^rw candlrn'ood^'roscrn'ood, and T/ello's' sntulrrs, appears
not specifically diffei-ent from the foregoing, for the leaves are pinnated, have two pair
of ovate lobes, terminating in an odd one, and frequently seen pinnato ternate, as the
first. These leaves aj-e much longer and of a deeper green. It has not the fragrant
smell or taste, of the other.- The fruit is oblong, the wood of a box colour, elegantly
clouded and tiikes a fine polish-. '

It is common on the banks of the "Rio Cobre. The calyx is permanent, fruft black
and shining. Tkc blossom is white, four times tlie length of the cup, a.nd the fruit has
an agreeable aromatic taste ; the flower pedicels are black, shining, speckled, as are
the joints of the leaves. There is one seed. It blossoms in June and Jul v.

The blos.'^^ms of a tree exami.ned were very small ; the pericarp monophyllous, bell-
shaped, permanent, and cut half way down into four equal erect segnient.s ; at the basa
of each proper peduncle were placed two very minute lanceolated stipules in opposi*
tion : the corolla consists of four oblong obtuse, pointed petals, nearlj' obversely ovate, ^
patent, white, and thickly marked with pellucid balsamic cells, much longer than the
calyx, and placed alternate with its lacinias. The stamens are eight su^ulated patent

filaments,. ,

If is gensrally beiieved that the Omwda and copaha "balsams, will answer every pnr).Kire of the fiabi nf gUead.^m
3>r. Alston says, that tlir surest mark of this babam being pure, and unadulterated is its spreading quickly on the sur-
(ucc of water when dropped into it ; and iliat if a single drop of it is let fall into a larpe saucer full ot water, it innue*
diately spreads all over its surface, :nid as itUvere dissolves and disappears ; but in almnt half an hour it becomes e -
transparent pellicle, covering the whole surface, and may be taken up with a pin, hajjnc lost all its Huidity and cc-
ifliur, and become while arid sott^ cohering, and comniunicating its snieli and taste to the ivater. This test, he Sii^ff,!^
asU ihe balsam Jie saw iu.Ho.llaadiiorej bm not tli^it m Lptidon, wherait is tare toprgcure it uaadulteratsd.

45G?0i.B- TIORTUS JA?.IAICENSIS. 14^

fiiiinients, alternately shoi-tiT, and shorter than thepetiis: anthers ovatf, didmoiis^
aii.l t.'roct. There is a scarlet glaudiiloius reci.'ptacle, periiups liic r.ectanimi, vjt a te-
tragonal form, placed in the centre of the cup, which sup'ports an oblong cjennen : tlie
style is simj)!e, short, and tliick ; the stitrma capitated. Tlie stem terminates in ;i
liranched panicle, and, from, this bosoms o the first pair of leaves bcncatli, arise froMi
one to four in number on eadi side.

The smaller shru'il)i/._stit'elrioo(l is a little plant ven' oOinmon in the hills about tin-;
Ferrv ; it grows. chietly among the rock'^,- and seldom rises above fom' or live feet in
height, or exceeds an inch and a half in diameter Tiie leaves are V(n-y round, .and
distant from one another; tiie flowers sniull, and disposed in lopse bundles at the tops
of the branches. The leaves ami ou'lvrard parts of this .-.hrub have no remarkable
warmth, nor does the trunkbnrn with tiiat fragrance, though .it. contains a great qnau-
Uty of the like aromatic panicles, wuli tiie ionner.-^Bro:i:iu\ .

The muritima is described asfoUovrs- by Swartz: Stem Lrtinciiekl, scabrous, asii-
coloured ; leaves petioled, ternate ; leaflets petioled, roundish, elliptic, with a short
])oint, sometimes obtuse, crenate, spreading, nerved^ smooth on both sides, perfor-
ated, with pellucid dots ; potiole^ and petiiJules round ; racemes compound, in cymes,
wuh oj)posite many flowered bra;nchlets ; flowers crowded,, -white,- very sweet ; petals
nvate, entire^. v--ith short ckvvs ; berry the size, of a black pepper, black when ripe ;
inclosing a globular brittle nut, in" which is a white kernel. Swartz doubts it this spe-
cies be distinct from the following, which ditfers- according to soil and situation in th<;
size of all the. parts, . Thej' grow, he says, in very l)arren coppices, in a calcareous
rocky soil, both near the Sea and in the interior mountains uf.Jamaka, Hispaniola, antl
Cuba j flovvexing from June to September,

3. SYLVATica. . -vrooc, .
L^ves ternate, crenate, acute.
This is described as an erect lofty shrub, branching but little ,* from two fo refteei*
feet high according'to soil and situation. The vvliole abonuding-in turpentine of a dis=-
agreeable smell. The small branches round, leafy to the ends ; leaflets shuiing, finely
jiotched, of different shapes. Racemes panicle'i, erect, terminal, and axiibry, sus-
taining many small snow-vyhite flowers. The drupe the siise of a-pea^

The follGwir-gare the three species of this genus alluded to by Mr. Loi>g, as disco-
vered by Mr. Anthony Robinson, and as described in his manuscript :

" I. 'Amyris foliis ternatis piniwtis pediculis marginatis racemis alaribus. This is a
small tree about fourteea or fifteen feet high, the bark of the trunk and branches is na-
turally of a reddish brown, but appears variously coloured by reason of many lichens
growing on it. The trunk is about six inches diameter, dividing a little v/ay from the
ground into many branches, growing into a close compact ovate form, ^vith numerous
erect slender twigs. The blossoms small and white, proceed in small clusters from the
alx of tlie leaves.

