The Hifiory of Book I. 



the feeds unto which it is fattened 5 then there is poured there- 

 to warm water, in which they are walh'd till fuch time as they 

 have loft their Vermilion colour 5 and then when this water 

 hath refted a while, they dry in the (hade the dregs or thick 

 Lye which is at the bottom of the veffel, and then it is made 

 up into Lozenges or little Balls, which are very much efteem'd 

 by Painters and Dyers when they are pure and without mix- 

 ture, as thofe are whereof we have now given the de- 

 fcription. 



The wood of this Tree is eafily broken : It is very good for 

 firing, and if the fire mould be quite out, it is only rubbing 

 for a certain time two pieces one againft another, and they will 

 caft forth fparks like a Fire-lock, which will fet fire on the 

 Cotton, or any other matter fufceptible thereof, that is laid 

 neer to receive it. Of the Bark of it are made Lines which 

 laft a long time. The Root of it gives a delicate gufto to 

 Meats, and when there is any of it put into Sauces, it commu- 

 nicates to them the colour and fcent of Saffron. 

 , The Caribbians have of thefe Trees in all their Gardens, are 

 very careful in the ordering and keeping of them, and efteem 

 them very highly, becaufe from them they have the bright 

 Vermilion with which they make their Bodies red : they ufe it 

 alio in Painting, and to give a luftre and handfomnefs to thofe 

 veflels which they make ufe of in their houfes. 



There might well be numbred among the Trees fit for Dy- 

 ing mofr of thofe which yield any Gums: For thofe who have 

 had the curiofity to make a tryal thereof^ have found by ex- 

 perience, that being mixt in Dying they heighten the darkeft 

 and dulleft colours, by a certain livelinefs and luftre which they 

 communicate thereto. 



CHAP. VIII. 



Of Trees ttfeful in Medicine, and fame others, whereof 

 the Inhabitants of the Caribbies may make great 

 advantages. ' 



- 



THe great difpofer of all things, having affignd all Nati- 

 ons the limits of their feveral habitations, hath left no 

 Country deftitute of means requisite for the convenient 

 fubfiftanee of the men placed therein \\ and that they might be 

 eye-witneffes of the in-exhauftible treafure of his ever to be 

 adored Providence, he hath impregnated the Earth with the 

 vertue of producing not only the Provifions neceffary for their 

 nourifhment, but alfo feveral Antidotes to fecure them againft 



' the 



