138 THE OLD ENGLISH HERBALS 



which I perceive much may be done, if further industry were 

 used, but I have yet met with no opportunity to accomplish 

 the same; and therefore hope that some others who have con- 

 veniency will do something herein for the promotion of further 

 knowledge in these and many other excellent things which those 

 parts afford, and we are yet unacquainted with. And whosoever 

 is offended at this that I have here written, may let it alone; 

 it forceth none to meddle with it : I know the best things dis- 

 please some, neither was there ever any man yet that could 

 please all people : but in hurting none, possibly I may please 

 some ; for whom only it is intended." 



The book itself contains interesting accounts of yams, 

 gourds, potatoes, prickly pears, maize (of turkeys fed on maize 

 he says, " If I should tell how big some of their turkeys are I 

 think I should hardly be believed"), cotton, pepper and sugar. 

 His dissertation on the making of sugar is one of the earliest 

 accounts of the process. Of the " Maucaw tree " he writes 

 that " the seeds being fully ripe are of a pure crimson or reddish 

 colour apt to dye the skin with a touch so that it cannot quickly 

 be washed off." The Red Indians used these seeds to dye their 

 skins, and Hughes remarks, " were some Ladies acquainted 

 with this Rarity, doubtless they would give much for it." The 

 longest section of the book deals with the cacao tree, its fruit 

 and the making of chocolate. Cacao kernels were used as tokens 

 and cacao plantations were entailed property. " In Carthagena, 

 New Spain and other adjacent places, they do not only entail 

 their Cacao Walks or Orchards on their Eldest Sons, as their 

 Right of Inheritance (as Lands here in England are settled on 

 the next Heir), but these cacao kernels have been, and are 

 in so great esteem with them, that they pass between man and 

 man for any merchandise, in buying and selling in the Markets, 

 as the most current silver Coyn; as I have been told and as 

 some credible Writers do affirm." There is a notable description 

 of the making of chocolate by the servants " before they go 

 forth to work in the Plantations in a morning and without which 