" 2. Ainyris hypdate. ^The cup or calyx was composed of five concave leaves,

which were roundish, unequal in breadth, and ciliated on their edges .: corolla had four

petals, also roundish and unequal, and bigger than the cup ; there appeared a vacant

4terspacc as it'ji fifth petal was wanting j.^tlte. germ was small, trigonal, and placed

upon

J-50 H R T U S J A M A I C E N S I S. -camji-Eberk-it

upon t'lfrlit neotaveons glanus, which acVnered together as in tlie mclicoocus. From the
nwrgiii ot'each gland iirose shorl- filaments ; ti)e style was simiile, crenateil like thr^t of
the wi/(f iscnip, ov melicocca ; the stigma ^was "capitated. On a section of the p-enn
there appeared three cells, containiiijr divers seeds -, the anthers were cordated and
t-rect ; the filaments much shcw'ter than thepetals.

" 3. Amyris Philipptea. ^The leaves grew toward the end of the hranches alternate.
The pedicel was ahodt an inch and a quarter in lengiji, decorated on each side bv a
*erj narrow foliaceoiis margin, which supported one pair of ob-ovate lohes, with an odd
one at the end,_ sessile, ternale as it were, or placed ehjse to one another, of a lively
grc'jn, and elegantly decorated with slender oblique veins, rising from the middle,
shining, smooth, aiul of a firm texture, not unlike those of guaiarain. The bark is
bitter, aromatic, and balsamic. The whole? trunk is very full of shallow pits or depres-
sion-;, which are.eansed by the falling off of many tlun sinall squainmae or scales, with
which the old bark is c(nercd. It affects a dry rocky soil, and is one of the most elc->
^ml trees in Jamaica"-

Ste XlMENIA.

CANDLEBERRY MYRTLE. MYRIGA.

Ci.. 22, OR. 4. Dioecia teb-andritt. 'TVat. or. Amevdacece.

; Cek. CHAR. Male anient ovate-crblong, im'iricate on all sides, loose, composed of
' one-flawered, crescent-shaped, bluntly acuminate, concave scales;, there is no
proper perianth nor corolla ; stamens four filaments (seldom six) filiform, short,
erect ; anthers large, twin, with bifid lobes. Female calyx as in the male, no
corolla; the pistil has a sub-ovate germen ; two filiform styles, longer tlian the
calyx ; stigmas simple ; the pericarp is a one-celled berry ; seed single, ^^j^

'CERIFERA. V/AX- BEARING.

Leaves laRceolate, sub- serrate ; stem arborescent.
This is the common or narrow-Ieuvcd candlebernj myrtle ef America, v.-hich .Swartz
rilscovered in .Jamaica ; it rises to the height of tliuty feet. The bark is warted ; the
branches unequal and straight. Leaves evergreen, somewhat clustered, blunt at the
end, membranaceous, rigid, wrii,ikied, smooth, covered underneath with very minute
shining, orange coloured glandular pores ; "flowers in aments in different individuals.
Swartz had no opportunity of observmg the male aments. Miller saj's they are about
an inch long, and stand erect. Tne female aments are sessile, axillary, linear, shorter
than the leaves ; scales ver^' miniite', andbctween each of them an oblong minute germ,
longer than the scales; two fdiformstyles, the iengin of the germ, and reflex stigmas ;
berry minute, roundish, yellow. The leaves and bark bruised are said to diffuse a very
agreeable fragrance, in America a wax is collected from the hemes of which they
make candles ; whence the tree derives its name. This wax is [jrocured by boiling the
. ripe berries m water until the oil floats, vvhen it is skimme.d oil, and tlie skimming re-
ij:)eated until the oil disappears. When cold this hardens to the consistence of wax,
and is of a dirty green colour. It is then boiled again and clarified, which gives it a
transparent iirecnness. The candles made of it yield a grateful smell. A'fourth part
.'f tallow is usually added, which makes them burn clearer. A soap is also made h-dfH

tlie

^xm II OUT US J-AM\ICEf*SIS. ' 151

the oi!, wliich having an agreeable scent is excellent for shaving-, an J it is ii.-ed in plas-
ters. In Carolina they make sealing wax tVom tliese bernes ; and the lo^i is acLOUuled
a specific in the tooth-ache. It is propagated t'rura'seedi.

.^NDLEV/ooD .?fc' RosEwoon.

Cane, ^UGAR-^A'fe Sugar Cajs'f..

C'anr, Wild See Ii.\:siKoo and Reeds. -

CjiNEi.LA Sec CiN'NAMOiN';. \VU.D.

-CAXE-PIECE SENSITIN^E PLANT. CASSIA.

Ci,. 10, OR. 1. Decandriainonogj/}iia. .. Nat. or. Lmneniacea:.

^'EN. CHAR. Calyx a pentaphyllous perianth, lax, concave, coloured, deciduoTis;
corolla five petals, roundisii^eonoafre ; tlie inferioroHes more distant, more spread-
ing, larger; sta.ueus are ten fiiameats, declined; the tliree interior ones longer ;
the ttiree superior shorter ; anthers, the three infericjr very hirge, arcuate, rostrate, .
gaping at the tip ; the .four lateral ones without the rostrum, gajiing; the three
superior ones very small, sterile ; ttie. pistil has- a suh-coluuin;ir germen, longj .
pedancled ; st3'le very short ; stigma obtuse, ascendmg ; the jjericarp is an oblong
legumen, with transverse paitifeions ; seeds many, roundish, attixed to ti>e supe- .
i'ior sutoie. . There are several species natives of JaaiaLca. .

