142 BOTANT. 



SEDGE ROOT, 



The roots of a species of sedge are found among the ve- 

 getables, though they taste like filberts. 

 Cyperus. 



LETTUCE. 



Lettuce is cultivated to a limited extent by Europeans. 

 Lactuca sativa. 



MUSHROOM. 



Mushrooms are often seen in the bazar, and the Karens 

 have names for sixty-four different species of mushrooms 

 and the allied fungi. They distinguish the edible from 

 the poisonous kinds, they say, by touching them with the 

 lime that they eat with the betel. If the fungus turn red 

 when touched, it is regarded as poisonous. But they are 

 so careless or ignorant, that sickness and death often 

 ensue after eating them. 

 Fung ales. 



SPATHIUM ROOT. 



There are one 01 two species of spathium, plants that 

 grow in the water ; one < f which Voigt says, is found on 

 the banks of the Irrawaddy, and has roots " nearly as good 

 as potatoes." 



Spathium chinensc. 



capsicum. 



Large quantities of Cayenne-pepper, or chillies, of which 

 we have two or three species, enter into all the native dishes; 

 not in the form of pepper, but the fruit stewed or roasted 

 rs eaten with the food. 

 Capsicum. 



