628 ON TWO NEW SPECIES OF LAURINEZE. 
here to his analysis of the general composition of the bark 
and seeds :—viz. r 
Bark. Seeds, 
Alkalies (not quite pure) . € 2:20 
Tannin and resinous matter coo 253 4°04 
Soluble matter (gum, sugar and salts). 4°34 9°40 
Starch : > : ncc 53°51 
Fibre and vegetable albumen . 6994 11:24 
Ashes, chiefly calcareous . |o £18 0:31 
Moisture x : — 1207 18:13 
Loss : : , . 645 117 
100* 100* 
It will be noted that there is almost 54 per cent starch in 
the fruit, and the aborigines are so well aware of this fact, 
that they use it in times of scarcity, as a substitute 
for bread. The seeds are grated for that purpose, and 
immersed in water, when a white starch precipitates itself, 
which is repeatedly washed to deprive it of its bitterness. 
It is afterwards mixed with decayed wood, chiefly of the 
Walaba tree (Eperua falcata), and baked into cakes. 1 have 
been under the necessity of using this substitute for Cassava; 
but, if prepared with ever so much attention, it is impos- 
sible to deprive it of its strong bitter taste. The Indians 
are sometimes obliged to live for months on it,—whether to 
the improvement of their health, I know not. 
Before I conclude my description of the Greenheart, I 
should wish to draw attention to the great importance of 
the new discovered alkaloid, and its powerful action as @ 
febrifuge remedy. Dr. Maclagan cites several instances 
where he has used it with great benefit in fevers and periodical 
headache, and he alludes likewise to the marked success with 
which his friend, Dr. Watts, in Demerara, employed it in 1m- 
termittent fevers in the colony. I know from verbal commu- 
nications with Dr. Rodie, the discoverer, that he places the 
greatest confidence in its efficacy, and as Dr. Maclagan 
alludes to a secret medicine, which made its appearance 
