110 
eas almost as commonly served as the frijole, is Cicer 
Bie m L. In the subtropics, Faba vulgaris, the French, 
broad ‘6 or eee bean, is largely grown. It is a large bean, shaped 
like the lima, and is often roasted and salted for the table, or to 
be eaten out of hand, as our children eat peanuts. The lentil 
(Ervum lens) is one of the most ancient of foods and is a great 
staple in the Orient, especially in Egypt. In southwestern Asia 
and northern Africa, the related plant 7; roel yields a bean- 
like seed that is different from all others in the family. It is 
not only richly albuminous, but contains an alkaloid that gives 
it a bitterish taste, and renders it stomachic and tonic 
pigeon-pea, Cajanus Indicus, is another small bean ‘hat is 
delicious, as well as very nutritious and wholesome. It is largely 
grown in the West, as well as in the East Indies. In China, the 
Soy bean (Soja) is a very important product. It requires an 
ans cook to make it suis but the Chinaman pro- 
it some remarkably savory dishes. It contains a 
Hace smelling nee ae ne oil, This is removed an 
used for technical purposes. The remainder, being free from 
starch, is much eaten by diabetic patients. 
Of tropical root-crops, among which are included tubers, bulbs 
and corms, as well as true roots, the most important are the 
several species of yams, the sweet potato, the Cassava and Taro 
e white or Irish potato cannot be grown with advantage, even 
where it is able to exist. Its tubers become watery and sweetish 
and it decays within a few days after being dug, or even trans- 
ported into a tropical climate. The Andean mountaineers have 
a way of freezing the water out of potatoes, after which they 
exhibit a corky dryness and will keep indefinitely. In this 
condition they are easily carried into tropical regions. ave 
some samples of this ‘‘Chunya,” made in 1884, which are in 
perfect edible condition. 
oO 
e sweet potato, a plant in the morning-glory family, is too 
well known to require description. Its cultivation is world-wide 
in the tropics. The yam, of very similar appearance, is yielded 
by a number of species of Dioscorea. Some of these varieties 
give off prussic acid and are ns poisonous, with almost in- 
