356 FEEJEE GROUP. 



could easily effect by bringing the small tubers alive : it would un- 

 doubtedly be a great acquisition. 



At Rewa, a root called ivia is found in the marshy grounds, which 

 is peculiar to that island. It is perennial, and if left to grow several 

 years, reaches an immense size, becoming thicker than a man's body, 

 and several yards long. It has many roots, which send forth others, 

 all of which throw out leaves in various directions, so that a single 

 plant will form a perfect jungle. When used for food, the outside is 

 scraped or peeled off, and the inside, after being cut in pieces, is 

 boiled ; but, however well cooked, it is usually tough. It is also 

 made into a mandrai, called mandrai sivi-sivi. 



The Rewa people, in consequence of their possessing this root, 

 never fear a famine. 



Taro is grown here in vast quantities on the margin of streams, 

 by which the patches are irrigated. When the root is ripe, the 

 greater part of it is cut off from the leaves ; the portion which is left 

 attached to them is at once replanted. These roots are prepared for 

 eating by boiling, and when not properly cooked an acrid juice re- 

 mains, which will smart the mouth and throat. They are also 

 pounded into a kind of flour, that is preserved by kneading it up 

 into large balls, which they make into puddings with cocoa-nut milk. 

 Large quantities of taro are also stored away in pits, where it becomes 

 sour, and is afterwards used by the natives as mandrai. 



The natives also make use of the arrow-root (Maranta arundinacea), 

 which is found in great abundance in a wild state. They pound it 

 up into a kind of flour, for puddings. This plant might be cultivated 

 extensively, and would prove a valuable article of commerce. 



Sugar-cane is somewhat cultivated by the Feejees, who use it for 

 chewing, for thatching their houses, and for arrows. It also grows 

 wild in all parts of the islands. 



The root of the ti (Dracama), which they wrap closely up and bake, 

 contains even more saccharine juice than the sugar-cane, and is very 

 agreeable to the taste. 



The turmeric (Curcuma) also claims much of their attention. 

 The natives dry it, and pulverize the part of the root below the 

 bulb between stones. It is used by the women to rub over their 

 bodies to promote health, and in their opinion beauty : from this habit 

 they have a yellow oily appearance, and some are seen who are of a 

 saffron colour. 



Tobacco is cultivated in quantities, and smoked with avidity. 



