Virtues of the Betel-leaf. — Betel-chewing. 113 



lowest slaves of the princes of India, by poor as well as ricli, 

 nay, should fling its chains, as it actually does, even over 

 women and cliildren. A lucky chance, however, threw in 

 our way a Sanscrit poem {^HijlopedeBo) which celebrates as 

 follows the thirteen cardinal virtues of the betel-leaf: — " Betel 

 is pungent, bitter, aromatic, sweet, alkaline, astringent, a 

 carminative, a dispeller of phlegm, a vermifuge, a sweetener 

 of the breath, an ornament of the mouth, a remover of impuri- 

 ties, and a kindler of the flame of love ! friend ! these thirteen 

 properties of betel are hard to be met with, even in heaven !"* 



It would be an inquiry of considerable interest to trace the 

 influence which the incessant betel- chewing exercises over 

 the longevity of the inhabitants, and the changes caused in 

 the masticatory organs, which are so constantly exposed to 

 these pernicious practices. 



That which most deeply struck us throughout the Nicobars, 

 was the frightful decomposition of the teeth, whereas in other 

 betel-chewing races these- were stained only of the same deep 

 crimson as the lips and the gums. We at first ascribed this 

 difference to some variation in the mixture of the ingredients, 

 but we repeatedly perceived afterwards that the betel used 

 on the Nicobar group consisted of nothing else than a small 

 piece of Areca-nut, wliich, sprinkled with a little chalk, was 

 enveloped in a green aromatic betel-leaf, and so was popped 



• The Tagali maidens of Luzon regard it as a special proof of the honourable in- 

 tentions and eagerness of passion of their admirers, if these latter take the betel 

 quid from their mouths ! 



VOL. II. I 



