67 



the dry seasons, and never noticed any ill effects on the cattle. My 

 father, the late Alan Kennedy of Somerset, in the Parish of Manches- 

 ter, pointed out to me a mistletoe then growing on a Timber Sweet- 

 wood Tree, which had a small longish leaf which he said would cause 

 an abortion in cattle, and not much of it would be required, say about 

 a handful or a couple of good mouthfuls." 



Mr. E. W. Muirhead to Director. 

 " With reference to the calabash producing abortion in cattle and 

 horses, during my experience I have heard of cattle being affected in 

 this way, but not horses. Just lately Mr. D. mentioned to me the 

 loss of a few calves which he attributes to their eating the calabash. 

 Cattle and other stock are very fond of the calabash and feed on it in 

 dry weather. I may also mention that the bush of the Red peas, 

 bean, Guango trees affects horses, asses, &c." 



Mr. J. Shearer, Duncans. 

 " I received yours about the supposed effects of the fruit of the cala- 

 bash tree. Knowing very little about the matter nivself I have con- 

 suited several parties having experience in stock-breeding. Enclosed 

 is a note from Dr. Dewar and one from my Overseer at Drax Hall Es- 

 tate. Dr. Dewar says the calabash is not known as an emmenagogue 

 among the natives of Jamaica, but I have been informed by another 

 that it is used for such purposes by the natives of Hayti. Abortion 

 among cows is catching or sympathetic, and if one cow leads off in 

 presence of others in the same condition several may follow suit." 



" I do not see how the abortions can be attributed to the eating of 

 calabash, for as you know the cattle by the seaside Pens eat it com- 

 monly it being plentiful and feeding short at times of the year. 



I am sure it is not known amongst the negroes as an emmenagogue. 

 This is the first I have heard of this property as pertaining to cala- 

 bash. 



Gr. P. Dewar." 



" Regarding the calabash causing cows to cast their calves I have 

 never heard of it before. I have seen them eating the fallen ones, 

 and taking them from the lower branches, and cattle seem to be fond 

 of them. 



I enquired of a couple of old men here, but they know of no other 

 use of the calabash more than for colds, and in cases of a severe fall 

 the juice is given with castor oil. 



John Ellis." 



Mr. J. W. Fisher to Director. 



" I have been making enquiry as to the effects of the calabash pulp 

 or juice on cattle or horses, but have failed to obtain any information 

 corroborating Barham's mention that it causes abortion. It is, how- 

 ever, generally used by the Creole midwives to assist in bringing away 

 the after-birth in child-bearing — and is considered a great forcer of 

 the menstrua. It is also often used in cases of a severe fall — given 

 mixed with oil and vinegar 



With regard to the instance you allude to of a large number of 



