39$ OSBECK'S VOYAGE, &c. 



In the Eq/l Indies, boats and vefTels are nei- 

 ther tarred, nor their chinks caulked (filled 

 up with tow); but they are made to keep out 

 the water with a fort of cement, which is 

 prepared in the following manner : the afore- 

 mentioned plant is taken and beaten to a pulp ; 

 then fome lime, > both pounded and fifted, is 

 kneaded amongfl it, till it grows to a proper 

 confidence. This cement fecures their boats 

 longer from fpringing leaks, than tarring ; 

 befides that it does not become fluid as tar does 

 in hot countries. When a perfon's head is 

 rubbed with the flime which is fqueezed out 

 of the Caffytha, it makes the hair grow the 

 thicker. When the bruifed ftalks are put into 

 milk, it curdles, and the whey is ufeful in agues. 

 See Rurnph. Her bar. Amb % 



tND OF VOL. I. 



