127 
fusion and decoction treated with sulphate of iron manifest a very 
slight alteration. 
NOTE. 
The roots of the Punta-puntu, after being slowly dried, are re- 
duced to a fourth part of their thickness when fresh, wrinkled, 
or furrowed, forming tortuosities ‘or undulations which they 
had not. before, somewhat compact, heavy, and equal on 
cutting, having on the lower part very small protuberances 
proceeding frem the fibres, and.on the superior covered with 
the bases or insertions of the stalks, which are disposed in two 
ranges, and nearly of a circular figure: externally they are 
of a rusty and rather chesnut colour, and internally of a clear 
red, with some whitish little nerves which cross them longitudi- 
nally ; ; they have no perceptible odour, and the flavour i is some- 
what sweet and glutinous. The root, on being masticated for 
some time, grows spongy, and causes, when chewed, a cer- 
tain harsh sound between the teeth. Choice should be made 
of the most compact, heavy, difficult to cut, and of even fracture, 
red within, and rusty or chesnut coloured without. Little value. 
is to be placed on that which is light in weight, spongy, black-: 
ish, decayed, or worm-eaten, and which cuts easily or un;. 
equally. | | 