CHAilCECRISTA. .

Senna occidentalis, siliqua onuJlipU'ci foliis herb^ viiiiiosrr. Sloane, -
v. 2, p. 51. Siifl'ruticosa erecta,j'oliis linearibus plut^iinus pinnatia^
floribus singuiartbus vcl gcininatis, sparsis. Browne, p. 2,25.

Leaflets many pairs ; a petiolar pedicelled gland ; stipules ensiform.

"This has an herbaceous stem, afoot high or more, diffused, smooth, round, with
liirsute branches ; leaves pinnate, with twenty-foisr or twent\-iive pairs of leaflets-; ,
common petioles round, hirsute, thicker at t;he base ; lealiets on very short petiolets,
opposite, lanceolate, rounded at the base, oblique, blunt at the end, and terminated
by, a very small bristle, nerved, smooth. Glands beneath the lowest pair of leaflets,
pedicelled, capitate, truncate,, turbinate at the tip. Sti])ules lanceolate, acunnnate,
opposite, at the base of the petioles, half clasping, smooth, but pubescent at the edge.
Flowers among the stipules above the petiole, and not axillary ; on very short, solitary, -
three-tlowerea pedicels ; corollas small, yellov/, with t-w<j minute opposite bractes ou
tin; pedixels. Calycine leaflets linear, equal, acute,, reflex, pubescent; petals une-
qual ; the two upjjer ones smaller, with a dusky spot ; the other three larger, having
claws, roundish, cxjncave, waved about the edge. Filaments unequal, the seven hinder
ones smaller, the three forward ones longer ; anthers linear, angidar, bearing pollen
at the tip; germ oblong, white, very hirsute; style recurved, thick; stigma blunt^ _
kgume compressed. It grows in dry pastures and amofig cane-pieces.

This is frequently met in cane-piece intervals. Tt is about three feet in height, and
Jia? a few branches, with numerous small pinnated leaves, which collapse immediately
90 being t^otiched^ The blossoms are yellow. Tlic capsule is a tlat pod, about au incii -

152 iioiTtus jamatcensis.

CAKMKAI.

long, black, jointed, and somewiiat luiiry. The roots are woody, ^^ itli mnny fibres
Tue decot tion of the roots is sjiid to bt? ;m atU'uiott^ to poisonous jilants. A handful of
tlie \v;ished roots I)eing boiled in watL'r t'coiii tluee f)iiits to rwo, ma}' be strained, sweet-
ened, and used for cauinion drink, at the rate of throe; c^uarts in twenty-four hours. '
JVn\!fhf. ;i:^

Sec Cas.sia-Stick-Tree ^Horse Cassia Ringwoum Bus!i iSennaTrees St!nkin<*-

Weed \Viu> Indkk).

CANKER BERTIY. SOLANUM.

Cl. 5, OR. 1. Pentamh'ia vionof^ynia. ' N.vr. cu. Liirida.
JjX. CHAK. See Ca\-Au-, branched, p. lU.

BAKAMENSE. BAJlAXf,?.

.Solamim bacciferuvi fruticositmf stipitibtts'et fdiis majt ribus^ spims
/erocioribus armotis. Sloane, v. 1, p. 38, t. li, f. 3. Erectuni^
aule tetfti-aculeatissimn, Jhliisi)blongis ad biisiin ina-ijualitcr poi^
reef is. Browne, p. 174.

Stem prickly, shrnbby ; leaves lanceolate, repand, obtuse, beat back at the
edge ; racemes simjjle.

This rises with shrubby stalks three or four feet high, dividing into several irregnlsr
l)rHnches, which have a grey bark, and are armed on every side with red, sharp, thick
net prickles, which are also on the backside of the middle rib of the leaves. The leaves
are an inch and a half long, and half an inch broad, smooth. Tlie flowers in long
bunches from the side of the stalk, upon long peduncles of a fine blue colour. The
berries are saffron coloured, the size of peas. They are bitterish, -and thought to be
serviceable in sore throats.

"at Ve Calalu, branched Egg Plant NiGHTSHADEs-r^PoTATTOES ^Tomato JBerries

^Turkey Berries.

Capsicums See Guinea. Pepper.

CARDINAL FLOWER. LOBELIA.

Cl. 1^, OR. 6. Syrigeiiesia vwnoganiie. "Nat. or. Campanaceir.

This is named in honour of Matthias de Lobel, a Flemish botanist, and physician to
King James L

Gen. char. Calyx a one-!eafed perianth, five-cleft, very small ; growing round
the germ, withering ; toothleis nearly equal ; the two superior ones looking more
iipward ; corolla one-petalled, irregular ; tube cylindric ; border five-parted, di-
visions lanceolate, the two superior smaller ; the three inferior more spreading ;
stamens awl-shaped, connate above ; anthers connate into an oblong cylinder,
ga}-Mng five wuysiit the base ; pistil has a sharp pointed inferior germ ; style cy-.

iiadiic.

ARDiNAt HORTUS JAMAICENSIS. 153

lindric, length of stamens ; stigma olituse,. hisped; the pericarp is an ovate cap-
. eule, two or three celled, two or tln-ee valved, gaping- at the top, girt hy the ca-
lyx ; dissepiineafs contrary to the valves ; seeds a great maay, very small ; re-
ceptacle conic. Three species arctnative^ of Jamaica.

