512 LEGUMINOSZ. 
the pods are directed to be slightly warmed, and the pulp 
extracted and rubbed up with a little almond oil for use. It 
is described as lenitive, useful for relieving thoracic obstruc- 
tions, and heat of blood, a safe aperient for children, and 
women even when pregnant, but slow in its action. With 
tamarinds it is said to be a good purge for adust bile; with 
turbith or polypodium for cold humours and melancholy ; with 
linseed or almond oil and combined with other suitable reme- 
dies, such as Duleamara, it is recommended for the removal of 
obstructions of the abdominal viscera. Externally it is said 
to be a good application in gout, rheumatism, &c. The flowers 
and leaves are said to have lenitive properties, and a conserve 
‘of the former is. mentioned. From 5 to 7 of the powdered © 
seeds are prescribed as an emetic, and the shell of the pod 
rubbed down with saffron, sugar, and rose water, in difficult 
parturition. Ainslie notices the use of the pulp and flowers by - 
the natives of India. Dr. Irvine (Topogr. of Ajmeer) states 
that he found the root act as a strong purgative. It is also 
reported to be in use as a purgative in Guzerat. In the Concan 
the juice of the young leaves is used to cure ringworm, and to 
allay the irritation caused by the application of the marking- 
nut juice. Rumphius remarks that the Portuguese make a 
confection of the young pods and. also of the flowers. As 
peculiar gum swelling up in water like tragacanth issues from 
the tree when bruised. C. brasiliana and C. moschata, the 
Canafistola de purgar of Panama, Petite Casse d’Amérique of 
the French (cf. Hanbury Science Papers, p. 318), have been 
introduced into India, and have properties similar to those of 
C. Fistula. : 
Description.—The ovary of the flower is one-celled, 
with numerous ovules, which, as they advance towards maturity, 
become separated by the growth of intervening septa. The 
ripe legume is cylindrical, dark chocolate brown, 1} to 2 feet 
long, by 3 tol inchin diameter, with a short strong woody 
stalk, and a blunt end suddenly contracted into a point. The 
ae — column of the stalk is divided into two broad ‘2 
