Uncarfa. pentanduia monogynia. 127 



Obs. Gambler is the Malay name of an extract, prepared from the 

 leaves of this plant. And I believe one of the drugs, if not the only 

 one, formerly called Terra Japonica in Europe, For the following 

 account thereof lam indebted to Dr. Charles Campbell, of Bencoolen, 

 who says: 



" This material is called by the Malays Gambler. It is chewed by 

 the natives mingled with Beth leaf and areca after the manner in 

 which the Cutch is used on the continent of India. 



" With some sweetness it has a more highly concentrated astrin- 

 gent principle than Terra Japonica. I am solicitous that a trial should 

 also be made of its power in tanning. 



"In regard to the natural history of the Gambier it is procured 

 from a climber little known to the Botanic Garden. 



"It is the Funis uncatus, or Daun Gatta Gambier of Rumphius. 

 Herb. Ambolne. vol. v. tab. 34. The variety from which it is chiefly 

 made is that denominated by Rumphius the Funis uncatus angus* 

 tifolius. 



" The preparation is simple, the young shoot and leaves are shred 

 and bruised in water for some hours, until a feculum is deposited ; 

 this, inspissated in the sun to the consistence of a paste, is thrown 

 into moulds of a circular form, and in this state the Gambier is 

 brought to market. 



" Rumphius has fallen into an error in asserting that Gambier is not 

 made from this plant, for in my journey to Cochin-Cliina I had an 

 opportunity of inspecting the whole process, having resided some 

 days at a small village near the foot of the mountain, where the Sultan 

 of Moco has established a colony for the purpose of carrying on the 

 manufacture to a considerable extent. 



"The price at which it can be procured from the Northern parts 

 on this coast, I have ascertained to be nearly ten dollars per hun- 

 dred weight, it can be supplied in any quantity desired, for the plant 

 abounds in these districts, and the mode of eliciting the astringent mat- 

 ter is such as requires neither much attention nor labour." 



So far Dr. Campbell, But in other parts to the Eastward of the 



