78 A VOYÁ,GE TO Book I. 



feed, or ilone, fix or eight lines in length, to two in 

 breadth. Its talle is an acid fweetncfs, but the acid 

 predominates; and it is only ufed when diíTolved in 

 water as a cooling liquor, and then but moderately, 

 and iiot for many days fucceinvely ; its acidity and 

 extreme coldncls weakening and debilitating the ilo- 

 mach. 



Another fruit, called maní, is produced by a 

 fmall plant. It is of the fize and fhape of a pine- 

 cone ; and eaten cither roafted, or as a conferve. Its 

 quality is diret'-lly oppofite to that of the former, being 

 hot in thehighcii degrte ; and, confequenlly, not 

 Tery wholefome in this climate. 



The produóls which are not natural here, befides 

 wheat, barley, and other grain, are grapes, almonds, 

 and olives: confequently the country is dcititute of 

 wine, oi!, and raiiins, with which they are fupplied 

 from Europe : this neceflarily renders them very dear; 

 fometimes they are not to be had at any price. When 

 this is the cafe with regard to wine, great numbers 

 fuffer in their health ; for, as all thofe who do not ac- 

 cullom* therafelves to drink brandy at their meals, 

 which are far the greater number, except the Negroes, 

 being ufed to this wine, their Homach, forAvant of it, 

 lofes the digeilive ñiculty, and- thence are produced 

 epidemical diltempers. This was an unhappy cir- 

 cuín (lance at our arrival, when wine was fo extremely 

 fcarce" that mafs was faid onlv in one church. 



The want of oil is much more tolerable ; for, in 

 drcffing either fiili or fieili, tliey ufe hog's lard, of 

 which they have to great a quantity, as to make it an 

 ingredient in their foup, v/hich is very good, and, 

 coniidering tlie country, not at all dear : inñcad of 

 lamps too, they ufe tallow^candles. : fo that they want 

 oil only for their falads. 



From iuch plenty of flefh, fowl, and fruits, aii 

 idea may be for.nQcd of the luxnriancy of the tables 

 in this country ; and, indeed, in the houfes of per- 



fons 



