8 



CASE Thej are yellowish externally, hard and firm ; of an orauge- 

 2, yellow or reddish brown colour internally, and a waxy resinous 

 fracture. When ground they form a fine orange-yellow 

 coloured powder, which has an aromatic taste somewhat re- 

 sembling ginger. It is used as a condiment in Indian cookery, 

 and is a constituent in the well-known curry powder ; also 

 for dyeing wool and silk, and as a test for the presence 

 of alkalies, which change its colour to a brown. Several 

 varieties of turmeric are known in commerce as China, Bengal, 

 Madras, Bombay, Java, &c. 



Specimens are exhibited from various parts of India, Siam, 

 I7atal, and British Guiana. 



No. 8. Roots, whole and sliced, of Zedoary {Curcwna 

 Zedoarittf Rose), from India. The rhizomes possess 

 aromatic, stimulant, and carminative properties. 



Note tubers of East Indian Arrowroot {Curcuma angusti- 

 folia^ Roxb.), from Siam and Bombay, also sample of prepared 

 Arrowroot from Bombay. Observe also Patih Tummu La- 

 AVUK, a farina obtained from the yellow roots of Curcuma 

 purpurascensj BL, in Borneo. The roots are dug up, beaten 

 to pulp, and washed to separate the farina from the fibre. 

 It is used in native confectionery, and mixed with water and 

 perfume it is smeared over the faces of brides and bridegrooms. 

 CASE The upper shelves of this Case contain various samples of 

 3. the rhizomes of unnamed species of Curcuma, 



. . •; ... i,;i 



No. 9, Grains of Paradise. The pungent seeds of 

 Amomum Melegueta, Rose, an herbaceous perennial of West 

 Tropical Africa. Grains of Paradise are also known as 

 Guinea Grains and Melegueta Pepper. They are almost 

 entirely exported from that part of the coast of Guinea in 

 Western Africa which is known as the Gold Coast, and prin- 

 cipally from the stations of Cape Coast Castle and Accra. 

 The total exports amount to about 2,000 cwts. annually, 

 about half of which comes to this country, where they 

 are used chiefly in the preparation of cattle medicines, for 

 flavouring; cordials, and for imparting an artificial strength to 

 spirits, wine, and beer. In Africa they are largely used by the 

 natives to season food, and are considered very wholesome. 



Observe flowers and fruits of other species of West African 

 Amomums, namely, A. Daniellii, Hook. f. ; the Mabooboo, 

 A, latifolium, Afz. ; A. giganteumy Hanb. and Oliv., &c. ; 



