76 



THALAMII'LOPi.E. 



has also been confidently stated, that the same intention would 

 be produced by planting Guinea-grass through the field, as it 

 would not only keep down every description of weed, but also 

 drive off the numerous insect enemies, which too often disappoint 

 all the hopes of the planter. 



The cotton seldom comes into full bearing, before the second 

 year; and it continues productive for four or five years. It 

 blossoms and fruits during the greater part of the year : but 

 the principal bearing is between August and December. In 

 the East, the whole pod is gathered : but it is considered an 

 improvement, to leave the capsules on the trees, and to with- 

 draw from it the cotton with the seeds, which readily comes 

 away. The capsules open when they are ripe; and as they 

 come to maturity in succession, the field must be frequently 

 gone through. It is of importance to gather the cotton in dry 

 weather ; and it is necessary, after it Ts collected, to expose it to 

 the sun, so as to free it from any damp. A machine, called a 

 gin, is employed to separate it from the seeds. With one of 

 these, on the present improved principle, a man is capable of 

 cleaning 300 lbs of cotton in a day. 



It is very probable that cotton may yet again come to be an 

 article of export from this Island. The cultivation of it, is well 

 adapted for small settlers ; as it requires very little attention or 

 labour, and the crop comes in gradually, so as to be easily col- 

 lected. There is no doubt, but that it might be conducted more 

 advantageously here, than in the Southern States of America, 

 as we have not a winter to contend with, and our climate and 

 soil is completely suitable, from the plant being indigenous. 



As to the medical uses to which the cotton may be applied, 

 a decoction of the root is employed in the East Indies for 

 urinary complaints, and an infusion of the leaves or of the 

 flowers internally, as a mucilaginous drink, or externally as a 

 fomentation for the stings or bites of venomous insects and rep- 

 tiles. The seeds yield a fixed oil, which is sweet to the taste, 

 and has been used to burn in lamps. An emulsion prepared 

 from them has been recommended for dysentery and in pecto- 

 ral affections. The oil itself, applied externally, is said to clear 

 the skin of spots or freckles. The leaves steeped in vinegar, 

 are applied, like those of the Castor-oil shrub, to the forehead 

 and temples, in cases of headach from fever or other causes. 

 The cotton wool itself, carded, has been used to dry quickly 

 blistered surfaces, and as an application in cases of burns. It 

 is said to be a bad dressing for ulcers or wounds, occasioning 

 irritation. 



VIII. Anoda. 



Calyx naked 5-fid, lobes acuminate, veiy patent in 

 tlie fruit. Capsule subhemisphericfil beneath, de- 



