VEGETABLES. 



29S 



The large tuberous roots of the smilax china af- 

 ford our southern Indians a nourishing food. The 

 fresh nuts are well macerated in wooden mortars. 

 The mass is then put into vessels nearly filled with 

 clear water, where it is well mixed with paddles. 

 It is decanted off into other vessels, where it is 

 left to settle, and after the subsidence is completed, 

 the water is cast oiF, leaving the farinaceous sub- 

 stance at the bottom. When this is taken out and 

 dried, it is an impalpable powder of a reddish colour. 

 Mixed with boiling water, it becomes a beautiful 

 jelly, which, when sweetened with honey or sugar, 

 affords a most nourishing and pleasant food for chil- 

 dren and aged people. The Indians sometifties use 

 it mixed with fine corn flour, and fried in fresh bear's 

 oil.* 



Aralia, Four species grow in the United States. 



1. jiralia sfiinosa^ angelica tree^ prickly ash^ 

 tooth-ach tree. 



A decoction of its bark and root has often suc- 

 ceeded when taken inwardly, in removing rheumatic 

 complaints. It excites a gentle perspiration, and 

 powerfully affects the salivary glands. The berries 

 are used to put into a hollow tooth when aching. A 

 tincture of them in spirits is also used for the same 

 purpose. 



' 2. J. racemosaj sfiikenard^ wild liquorice^ berry 

 bearing a. 



Parkinson says, the berries are eaten in Canada, 

 and that both leaves and roots are used as sallads 

 and pot-herbs, by the natives. 



f Barton's collection for a Mat, Met?, 



