116 THE VEGETABLE CULTIVATOR. 



having been cultivated in this country in the reign 

 of Edward VI., above 300 years ago. 



The medicinal and other qualities of this plant 

 are important; the first, and not the least, is that it 

 gives almost instantaneous relief to the toothache, 

 arising from a carious cause. A little of the pepper 

 should be introduced into the cavity of the tooth 

 affected, and the head kept warm a while after- 

 wards. 



Eaten at dinner, it prevents any flatulency being 

 caused by vegetables; but for this purpose, and 

 indeed in most cases, it should be used with mode- 

 ration. It warms, invigorates, and assists digestion, 

 and the general estimation in which it is held will 

 be fully exemplified by a peep at Co vent Garden 

 market during the season of its being in use. The 

 pepper vinegar, mixed with barley water, is found 

 an excellent gargle, either for the mouth or 

 throat. 



As this work may probably fall into the hands of 

 some persons unacquainted with the receipt for 

 making the pickle, or preparing cayenne pepper 

 from the capsicum of English growth, the follow- 

 ing is given, as communicated to the author many 

 years ago, and practised with success. 



For the purpose of pickling, the bell-shaped 

 capsicum, introduced into this country in 1759, is 

 esteemed the best, the skin being thick, fleshy, and 

 tender; if, however, it cannot be procured, that 

 generally sold in the markets will answer. 



The pods for pickling should be in a green state; 

 for when left to turn red, they are more tough and 

 biting. The pods being gathered when dry, are to 



