96 



with a subligneous stalk. The inhabitants make use 

 equally of all the three to season their food. 



Besides those which I have mentioned the Chili- 

 ans make use of many other excellent plants which, 

 though natural to the country, require a more atten- 

 tive cultivation ; of these the principal are the umbel- 

 lifera, the bermudiana or illmu, and the hemerocallis 

 of Feuille. The umbellifera, or heracleum tubero- 

 sum, in its leaves, flowers and seed resembles the 

 illmu, but is distinguished from it by the quantity 

 of its bulbs, which are frequently six inches long and 

 three broad ; the colour of the bulbs is yellow and 

 their taste very pleasant, it grows naturally in sandy 

 places near hedges, and produces abundantly. 



The bermudiana bulbosa, or the illmu of Feuille, 

 has a branchy stalk, and its leaves are very similar to 

 those of the leek ; the flower is of a violet colour, and 

 divided into six parts, which are turned back towards 

 the foot-stalk; it has six stamens and a triangular 

 pistil ; the seeds are black and round, and the bulbs 

 when boiled or roasted are excellent food.^ 



The hemerocallis, or, the liuto of the Indians, has a 

 stalk of a foot in height ; the leaves are pointed and 

 embrace the stem, which divides itself at the top 

 into a number of pedicles bearing a beautiful red 

 flower of the shape of a lily. The root is bulbous, 

 and yields a very light white and nutritious flour, 

 ^vhich is used for the sick. 



*■ The natives of the country make use of the root of tliis plant 

 in' their soups, and it is very pleasant to the taste, as I have my- 

 self experienced. — FctdlW: 



