152 



WEST INDIAN FRUIT 3 AND ESCULENTS. 



to procure some young shoots, or " suckers,'* as they are 

 called in the island, from Sir Bowcher. 



Choco-Vine, or Christophine. (Sechium edule, De C. ; 

 Sicyos edulis, Jacq.) 

 The fruits of this eucurbitaceous plant are very delicate, 

 and surpass the vegetable marrow. I have little doubt it 

 might be cultivated in our hotbeds. 



Sorrel. (Hibiscus sabdariffa. a. H. caule rufescente ; (3. H. 

 caule virescente.) 

 This plant is perfectly acclimatized. There are two varie- 

 ties with purple and green stems. It is much cultivated for 

 the sake of the calyxes and capsules, which are used for 

 tarts ; but they are much more employed for preparing a very 

 nice drink, which being sweetened is allowed to ferment, and 

 furnishes a refreshing and wholesome beverage. 



Ochro, or Ockra. (Hibiscus esculentus, L.) 



The pods when green are much used for domestic purposes 

 in soups, and as a vegetable. They are considered very 

 wholesome ; they are likewise pickled. I have little doubt 

 that this plant might be acclimatized. 



Pigeon, or Angola Pear. (Cajanus indicus, Sp. ; C.Jiavus, 

 De C. ; Cytisus Cajan, L.) 

 The more delicate varieties of this pulse (e. g. the Santa 

 Cruz, Pigeon-Pea) are held in great esteem, even by the 

 higher classes of inhabitants in the West Indies. Their quick 

 growth and large produce in indifferent soil renders them the 

 more recommendable. It is a very hardy plant, and I doubt 

 not that it might be acclimatized. 



Taniers, Nut Eddoes, Chou du Bresil. (Caladium sagit- 

 tifolium, Vent.) 

 It is cultivated in the West India Islands chiefly for the 

 sake of its leaves, which are boiled and eaten as a vegetable. 

 The roots are likewise used for boiling in soups. A corre- 

 spondent in one of the local papers in Barbados recommended 

 them for acclimatization in England as a substitute for 

 potatos. 



Roasting Eddoes. (Arum macrorhizum, Linn.) 



The roots resemble much in taste the former ; but if the 

 roots are getting large they are less delicate. 

 Scratching Eddoes, Scratch Cocco. (Caladium escu- 

 lentum.) 



The roots of this plant are used like Taniers. I have read 

 recently that the disease peculiar to the potatos in Europe 

 had shown itself among the Cocco in Jamaica. 