*

1. LONGilLORA. LONG -FLOWER ED.

JiapiJ.nciiltcs aquaticus, foliis ckhorii, Jlore albo, tuhulo longissimo.
Sioane, v; 1, p. 158, t. 101, f. 2. Fnliis lanceolatis, dentatis ; pe~
(iimctilis hrevissimis, laferalibus i tubo flaris tcnui longissimo.-^
Browne, p. 322.

Leaves la'nceolatc, toothed ; pedmicles very short, lateral ; tube of tlic corolla
filiform, very long.

This plant is frequent-in Jamaica near rivers and iamoist cool shady places, gi-owin^
from fourteen to sixteen inchesin height. It has a deep thick root. "^The stem groWs
almost upright, and much branched from the axils ; leaves alternate,' sessile, sub-pin-
natifid-tootiied, broadest at the further end, half a foot long, rough, of a whitish green
colour. Peduncles one-flowered, bracte awl-shaped, calyx truncated, with five distant'
tooth-letteil teeth. The corolla handsome, upright, white, witti,a very long tube, and
equal border. Capsi-Je green, when it bursts at the ripening of the seeds. "The whole
plant contains a milky acrid juice, and is very poisonous. Taken internally it is, said to
bring on an invincible purging ; and if even handled, and the hand be unawares ap-
plied to the eyes or lips, it will l)r(ng on an inflammation. The root has a very pun-'
gent disagreeable taste, quickly spreading from' the tongue to th^ throat, and not easily
got rid olf. Horses are reported to burst with eating it, whence, in tlie Spanish \est
'Judies, it has the najne of revenla-cavallos^

2. ASSURGENS. RISING,

Mojor brachinta, assurgens ; foliis oblongo ovafiSf-dcnticuIafig, bast
appendiculdti?, utriitgue productis ; spicis terminalihus. BrowuCj
p. 322.

X.eaves43road-Ianceo!ate, serrate ; tooth-letted and decurrent below; racemea
compound, terminating.

Hoot perennial. Stem herbaceous, three or four feet high, simple, or only sirnply
idtvideil at top, angular, thick, smootli, red, milky. Leaves sub-sessile, or on very
rghort petioles, ovate-lanceolate, a foot long, alternate, nerved, smooth on both sides ;
toothlets at the base of the leaf linear; petioles very short, decurrent at the sides,
whence the stem is winged, continued under the leaf to the tip, tliick, red ; raceme
almost upright, curved. Flowers numerous, heaped, blood-red, very large, pubescent|
on round peduncles, an inch in length, widi linear bractes at their base ; calyx supe-
rior, with five long lanceolate, reflex, serrate teeth ;, corolla nerved inwards ; the an-,
tlier has Ave blue grooves ; geim infeirior, angular, surrounded by the calyx ; style
thick ; stigma inclosed within the anther, capitate-compressed, white, viilose ; capsule
angular, two-celled, crowned by the calyx Suk Browne says this is found chiefly in
'the cooler mountains, where it shoots fre(|ueatly to the height of five or six feet.

3. ACUMINAT.U POINTED.

Sapiincidus folio oblongo, serrato, Jlore galcato, integro, pallide luteo,

A blOiyie^

Slonne, V, l-, p. 1-58, t. 95, f. &.- I'tf.'iis'ihlovai.s; anginf'.'i, Icniter
e.1 acute serrt/t/'s ; . cai/le simplici, infernc Joliotato, superne in spi-
atm linigwni desinenii. Browne, p. 322,.

Stem upright, suiTiuticose ; leaves lanccol^c, attenuateil, serrulate ; raceme -
terraitiittmg, iijuuy flowered.

This has a stalk as h\g us ones finger^ rises three feet liigi, .being green and wnootli,
and having very, many leaves set ou it, witiiont any ordi r, tatli ot wiiich is ten inches .
long, and two broad in the middle, of a dark green r.olour, and indented about iic -
edges. At liie top are u great many iiowers, ot" a ,pale yeliow cuiour, and galeated,
hnving a long galea turned up, and some stamina coming out ot the uudiUe of tlie tlower.
Tlie seeds are very small, and starve urb,cei nahle, bio.vn, and toinamed in several tells,
in one capsule^ surrounded with four foiiola, ii'loane.

4= SITHlLlTlCA. -SIPIIILITIC.

Stem npright; leaves ovate-laneeolate, snb-serrate ; sinuses of the calyx reflex.

This is calleci the blue cardinal flower from the colour of its flower^ it. is a .native cf"
Virginia, and has beeaintroducsti. Its root isnotedfor its eflSeacy in cm"ing siphilis,
whence the specific name. A decoction is made of a handful of the roots in three mea-
sures of water, and half a measure taken in the moriiing fasting, and repeated in the
evening: tlieilose is gradually increased till its purgative effects liecome too vioieni,
when it is to be intermitted for a day -or two, and then reneived till a perfect cure is
efTected. During its use a proper legimen is enjoined, and the ulcers to be fiecjuently
washed with the decoction ; or if deep and foul, to be sprinkled witii the.pow.der of tiie ;
iijner bark of New Jersey tea tree.

CARDOON. CYNATIA;

Cl. 19, OR. 1. St/ngenesia polygamia aqualis, Nat. OR, CcmposiXs. .
Gen. char. See Artichoke, p. 34.

