LEGUMIN0S2E-C2ESALPINIE&. 161 



bundles which traverse it, is a yellow or brownish pulp, sweet, acid, 

 and slightly astringent, long employed in medicine as a laxative and 

 antiputrescent ; it was formerly used in the old electuaries known as 

 lenitif, catholicon double, &C. 1 From it is made a pleasant subacid 

 preserve. Tamarind and Carob seeds were, we are told, the original 

 carats used by jewellers to weigh against precious stones. The 

 albumen contained in these seeds, as in those of Afzelia bijuaa, may 

 be roasted and eaten. So, too, with those of Bauhinia Valilii Benth., 

 the Cape Schotias, and several Indian Casalpinias. The enormous seeds 

 of Prioria Copaifera Griseb. have edible embryos, and are sold at 

 Panama under the name of Cativa or Amanza muger: Oil is extracted 

 from the seeds of Casalpinia oleosperma Koxb., C. {Guilandina) Bonduc, 

 Bauhinia tomentosa L., JDicorynia paraensts Benth., &c. The edible 

 part of the seeds of Afzelia africana is the orange-coloured fleshy aril, 

 which rises from the hilum to form a deep sac or cupule. 3 



Dakkar of Senegal, the Balam pulli of India 2 Benth., in Trans. Linn. Soc, xxiii. 390. 



(Guib., op. cit., ii. 348, fig. 346 j— M£r. & Del., 3 Guill. & Pere., Fl. Sen., Tent., i. 264.- 



op. cit., vi. 633). Rosexth., Sgn. Plant. Diaph., 1044. 



1 Such as diaprun, confection Hamech, and 

 psyllium. 



VOL. II. M 



