BOOK III. CHAP. VIII. 715 



pljtce until it is peifedly firm, in which ftate it is fit for market. This 

 plant is propagated by the feeds, in any moift and fertile foil, among 

 ihe -mountains. 



The powder is cooling, cordial, and much ufed by the Spaniards in 

 their clDOcolate and foups, both to heighten the flavour, and give them 

 4in agreeable colour. 



Medicinally adminiftered, it Is efteemed good in bloody fluxes, and 

 -diforders of the kidneys. Mixed with lemon juice and a gum, it makes 

 the crimfon paint, with which the Indians adorn their perfons. It 

 was formerly ufed by dyers, to form the colour called Aurora; and 

 then fold in America at nine fliillings a pound ; but at prefcnt it is 

 not held in fuch efliimation as a dye, though It ftill maintains its 

 ground with painters. 



It generally bears fruit in December. The bark makes good ropes 

 for the common plantation ufes. 



13. Vanilla. — Epidefidrutn. 



This plant is a climber, and rifes with great eafe to the tops of 

 the loftlefl: woods. It is found wild in many parts of Jamaica ; but 

 has been particularly noticed at the North-fide, in the pariflies of 

 St. Mary, St. Anne, and St. James. It grows luxuriantly in cool, 

 fhady places; and may be propagated from the feed, or bean, or 

 by the germ. It is chiefly planted in low, rich foils, along walls, 

 or at the feet of trees, or other props. The pods grow in pairs, are 

 generally the thicknefs of a child's finger, of about five or fix 

 inches in length, green at firft, then yellowifli, and turning to a 

 brownifli cafi: when they ripen. When this plant is defigned for 

 propagation, cuttings may be taken, of about three or four joints 

 in length, and planted, clofe to the items of trees, in low, moifi: 

 fituations. The earth is afterwards to be kept clear from weeds, 

 which, if permitted to grow about the cuttings before they are 

 well-rooted, would overbear and deftroy them ; but, after they 

 have faftened their flioots to the flems of the trees, they are out of 

 danger from injuries of this fort. They do not produce flowers 

 until they are grown ftrong ; fo that fome affirm, that fix or feveu 

 years pafs from the planting to the time of their bearing fruit. 



4 Y 2 But,. 



