336 CALYCIFLOR^. 



length of time, the first syrup, which is very acid, is poured off, 

 and a second is added. It is evident, that the East India Ta- 

 marinds, from the method in which they are preserved, must 

 be the best adapted for medicinal purposes. A very excellent 

 preserve is imported from Cura^oa, made from the unripe pods, 

 preserved in sugar, with the addition of spices. 



The pulp of the Tamarind is cooling and laxative, of a grate- 

 ful acidulous sweetish taste, and without smell. It is stated 

 by Mr Rennie,* to be incompatible with infusion of senna 

 (having been found to weaken its effects), with the resinous 

 purgatives, with the tartrites of soda and potash, and with tar- 

 tar emetic. It is used infused in water to form a refreshing 

 beverage ; or is mixed with cassia or manna as a laxative ; or 

 is boiled with milk and strained, to make Tamarind whey, as 

 a cooling drink in fevers. A very good gargle for sore 

 throat may be prepared from the pulp of the fresh pods. 

 The seeds are eaten in times of scarcity by the poorer classes 

 of India. They are first toasted, and then soaked for a few 

 hours in water, when the skin comes oiF readily, leaving the 

 seed white and soft : they are lastly boiled or fried, and are 

 said to resemble the common field-bean in taste. The tree 

 itself is very ornamental, and affords a delightful shade. The 

 inhabitants of the East liave a notion that it is dangerous to 

 sleep under it ; and, it may be remarked, that the ground is 

 bare and no plant appears to thrive under its branches. 



The leaves have an acid taste, and an infusion of them, 

 according to Prosper Alpinus, is given as a vermifuge by the 

 Arabs to their children. 



L. Cassia. Cassia. 



Calycine sepals 5, scarcely united at the base, more 

 or less unequal. Petals 5, unequal. Stamens 10, 

 free, unequal ; 3-4 inferior and long ; those in the 

 middle short, straight ; 2-3 superior with abortive 

 difFormed anthers : anthers dehiscent at the apex. 

 Ovary stipitate, frequently arcuate. Legume vary- 

 ing. 



This genus comprehends trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants. 

 Leaves alternate, and, in our Jamaica species, abruptly pinnated. 

 Petioles generally glanduliferous. Several of the species have 

 a purgative property Name, of Hebrew derivation. 



• New Supplement to the Pharmacoposias, 433. 



