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woodlands. The leaves are numerous, and of a shining 

 green. The blossoms are yellow, and grow in spikes. 



The pods are very large, a yard in length, and four inches 

 broad, containing sundry large beans, of a hard texture, and 

 a smooth brown surface. 



The beans are sometimes used by the Negroes ; they break 

 the hard shell, roast the woody kernel, then soak it some days 

 in water ; and, lastly, boil it in a pot, beat it into paste, and 

 use it as food. 



The bean or nut is supposed to be an antidote against 

 poison, and pain of the stomach. We have before observed 

 how little credit is due to such assertions. 



147- Mimosa. — Wild Tamarinds. 



There is no tree more common in our woods than the ta- 

 marind tree, and few or none so beautiful in its foliage. 

 The height and thickness is considerable ; the outer bark is 

 tough and grey ; the wood is hard and solid, it takes a good 

 polish, and is one of the best building timbers we have in this 

 country ; the blossoms are white and globular ; the pods 

 long, crooked, and of a scarlet colour, containing five or 

 six, black, soft, and shining beans. 



148. Mimosa. — Wild Tamarind, or Shag Bark. 



This differs very little from the preceding, except in its 

 feaves, which are a little broader, and its wood whiter. 

 It is a fine timber for building. 



