PIGEON. 567 
occur.” Again: ‘‘Chilblains are half gouty, and therefore 
yield to friction twice daily with soft soap as an alkali.” 
In Evelyn’s time a Pepper known as Tabasco was used as a 
condimentary addition to “ sallets,” being pronounced especially 
wholesome. This is the Piper Jamaiciense, or Amomum Plini, 
got from a West Indian plant of the Pimento, or Allspice, order. 
A liquid extract of the Tabasco was used, of which it was said 
‘* from three to six drops will animate the whole salad.” Allspice 
tincture, and a cordial Allspice-water are to be had nowadays 
from our druggists. 
PEPPERMINT. (See Herbs). 
PHEASANT. (See Gamk). 
PHOSPHATES. (See Aukavies, and Breap). 
PIGEON. (Columba. ) 
Tue early Romans set a high value on Pigeons, which were 
known long since, even three thousand years before Christ. 
Burton, in his Anatomy of Melancholy, forbids them as food. 
“Though these be fair in feathers, and pleasant in taste, and 
have a good outside (like hypocrites), white in plumes, and soft, 
their flesh is hard, black, unwholesome, dangerous, melancholy » 
meat.” ‘‘ Gravant et putrefaciunt stomachum.” Jeremy Taylor 
refers to a former custom which prevailed widely of applying 
Pigeons cut into halves against the soles of the feet in the 
extremity of a sick person’s illness: “ We cut living Pigeons 
in halves, and apply them to the feet of men in fevers.” : 
“ Spirante columba 
Suppositu pedibus revocantur ad ima vapores.” 
’ 
Pepys, in his Diary, quotes repeated instances of the same practice 
during the seventeenth century ; he also tells that (September 
26th, 1668) “Mr. Beale, of the King’s Guards, sat with him 
while he had two quilted Pigeons, very handsome, and good 
meat.” “A corrected Pigeon,” quoth Fuller, “that is, with 
blood let under both wings, is both pleasant, and wholesome 
nourishment ; they are generally reported without gall; but 
their bills can peck as well as kiss, and if their crops be not 
clearly drawn their flesh is bitter.” Split Pigeons have been 
laid also on the breast for giving relief in asthma, either by a 