CARDUNCDLUS.
Leaves spiny, all pinnatifi.d ; calycine scales-ovate. ,

The cardiiucuhis, or Spanish cardoon, greatly resembles the artichote, biit is cP"-*
larger, and more rej^ular growth ; the leaves bei-ng more upright, taller, and broader,
and more regularly divideid ; and the stalks of tlie leaves blanched are the onlv eatable
parts of the plant. It is a very hardy plant, and propagated in the same manner as the
artichoke. When their footstalks. have acquired a thick substance, the leaves of each'
plant must he tied np to admit of earthing them cli>sely all round for blanchmg, which
will take up six or eigl>t weeks. Browne observes that this plant was introduced into
this island by Mr*, Walien, and raised ifi jnany gardens, both in tlie lowlands and in the.
Ijnountains.

In some parts of Spain they substitute the.down of this plant for rennet, in making-
<3*keese. A strong infusion is made over jiight j and the next.inoniing, when the milk

fASnAV.- HORtUS JAMAICENSIS. isi

''ii -warm from the cow jthey pot nearly half a pint of the iefusion to about fourteen gal.
ions of milk.

See Artichoke.

Cardt-us S'ee Blessed Thistle.
Carex ^'tt Sedges.

*

CARROT. DAUCUS.

Cs,. Sf OB. 2. Pentandria dig^/nia. Nat. OR. UmhcUaite.
Ge?. char. Calyx umbel, universal ; corolla universal, diflbrm, somewhat rayed^
all hermaphrodite \ floscules of the disk abortive ; stamina capillary ; ai.thers sim-
ple ; the pistil has an inferior small germ, two reflex styles, with obtuse stigmas
there is no pericarp ; fruit ovate, often hisped on every side, with stiff hairs, bi-
partite i seeds two, sornewiiat ovate, on one side convex, hisped, on the other flat.

C.\ROTA. CARROT,

Seeds hisped ; petioles nerved underneath.

There are several varieties, the white, the orange, and the purple carrot ; the orange
is the best, and thrives extremely well in Jamaica, where it is often found of as large a
size as need be ; as large indeed as they grow in England.

They are propagated by seeds, but the imported seeds, when good, are certainly
preferable. Tfie carrots produced from the Jamaica seeds are smaller, of a paler
colour, and degenerate in proportion as they are removed from the original stock, so
that, in time, without a fresh supply of seed, they would be entirely lost, or so indif-
ferent as not to be worth cultivating. They delight in a loose soil, and the beds where
they are sowed should be well dug, that the roots may meet as little obstruction as pos-
sible in going down, so as to fork them. Too mucli dung occasions them to be worm-
eaten. The hairiness of the seeds makes the sowing them difticulf, as they stick toge-
ther ; but when sdwn they should be trod in with the feet, and the ground raked level
over them.

Raw carrots are given in England to children troubled with worms. They pass
through most people, but little changed. A poultice made of the roots hath been
found to mitigate the pain and abate tlie stench of cancerous ulcers. Crickets are very
fond of carrots, and are easily destroyed by making a paste of powdered arsenic, wheat-
meal, and scraped carrots, which ir.ust be placed near their habitations. By their
strong antiseptic qualities, a marmalade made from carrots has also been found useful
in preventing and curing the sea scurvy. The seeds have been reckoned carminative
and diuretic ; and were formerly much used as a remedy for the stone, but are at pre-
sent disregarded. Carrots were first introduced into England by the Flemings, in the
reign of Queen Elizabeth.

CASHAW. MIMOSAo

' Cl. 23, OR; I. Polr/gamia monoecis,. Nat. o?.,~-'LomerJe(a,

xs Gek;

.* . . '

Gek. char. S'f.f Cacoon, /. 137, . There are two species oftLe 3H:*/i.?a, known* by
the name of cas/fai<.

1. TORTUOSA. WRITHED,,

y!cac.i(LOjr,eirt&aiia.,.siiii]uis terctibus venliv'csis, fovihus h'.tch. S'.oarf,
V. 2,.. p. 56. Torkiom, (wuleis reclis ^ewiiuitis, foliis;iennissiifiif>y
spica giobosay siliquis c-rttssis, 'Browne,- p. 25-1.

Spines sti])nlar_v ; leaves bipinriats, Ti5ur-pahd, a gland betvvefen the Io!v;gst j
piiinas sixtcen-paired ; spikes globnlai'. . . ,

This tree has, a. branching stem.; the "bratiehes dKTiKed, sira-ciiTsided, ficxnosej
pniooihish, s'pinj',, with a brown bivrk , spine.s in pairs, ahnost united at the baic,.
stretched out,:halt";in inch long ; leaves three or four Irom-.one pointy aicernate ; par-
tial ones two or tbr&d paired ; pinnas tweh'& to sixteen, lanceolate,- bluntish, cntii-e,
smooth. Universal petirlesjj Tound, fihtbrm^ reddish ;" partial petioles angular.
Ijiands soiitary, brOwn, in-the niid.lle ot' the vmiversai petioles,, belovy. the leaflets;
flowers pcduiicled, in. licads, yellow.: peduncles solitary, above the spines, among
the leaves, halt an inch in length, bent invn. Klaments monodeiphou.s, twenty or
twenty-four, upriglit, yellow; gerin ovate, minute ; legume horned, rauadish, toru-
lose, drawn to a point at both ends, beaked, black ; s<^eds ob-cvate, black, compressed
a little. 'Between the outer coat of the pod, , tod the inner nienabrane separating the
seeds, there is a liquor of -the consistence -and colour of a syrup, which smells very
.strong and is bittxir and astringent. "Browne says that this woidd prove an excellent
medicine, where rough astringents are requisite ; he also observes, " There is no plant .
iiiore common than tiiis in the lowlands of Jamaica, but thesmell of the whole plant is.
so rank and disagreeable, -that it cannot be used even for firewood. Cattle are said to
browse upon its more tender shoots, in dry weather." -It is called the acucki or acacei:
'bitsh, and frequently made hedges of.

