BRITISH HONDURAS. 



The Carapa (C. quianensis), possibly an introduced tree, 

 possesses a large fruit, containing numerous oily seeds, which 

 eventually split into five pieces. The bark is said to be used 

 as a febrifuge. The timber, known in Guiana as crabwood, is 

 in request for cabinet-making and for masts and spars of 

 vessels. By pressure the seeds yield a liquid oil, known as 

 carap-oil or crab-oil, suitable for burning in lamps. Another 

 tree whose bark is supposed to possess febrifugal properties 

 was brought to my notice by Mr. Fowler, who described it in the 

 following words : " This tree, called by the Indians Capoche, 

 appears to be the natural cinchona of this country, for it is used 

 for fevers and has a bitter taste. The tree is very scarce. The 

 Indians make cups from the wood for the purpose of water 

 being steeped in them, which is given to children for fever and 

 also as an anthelmintic. There is another tree, called Cromanty, 

 more common ; the bark is thicker and has the same character- 

 istics, but is not so highly prized as the capoche." Unfortu- 

 nately, so far, no flowers or fruit of this latter tree, which is 

 probably a member of the Lauracece, have been obtained. 

 Another plant mentioned by Mr. Fowler, a tie-tie, or vine 

 (Menispermacew), is used by the Indians to stupefy fish. They 

 pound it in a mortar, dam up a pool and then throw the pounded 

 mass into the water. In a short time any fish in the pool come 

 to the surface in an unconscious state, and so are easily caught. 

 It is much to be desired that good specimens, including flowers 

 and fruit, of these and many other plants known to be used by 

 the natives of Central America, be forwarded for identification, 

 and that the specimens be accompanied by full and clear 

 descriptions of the purposes to which they are applied. 



