CELEBRATED MEDICINAL HERB. 385 



will not for some years warrant the expense 

 of forming a fit and convenient road along 

 its banks, even supposing it possible, which 

 is very problematical, as the course of the 

 river is in many parts narrowed by perpendi- 

 cular rocks. 



In the district of Popayan, in this valley, is 

 to be procured a celebrated herb, which cures 

 all wounds, ulcers, and gangrenes, — called 

 Cabuia, There are three species of it : one of 

 a clear, blue colour, without prickles at the 

 edge of the leaf, known by the name of Mexi- 

 can; another greener, with prickles, called 

 macho ; and the third class, with few prickles, 

 called embra. From the long leaves of this 

 plant, by bruising and beating, a thick juice 

 is expressed ; this is mixed with water, boil- 

 ed, and kept skimmed until reduced to the 

 consistency of honey ; it is then fit for use. In 

 cases of cuts, when severe and dangerous, if 

 applied, it cures in three days, and never 

 permits gangrene to take place. The most in- 

 veterate ulcers are not known to resist its sa- 

 native powers more than fifteen days. In 

 Venezuela they call the plant cocaisa, of 

 which they make many uses, and even eat it. 



VOL. II. 2 c 



