84 NAT. ORDER. MENISPERjtACEiE. 



glabrous, shorter than the germens, and recurved at the extremity ; 

 the ])islils are three, free, of which two are generally abortive, 

 ovate-acuminate, glanduloso-pilose, and containing one ovule ; the 

 style is very short, and the stigma has several spreading points ; the 

 fruit is drupaceous, or berried, about the size of a hazel-nut, 

 densely clothed with long spreading hairs, which, at their extrem- 

 ity, are tipped with a gland ; the seed is subreniforrn, clothed with 

 a thin black shell, transversely striated. Figure a, the pistils; 

 b, a female flower; c, a stamen and pistil; d, a male flower; e, a 

 seed. (Examine Plate.) 



Calumba-root is the staple export of the Portuguese, from 

 Mosambique ; and, from the quantity exported, it is not at all re- 

 markable that its place of growth should have so long remained 

 unknown, or doubtful to the rest part of the world. The roots 

 are dug up in March ; but the offsets only are taken. Soon after 

 they are dug up, they are cut into slices, strung on cords, and hung 

 up to dry in the shade. When they are sufficiently dry, they 

 break short, and are then deemed good ; but when they are soft, 

 and of a dark color, their quality is considered bad, and not mar- 

 ketable. The dried root is brought to this country, packed 

 in bags or cases. It is in transverse sections, generally about 

 one-third of an inch in thickness, and from one to two inches in 

 diameter. 



" The late Sir Walter Farquhar was very anxious to intro- 

 duce into England the calumba-root in a living state ; and for that 

 purpose he desired his son. Sir Robert Farquhar, Governor of 

 Mauritius, Bourbon, and their dependencies, to procure the j^lant 

 from its native soil in Africa, and forward it to London. Sir Rob- 

 ert lost no time, after assuming his government, at the conquest of 

 the French Islands, in applying to the governor of Mosambique, 

 , for growing plants ; and was repeatedly assured that these should 

 be sent to him at the proper season. The promises, however, 

 were never fulfilled, although renewed by the several succeeding 



