A SINGULAR BEVERAGE. 



489 



without either asking or waiting for an equivalent. Tioony then 

 conducted the strangers to his house, which was situated upon 

 a fine plantation beneath the shade of shaddock-trees. The 

 floor was laid with mats. Bananas and cocoanuts were set 



TIOONY. 



before them to eat, and a beverage was prepared for them to 

 drink. This was done in the following manner: — Pieces of a 

 highly-scented root were vigorously masticated by the natives ; 

 the chewed product was then deposited in a large wooden bowd 

 and mixed with water. As soon as it w T as properly strained, 

 cups were made of green leaves which held nearly half a pint, 

 and presented to the English. No one tasted the contents but 

 Cook, — the manner of brewing it having quenched the thirst of 



