630 [Assembly 



as really to appear indigenous. Later still, that is, in 1770, it 

 was introduced into England, where, in sheltered positions, it 

 bears without protection from the cold of ordinary winters. The 

 summers there are scarcely warm enough to ripen its nuts. 

 Although severe frost is to be dreaded, it will bear a greater de- 

 gree of cold than either the olive or the almond, and hence it is 

 better adapted to the climate of our middle and southern states, 

 where it is thought it could be cultivated with profit. The finest 

 kinds are those known as the Aleppo and Tunis varieties; the 

 former for its large size, the latter, though smaller, for qualities 

 which recommend it to French confectioners, who cover the fruit 

 with sugar and chocolate, and flavor creams and ices with it. 

 The Sicilian pistachio nut is used in France, in the preparation of 

 sausages, and in seasoning meats. It is considered as a tonic, and 

 as beneficial for coughs and colds. It is frequently eaten raw, 

 but oftener in a dried state, like almonds. 



Mate or Paraguay Tea, (Ilea paraguariensis.) — We are indebted 

 for the seeds of this shrub to the kindness of Lieut. Page, of the 

 United States ship Water Witch, while engaged in exploring the 

 sources of the Rio de la Plata, in South America. It is worthy 

 the attention of persons living in the middle and southern sec- 

 tions of the Union. 



As a tree, it is highly ornamental, and wherever the magnolia 

 grandiflora will thrive, there it may be successfully cultivated. 

 The inhabitants of Paraguay, and indeed most of those who use 

 it on the southern part of this continent, attribute to it almost 

 fabulous virtues. It is unquestionably aperient and diuretic, and 

 produces effects very similar to opium; but most of the qualities 

 so zealously attributed to it, may with some reason, be doubted. 

 Like that drug, however, it excites the torpid and languid, while 

 it calms the restless, and induces sleep. Its effects on the con- 

 stitution, when used immoderately, are similar to those produced 

 by ardent spirits ; and when the habit of drinking it is once 

 acquired, it is equally difficult to leave it off. The leaves of the 

 plant are used by infusion, and all classes of persons partake of 

 it, drinking it at all hours of the day, at tlieir various meals, 

 rarely, indeed, beginning to eat before tasting their favorite beve- 



