MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA. 233 



the seeds [i\y out. The oil is best obtained by expression, 

 although the method by decoction is more in use. If the 

 pounded nuts are boiled in salt water, they will yield more 

 oil, and more speedily, than in fresh. 



A medicine of this sort was long wanted. Without heating 

 or stimulating the intestines, it sheaths them, while it evacu- 

 ates their contents. 



I give two spoonfuls every two hours in belly-aches or con- 

 stipation of the bowels. In diarrhoeas and dysenteries at- 

 tended with pains, bloody stools and tenesmus, this medicine 

 commonly gives relief. It may also be given with safety in 

 bilious and inflammatory disorders.) 



77- Saccharum officinale. — Sugar Cane. 



This is a native of Africa, the East Indies, and of Brazil ; 

 from whence it was introduced into our West India islands 

 s oon after they were settled. 



The sugar cane is the glory and the pride of those islands. 

 It amply rewards the industrious planter, enriches the British 

 merchant, gives bread to thousands of manufacturers and sea- 

 men, and brings an immense revenue to the crown. 



It is not meant here to say any thing of the process for 

 making sugar. This has been done by several hands, and 

 particularly by Colonel Martin, of Antigua, and by Dr 

 Grainger, late of St Christopher's, in his elegant poem of 

 the Sugar Cane. 



(It is sufficient here to observe, that in twelve months 

 from the time of planting, the yellow ripe canes are sent to 

 the mill. The juice squeezed out runs in gutterings to the 

 boiling house, mixed with a due quantity of the ley of white 

 lime and ashes. Boiled, skimmed, and shifted from one cop- 

 per to another, till at last,- being of a thick consistence, it is 



