MEDICINAL VLANTS OF JAMAICA. 195 



The habit and foliage of this tree are very like those of the 

 true Winter's bark. Their sensible qualities, too, are nearly 

 the same ; and they appear to me to be species of the same 

 genus. 



(The leaves are the malabathrum of the shops. The 

 bark is grey on the outside ; the inner bark is of a cinnamon 

 colour. The taste is very hot and peppery, and might be a 

 useful substitute for some of the oriental spices ; but, by ob- 

 taining it in Jamaica without expence, it is lessened in our 

 esteem. Distilled with water, it yields little of its smell or 

 taste, but gives them out perfectly with spiritous liquors. 



In fevers and pleurisies, as well as in dropsical disorders, 

 the Negroes boil this bark for a fomentation, and afterwards 

 rub on some of the bark in powder. I have observed it com- 

 monly produce a lasting diaphoresis, and the aromatic fotus 

 is of great service in the leucophlegmatia and ascites.) 



21. Capparis cynophallophora — The Bottle Cod Root. 



This shrub is found in copses, and is disposed to run on 

 bushes. It is remarkable for having large white flowers, 

 whose stamina are of an extraordinary length. The pods tire 

 a foot long, and unequal. When ripe they open gradually, 

 and shew the seeds in a sort of crimson bedding. 



The root is large, yellow, and fleshy, and tastes strongly 

 like horse raddish. 



Dr Canvane recommends it as a specific in dropsy. He 

 orders a decoction of it ; but an infusion is preferable, be- 

 cause boiling dissipates its virtues. 



There are several other species of Capparis in Jamaica, 

 whose sensible qualities are the same as those of the mustard 

 tribe. 



(This plant is also called the Egyptian Bean or Water Lily. 



N 2 



