NATIONAL BEVERAGES. 327 
gona,” and either consists of a piece of Kava-root, or 
any other article that may prove acceptable. Drinking 
Kava being peculiar to all Polynesian tribes, Thomson 
(‘ Story of New Zealand:’ London, 1859: vol. i. p. 193) 
expresses surprise that the Maoris of New Zealand 
should have forgotten the art of extracting it, “ seeing 
that the plant (Piper methysticum, Forst.) grows abun- 
dantly in the country.” But the Piper found wild in 
New Zealand is not, as Dr. Thomson supposes, the Piper 
methysticum, Forst. (the true Kava plant), but the Piper 
excelsum of the same author (Macropiper excelswm, Miq.). 
Hence it can form no surprise that a genuine Poly- 
nesian people should have forgotten the art alluded to 
during the long lapse of time intervening between their 
departure from Samoa and their discovery by Europeans. 
They have, however, preserved the name of “ Kava,” 
which they have transferred to their indigenous pepper 
(Kawa-kawa), and also to a beverage (Kawa) made of 
the fruits of the Coriaria myrtifolia, Linn., by them 
termed Tupa-Kihi, Tutu, or Puhou. Kawa-kawa, ac- 
cording to Colenso’s statement in J. D. Hooker’s ‘ Flora 
of New Zealand,’ signifies “piquant.” Thomson at- 
tempts to trace Kawa, Kava, or Ava, as the various Poly- 
nesian dialects have it, to the Sanscrit “ Kasya,” which 
seems to be a general term for intoxicating beverages.* 
* The medicinal properties of the Kava-plant have of late claimed some 
attention. In the French translation of Golding Bird’s work on Calculous Af- 
fections, Dr.O’Rorke has inserted, amongst others, the following remarks :— 
“The Kava-plant is the most powerful sudorific in existence, and its 
stimulant qualities render it applicable in those cases in which colchicum 
is prescribed. . . . The intoxication it produces is not like that caused by 
spirituous liquors, but rather induces a placid tranquillity, accompanied by 