Cashaw grosvs^to a large size, aiid is. found in great- abundance in tlie neighbonrhood
of Passage Fort, and the-Bridge lliver in St. Dorothj-. It is luxuriant. and spreading.
It is esteemed a good timber' wood, and used for building small craft and wharf piles,.,
on account of its being offensive to the worm, tough, au.i lasting. The wood is of a
firm grain, beaiitifut brown colour, very glossy when polished, and, though it stinks
^vorse than assafiitida v\-iien "first cut, it acquires, by keeping, a perfame or agreeable
odour, very similar to that of rosevvood. It seems to be ku'gely impregnated with a
lesin, which probably is not.vvith<J:}l some yahiable quality.' Both the bark and roots of
this tree aliord a red dye, at present unattended to. Long, p. S3 8.

, r';. .2. .TUUFJLORA.

Diffusa, spiea' ohlonga, silicjui.'! longiarihus compressis, Browne,
p. 252.

Spines stipulary, in pairs ; leaves bi))iRnate,,bijUgous, distinguished by a gland^
spikes pendulous ; 1-egumes coiupressed-.
This isxalledthe popenax, ov opoponar, and rises. freque.ntly to the height of four- '
teen o'r hfteen feet. It is hot 'so 'prickly as- the tortiwsa, aiid the leaves are rather
larger j it is of a iiioire spreading growth, and f arnisiicd with oblong flo\i'er spikes, and

Uiiicb

mm.wv WORTTf'^ JAMAICENSIS.' 1,-7

rroUi

aiucli longer legumes or po;ls. It was intnxlticed into t'.iirf island fr

aad tiirives very luxuriantly ; inci-easiiig indeed so fast as to becoaiie very troiablciouie

in most pastures.

Pcpova.r. Tlii&is z name, but very erroneous, that t'acr in Juniaica giVe to a plant
Vii;cb is qi'tlie acacia kl^d, and is mare exactly like tiie Kgypliiin ffif w, or t-liqi'jti..lt..i^
rtporlecl, tluit a certain person brouglu t!.-e seed of it to Jauiaica, and plaviteti it, and sai(^
if he lived to see it grow, lie sbouUT >et an estate by it.j biitbow, remains a mystery to
this day, unless it is for its dying quality- it&ikwereisre indeed-very odoriferous. The
, dyers use tbe hus^ of the pods to dye black ; they also soak seme of the pods all night
in water, then uiix a little alum witii it, and boil it to a due t&ickrress, which makes a
TCr\^ fine black and str/Jng ink. I have ofcen uiaee it, and wr^jte with it, and observed
it never fades or turns yellow, as copperas infe will, i tarried soriie of th' pods with
me to England in j?J7, and gave tiiem to a dyer, who tried them, and said, ,they.rtwc-
cecded gaiis for dying of linen, and, if they w"on!d come as cheap, .would be prefei-a-
ble : but I also observed, the worms destroyed the pods and seeds qrbicklr.

'It is certain.tbat the sUccvs <u-ai:i(i, thai-is one of the ingredients of rnithrHlate,' shi
Venice irtacle, is only the-hardened juiOe extracted by decoction of .ihe-fl.c(v'rt or'Eg}])-
tian thorn, .wliich I- take to be this tree, or at least to be hs good> if not better, liaviug
rather a ni^re restringeut quality, and thereiore proper in ail sotts of il-iixes.

The name of poponax, tfeat they give to ihis plant, I take to be the corrupted word
q{ opnporia.v, which is a gum, or inspissated juice, of a plant csiied pana.t lieracUum ;
but this .is. not the tree. Barhatn., p.lBQ.

The planiers Hiadefenceswith it in the southern ]owIanQ< and s'avannas, but its seeds
dispersing about, It soon sprouted spontaueously, and now it over- nms vast tracts of
iiuid, and nia!ntains.its ground so firmly, that so long as the leasi particle of the root
remains, it never ceases-throwing up its tiiorny plants ; whence it is next to impossi-
Jxle to eradicate.'it entirely from a piece of land in which it has once flourished. The
pods are ricbly impregnated with a sticky astrin<rent gum, easily to. be extracted.
When t}<ey are half ripe, this juice may be made use cif for cementing 'broken china.
The trunk, .when wounded, emits a transparent giuu, like gum arable. The pods are
liable to.be destroyed by a.*vorm, but they might pr-jbablv be preserved by steeping a
little while in lime-water, by luniigation with. brimstone just belbre they afe packed^
or by putting a small b;ig or box of camphor into the package.

The roots, when bruised, yield a very. offensive smell; and a decoction made fro'-n
them is said to be mortally poisonous.

