of North Carolina. 83 



uses, among these Leaves come forth clusters of Flowers like 

 those of the Ches-nut Tree, from whence are produced large 

 Fruit of an oval Form : In that end next the Tree, are two 

 Holes, and sometimes three quite through the Fruit ; the 

 outside of this Fruit is covered with a substance not unlike 

 Hemp, or Flax, before it be beaten soft: In the middle 

 whereof is contained a gTeat Nut, with a very hard shell, of 

 a brown colour, wherein is contained a white Kernel, firm and 

 solid, which tastes like an Ahnond; and within the Cavity 

 or hollowing thereof is found a most beautiful Liquor like 

 Milk, and of a pleasant Taste. This Tree continues green all 

 the Year, the Timber, though large, is very spungy within 

 and hard without. The Indians tie Ropes about these Trees 

 for more ease in gathering the Fruit, and they sometimes cut 

 off tender Twigs and Branches towards the Evening, at the 

 ends whereof they tye Gourds to receive the Liquor that dis- 

 tills from the Branches thereof, wdiich they drink as Euro- 

 peans do Wine, and very much cools and refreshes their 

 wearied Spirits. They sometimes make Canoes of this Tree, 

 and of the Hemp that grows on the outside of the Fruit, 

 Ropes for several uses ; from the Kernel likewise is produced 

 a most precious Oil, wherew^ith the Indians anoint their 

 feeble Limbs after long Journies, which not only refreshes 

 them, but likewise mitigates all manner of Pains and Aches. 

 The Christians sometimes distil this Liquor, from whence is 

 produced a strong and pleasant Spirit like our Aquavitce, and 

 is used as a great Cordial for many Diseases in these parts. 



The Palmeto Tree, the Leaves whereof grow in great Clus- 

 ters, only on the tops of the Trees are long stalks, exactly 

 in the shape of a Fan. This Tree when it is at its utmost 

 growth is about forty or fifty Feet in height, and about two 

 Feet diameter; and it is observable that the gTOwth of this 



L 2 Vefi^etable 



