in every respect similar to that imported ; which is done by 

 grating them, washing and infusing them in water, and 

 evaporating the liquor so as to obtain a sediment like 

 starch, which must be well dried in the sun." 



The root of the Manioc is also the basis of several kinds 

 of fermented liquors; and an excellent condiment for sea- 

 soning meats, called Cabion, or Capion, is prepared from 

 the juice, and said to sharpen the appetite. The leaves 

 beaten and boiled are eaten after the manner of Spinach ; 

 and the fresh root is employed in healing ulcers. 



From what has been above stated, it will appear, that the 

 expression of the juice from the root deprives the latter of 

 all its deleterious properties ; and that the application of 

 heat to these juices, renders their residue also, wholesome 

 and nourishing. And whilst Cassava-bread is, as Sloan e 

 says, in the most general demand of any provision all over 

 the West Indies, and is employed to victual ships ; the use 

 of Tapioca is still more extended, and throughout Europe 

 is largely employed, for the same purposes as Sago and 

 Arrow-root. 



An acre of ground planted with Manioc, yields nourish- 

 ment to a greater number of persons, than six acres culti- 

 vated with the best Wheat : but it is probable that it 

 greatly exhausts the soil. The estate of Mandiocca in 

 Brazil,the late residence of M. De Langsdorff, is so called 

 on account of the excellency of the Manioc, or Mandiocca 

 roots, which are cultivated on it. There, after burning 

 the felled trees, the lands are planted with cuttings, (maiu- 

 °as) of this plant. In eighteen or twenty months, during 

 which time the farmer endeavours above all things to check 

 their upward growth by breaking out the buds, the roots 

 have attained their full size. Each plantation usually 

 yields three crops, and is then abandoned. (Spix and 

 Martius' Travels in Brazil. 



, Fi ff . 1. Branch of a plant with Female Flowers. 2. Panicle, with ni..*tlv 

 Male Flowers. 3. Pistil. 4. Stamens and Nectary. 5. Anther. 6. heed. 

 ~~ 3 »4, 5, magnified. 