But, since this plant is no.v grown so common, and even troublesome, might it not
be worth while to try if .some henefit could be made of it in trade? The jierson who
first gave it introduction probably mistook it for the true ffrar/fir, which yields the me-
dicinal gum andsw<r.j of the shops; experiments are required to determine, 'whether
the gum obtainable from the trunk of these trees is not of similar use 'and efHcaey in
jriedicine ? and v.'hether the gummy juice of the pods may not be extracted, and "pre-
pared in a proper form, for a remittance to Europe ? Thirdly, whether they cannot
be brought into tlemand anil consumption among the dyer?, as they yield so fine and
strong a black tint, which is much wanted for linens. It is evident, from the affinity
cf these plants, that the Egyptian might, if it v/as introduced into. this island, bepro-
pagated with equal facility, Lovg, p. d,lZ^ ' '

liS HORTUS JAMAICCNSIS. eAsnfew

The pods and seeds qf the casbaw ave greedilj- eaten by cnttle and horses, especiaHy
in dry weather. If the latter, however, have access to water they will drink heartily,
and it proves fatal to them. The moisture arouses the vegetation, and the seeds svveii
and put forth shoots even in the animals stomach. This is not the case with cuttle, and
is, in all prjbabiiity, prevented by the second mastication.

See Cagook East India Ebony GfM-ARABic Inga Tree- Nephritic -Tree-
sensitive Plant Wild TAMAill^I>.

' CASHEW, ANACARDIUM.

Cl. 23, OR. 1. Pulj/gamia monoccia. Nat. ow.lloloracece.

Tbis generic name is derived from two Greek words, signifying without a heart,' fce-
<c&use the fruit, instead of liaving the seed inclosed, has the nut <^rowiug at the end.

Oen. char. Calyx of the hermaphrodite flowx^r is a five-leaved perianth ; leaflets
cvate, concave, coloured, erect, deciduous : corolla rive petalletl ; petals lance-
olate, acute, three times as long as the calyx, uprisi;iit at bottom, ledi^.x at the
end; the stamens are ten filaments, imited at tlie base, iiprigiit ; tune of them
capillary, shorter than the calyx ; one tliicker, double the ieiigth of the others,
lying on the germ in front; aathers roundish, iu the longer hiamei'.t large and
fertile, in the rest small ; the pistil has a gemi kidney-swapcd, ubliquely'emur-
ginate in front ; style subulate, bent in, the length of the corolla ; stigma small,
roundish, depressed, cancave ; tnere is no pericarp ;. the receptacle is very large,
ob-ovate ; ihe^eed is a kidnej^-sbajied nut, large, at the top of the receptacle ;
with a thick shell, cellular within, and abounduigvvith oil. The male flowers are
either mixed with the hermaphrodites, or on a distinct tree ; their calyx, corolla,
and stamina, as in the hfcrmaplirodites ; the pistil has no germ, or it is abortive.
Obs. This trte was origuualij placed i7i the tenth class ; if was removed by Lin-
neus to the ninth, and is note placed in the twenty-third, fromthe- observations ^/
, JiottboelL There is but one species, a native of Jamaica.

* occidentale. : ivestern.

Pomifera, scu pctitis prunifera Indica^vuce renifm^yni summo poynmo
. inascente, cajous dicta. Sloane, v. 2, p. 136. Fructu obverse ovatOf
jiuce reniJorTiii, racemis terminalibus. Browne, p. 226.

This tree, in favourable situations, grows to the height of twenty feet or more. The
root is large and brachiated, die tree spreading and very ramose. The leaves stand
very thick on the branches, and are of an oval form, smooth, tough, and shining, pe-
tioll'd, scattered alternately. The flowers are small, and grow in a kind of umbei-form
at tlie tops of the branches, are of a dirty red colour, they are numerous, and have a
sweet smell. The truit is sometimes reddish, and sometimes yellow, or streaked, which
: Browne took to be owing to some difference in the soil or cuitnre, which is not the
case, for A. Robinson obsen-es that, upon planting the stones, the trees proceeding
irom the nut of the yellow fruit bear yellow, and iiotcedj aaAvice versa. He also men-
siini having seen & t^ee bearing double nuts.

*ew lIOfvTUS JAMAICKN^SIS. i;"9

Tlae ''mjit is fll cf an acrid inicc, whirh is frequently made vi.-c of in rr.aking pimc'..
To the iipcx of the fruit grrnv,'; ;i \iut v: tiie size aii^i shape of a bjres Lidiiey, fiut mnrh
krj^c-r at the euu whicri is ext the f/mt than at dit; oilier. Tiie shell ;s very hard ;
and the kerne), which is the fme.st rut ui the warki, ly covered with a thin filiri. Be-
t\veen this.antl the bheU is lodged a tiiiik, blatkisli, ij;f!amniiu)ic ijoror, of iuch a caurlic
nature in tlie frtsh nut?, ihat, if the hps chanct to, touch it,, bifsttrs v/ijj iruinediEtCiy
follow. The fruit is said to fee good in disorders of the, stomach ; the juice of wh'ch
cuts tlie thick lough huinoiirs, whicli o!xs_lruct the free ciri ulaiion of the blond, Q.i:d
ths removes the conipiaint. Tiiis j'.ilte, exprcs:>ed and ierniented, makes a fine roiigL
wine useful viliere the viscera, or aoiid system has..bec;a relaxed. It does noz liinve ia
iiifh mouiilairis.

