752 JAMAICA. 



a capital vulnerary ; for, if applied to a frerti wound, it cures it in a 

 very iliort time. 



When frelh, it is faid to have a much greater efficacy, than when 

 old. 



It is given internally againrt. putrefaftion of the 'vifcera, and abfcefles 

 of the lungs, liver, and kidnies. It alfo cleanfes foul ulcers, and heals 

 them very foon. But it is difficult to obtain it unfophifticated ; for 

 which, and other reafons, it well deferves the experiment of ingenious 

 gentlemen in this ifland, to find if a balfam, or refin, be obtainable from 

 the^;«j/m; fince the difcovery would naturally lead to form fuch a 

 fubftitute for the true balfam, which is fo feldom to be got in its genu- 

 ine (late; and there feems no weak ground for prefuming, that this 

 fubftitute would anfwer fimilar good purpofes In medicine. 



58. Calibash — Crejcentia. 



This tree grows univerfally in Jamaica. The wood is very tough, 

 and fitter for the coach-makers ufe than any other fort of timber 

 known. The fliell of the fruit refembles a gourd, is of various fize 

 and capacity, from an ounce to a gallon ; and is ufed by the Negroes 

 to hold water, or rum. It is thin, but of a clofe, firm texture, and 

 ferves to boil water, or even broth, as well as an earthen-pot. The 

 thicker and more fubfl:;intial parts are frequently fcooped into button- 

 moulds, in all the Weft India iflands. The Negroes fupply them- 

 felves, from this tree, with very convenient, and not inelegant, cups, 

 faucers, bowls, punch, and other ladles, fpoons, and other utenfils, of 

 various fhapes and fizes j upon fome of which they beftow the beft: 

 carved work in their power. 



They fteep the feeds in water, which makes a tart, cooling bever- 

 age. With the pulp they cure burns, applying it in form of a cata- 

 plafm, and renewing it every fix hours. 



The pulp of the green fruit is faid to caufe abortion, and even to 

 make cows and mares caft their young ; for which reafon they are care- 

 fully kept from eating of it in dry feafons ; at which times only they 

 are prompted to it, by fcarcity of other food. 



2 ^o. Wild- 



