On the Aborigines of Brazil. 31 



known, and has been practised from time immemorial on the 

 whole American continent and its islands, wherever Indian 

 corn is grown. To set up fermentation in the decoction, 

 we ourselves saw old women chew the seeds of corn, 

 and then spit them into it. In like manner they produce 

 vinous fermentation in a decoction of other fruits and roots 

 containing sugar, for instance plaintains, Acaju (Ana- 

 cardium occidentale) Batatas, and the sweet Mandiocca, 

 root (Macajera.) Many of these kinds of wine, when kept 

 in cool places, remain for several days, without getting sour. 

 They are in the Tupi language commonly called Caohy or 

 Cauim. The decoctions which they make from several 

 of the various fruits of the forest, and which they drink 

 when fresh made, are called Caxiri. They are oftenest 

 made from the berries of the Assai, and the Patoua-palms 

 (Euterpe, CEnocarpus) and from the fruit of the Bubunha 

 palm (Gulielma speciosa.) That made from the fruit of the 

 CEnocarpus family resembles in taste a light chocolate, and 

 is so nutritious, that Indians get fat from its continued use. 

 The preparation of what is called Pajuaru is more compli- 

 cated. To make it, cakes of Mandiocca flour lightly baked 

 on the hearth, are either boiled or infused in water, and then 

 left to the vinous fermentation. The Indians also are ac- 

 quainted with the means of preparing a kind of vinegar (tupi 

 or Caui sai, that is, sour wine) from the juices and decoctions 

 of fruits. These decoctions, as well as their fermented 

 drinks, are drank at their evening dances and other festivals, 

 in great excess, and to intoxication. 



Influence of the Weather on the Skin. 



There is another predisposing cause to disease, to which 



I must here particularly allude, I mean, the imperfect 



protection and the little care, which the Indian bestows 



on his skin. He goes about naked.* The light aprons 



* Imperfect clothing is the main cause of most of the diseases of the cold sea- 

 son in the natives of Bengal, especially of rheumatism which is so prevalent.— TV. 