b*

Tiiis tree and fruk are 9. well lir. own in ,(^^leriril, especially in Brasil and in Jamaica,
that they need no pmLicular descriptic!>. The stone of this apple appears before ttis
fruit it:.elf, growi-ng at the end, in ihe sliape of a kidney, as big as a walnut. Some cf '
tlie fruit are all red^ ,soine a\\ yellow, and some mixed with both r-ed and yellow, zrA
others all white, of a very pleasant tiiste in general ; but there is -a. great variety, as
some more sharp or tart, sonie like the tas-te of ctierries,. others very rough like urihpc;
apples, but most of them sweet and pleasant, ant! generally goes off with a reslrino'encif
or stipticity upon the tf^ngue^ which proceetis from its tough fibres that rtm Jong.*xy
through the fruit ; when cut with a knife, it tucnsas black as ink. There are sorae 6i
the fniiD bigger than others, but the generality of tiieia are as big and mndi of th.2
shape of f r^^nch pippins, aiitl Jiiake u:i e-sceltent cyder or wins, 3, havaag a larga
orchard ^f about three hundred trees, after the market was glutted with them^ distilled
a spirit from tliem f;ir exceeuiii^ an-ack, rain, or bmndy, of which they made an aC-
mirafclf .punch, that would prov(,ke urine powerfully. The flowers are very small, and.
grow in tufts, of a carnsition colour, and very odoriteroijs. The leaves much rsiembli
the English wabuit-tree Ieav.es in shape and si^ieil, and are as effectual in old ulcers,
cleansing aiui hPuling them, beiiio detooted, and the ulcers washed wjtii-it. The nuS
hath, a very caustic oil, lo. ged in little partitions. betwixt the two outward coats, which
will flanie violently when put in the fire. The oil cures the hsrpss, ca>7cerous and ma-
lignsnt. ulcers aljoiniuing with rotten flesh.; it also kills worms in- ulcers and chigoes ;
it taHes.away freckles and liver spots, but it draws blisters, therefore must be cautiously
mafie use of ; and some make issues with them ; it aLso takes away coins, but you musS
have- a very good defensive round the corn, to prevent inflannng.-the part. The inside
IvCrnel is very pleasant to eat, when young and before the fruit is come to ripene.'is,
exceeding' any walnut ;, and when older and drier, roasted, they eat -scry pleasant, ex-
ceeding pistachia-nuts or almonds, and, ground up .with .cocoa, make an excellent-
chocolate. The gun* of this tree is very white and transparent like glass. Jt hath been
observed, that poor dropsical ijaves tiiatJiave liad the liberty to go into a cashew-walk,

and eat what cashews they please, and of the.roastcd nuis, have been recovered.

These trees are of quick growth : I luve .planted the nut, and the young trees have-
produced fruit in two years time, and will keep bearing once a-yearfor forty or fifty-
years, nay, ^hundred, liy \\ hat I can understand, jf no accident attends them. Majny
ate now flourishing in Jamaica that were ])lanted when the Spaniards had it in posses^
ion ; for. the wood is exceiient strong and lasting timber. Barham, p,. 33.

Some planters roast the ripe fruit at a iiio, and slice one or two into a howl of punca,^^

fogiveit-a pleasant flavour. "EiiSSr-

1 vO H O R T US - J A I\I A I C E N SIS. c ajhkw

The tree annually transmlcs in large qnantities, vi?. often to ten or f-clre pounds
weigiit of a line, semi-transparent gum, similar to giirn arable, and ncii; ,\t all infenor
to it in virtue and quality, except that it contains a slight astringency, which perhaps
renders it, in many res|;ects, more valuable ; tor wiiieh reason it is often used as a
.i'tt't'rfae(07i in the Jamaica s!io|)s, and might answer equally well in Great Britain, if
tncourageuient was given to collect and remit it.*

'1 he liiicl-' oil of the nut, or shell, tinges linen of a rusty iron colour, which can
hardly be got out ; and if any wood be svcearoci -with it, it preserves it from decay. If
a i^)roper method could therefore be fallen upon, for exti-acting this oil from th.e .shell,
vvhich at present is gencnilly thrown away as useless, it would doubtless be applicaiile
to various good purposes ; for no worm would attack the wood uho&e pores are filled
with it. It would certainly be an excellent preservative to hou^e-timbers, if not to ships
bottoms, mixed, with, other compositions ; though, for the latter operation, perhaps it
might be difficult to obtain, it ni plenty suiiicienf, or ct a price t.iat would mak;- it an-
swer to the experiment. But, where a less quantity might be wanted, there is great
probability of obtaining it; as the tree is so easily propagated, grows in ahiiOst any soil,
' bears luxuriantly, and lives to a very great age.

From the body of the tree Ls procured, by tapping or incisian, a ratlkv juice, which
etains lingji of a deep black, and cannot be got out again : but whether this has the
^ame pi:op*rty withtiiat of the East Indian anaairdiam, has not yet been fully experi-
inenteci i^for the inspissated juice of tliat tree is the best sort of Jac which is -.used for
staining black in China and Japan.

Dr Grew mentions the juice beings lised for staining of cottons ; \\\t it is doubtful
which of the sjiecies he means ; though Sir Hans Sloaue supposes it to be of the aca-
jou pr cashew, here mentioned. However, it may be very well worth the trial. A few
of the.tre.es may be tapped in the bleedmg season, the jivice collected in earthen pots,
kept ia a place free from dust, or the pots covered v\dth a linen cloth, to prevent dust
from mixing with it j and, wiien of a proper consistence, experiments may be made to
see if it has the same property with the Japan inc, which, if it has, it may prove a va-
tudbie coiUHKjdity. It may be