CONDIMENTS loi 



added. For further information, consult " Economic Pro- 

 ducts of India," by George Watt, vol. vi., 247, and 

 vol. i., p. 291. 



In Java, the Dutch physicians have come to the conclu- 

 sion that the chewing of betel leaves promotes health 

 in the damp and miasmatic climate of that country. The 

 Netherlands Indian Government has accordingly enjoined 

 that the leaves be served out to invalids with a view to 

 reducing sickness. The chewing of betel leaves is supposed 

 to prevent dysentery. 



Pimento 



(JEugema Fimenta) 



A native of West Indies, Central America, and tropical 

 South America. The bruised berries are carminative, 

 stimulating the stomach, promoting digestion, and relieving 

 flatulence. 



The fruit of Eugenia caryophyllus is used in the same 

 way in Brazil ; and of Myrtus Tabasco in Cumana, 

 South America. 



Ravintsara 



{Aga thophgllnm aro matlmm ) 



This spice is sometimes called Clove Nutmeg, and is a 

 native of Madagascar and Mauritius. 



The leaves are used as a condiment, and Grant says that 

 the aromatic volatile oil from its leaves is preferred by the 

 cooks of India to any other . 



