FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 393 



tarts. Instances are related of their good effects in 

 •dropsical and calculous disorders, but at present 

 they are wholly disregarded. — ' History of the Dichla- 

 mydeous Plants,' Don, vol. iv., p. 448. 

 Distribution : Cape Verd Islands. 



Capsicums, Chillies, Red Pepper, &c. {Capsicum 

 ,annuum, L.). — Herbaceous plant. This species is 

 •cultivated in various parts of the world for the fruits 

 which are the source of Cayenne pepper, which is 

 prepared as follows :— The ripe fruits are first dried 

 in the sun or oven, and then ground into powder ; this 

 is mixed with a large quantity of wheat-flour. The 

 mixed powder is formed into cakes with leaven, and 

 baked till they are thoroughly hard, after which they 

 are ground and sifted. The pulverised rind or skin 

 makes the best Cayenne pepper, and chiefly from the 

 small kinds known as "bird peppers." Capsicum 

 fruits are used medicinally in powder or as a tincture, 

 as an external application, or as a gargle in certain 

 cases of sore throat, particularly those of a malignant 

 character ; and internally as a stimulant in cases 

 of impaired digestion, &c. In India these fruits 

 are used for plasters in cholera, and to counteract 

 bad climate. — 'Treasury of Botany,' Lindley and 

 JMoore, &c. 



Distribution : Upper Guinea. 



Shrubby Capsicum or Spur Pepper {Capsicum 



