GUINEA PEPPER. 119 



size, colour, or shape of the pods, which 

 are hollow, and divided into two or three 

 cells, containing kidney-shaped, round, or 

 beaked smooth seeds. 



From the rich and varied colour of the 

 fruit, this plant is cultivated among our 

 ornamental housed exotics ; but it is also 

 grown in considerable quantities by the 

 market gardeners for the supply of London, 

 where it is much used in pickles, seasonings, 

 and made-dishes, as both the capsula and 

 seeds of the whole tribe are full of a warm 

 acrid oil, the heat of which being im- 

 parted to the stomach is thought to pro- 

 mote digestion, assist the tonic motion of 

 the bowels, invigorate the blood, and correct 

 the flatulency of vegetable aliments. 



" Capsicum has all the virtues of the Ori- 

 ental spices, without producing those com- 

 plaints of the head which they often oc- 

 casion. In food it prevents flatulency from 

 being caused by vegetables ; but its abuse 

 occasions visceral obstructions, especially of 

 the liver. In dropsical complaints, or others 

 where chalybeates are prescribed, a minute 

 portion of powdered capsicum is an excel- 

 lent addition. In lethargic affections, this 

 warm and active stimulant might be of ser- 



