8j4 J a M a I C a. 



be brought into demand and confumption among the dyers, as they 

 yield fo fine and ftrong a black tint, which is much wanted for 

 linens. 



It is evident from the affinity of thefe plants, that the Egyp- 

 tian might, if it was introduced into this iiland, be propagated 

 with equal facility. 



174. Silk-Grass. Aide Species? Abe Tuccajoliisy Slo, Cat. \\^. 



This I take to be the aloe " with leaves embracing the Ralks, 

 " which are reflexed and indented at their edges. The flowers 

 *' growing cylindrical and (lalk flirubby.'" " Aloe Afrkana, cau~ 

 " lefcens^foliis glaucis cauleni ampleBantibusy The ^' African /word- 

 *' aloe." The flowers growing in a pvrimidal fpike, tubulous, and 

 of a bright-red colour. 



The leaf is not fo thick nor juicy as the femper-vive, but much 

 longer; fome extending five or fix feet, and narrow: but not i'o 

 narrow as the pinguin leaf. The edges of the leaf are fet with 

 fmall prickles, and it rifes tapering from the bafe to the point which. 

 is fliarp. 



The chief ufe of this plant is for making a kind of vegetable filk, 

 which is manufadtured by the Indians into hammocks, ropes, fifh- 

 jng-nets, and many other conveniencies. 



For this purpofe they lay the blade or leaf upon a flat piece of 

 wood, and, holding it fafl: at one end, fcrape ofi^ the outward green 

 fubftance with a wooden knife, till the filk or fibres appear in 

 straight threads, extending the whole length. After both fides are 

 itraped, it is thrown into clean water, cleanfed from the remaining 

 iTcin and pulp, and, being dried in the fun, is then fit for ufe. 

 There is no doubt but with a little improvement it might be made 

 capable of being worked up into very fine fi:uffs and merchandize. 

 Some of thefe plants, I have been informed, are growing at Wreck' 

 bay near the Healthfliire hills. They might eafily be procured, ei- 

 ther from Africa, or fome of the grecnhoufes near London. 



175. Jalap, or Four o'Clock Floweu. — Mirabilis. 



This plant is cultivated here chiefly for the beauty of its flowers, 

 which generally open with the cooler hours; and thence it has ob- 

 tained its name. The 



