178 THREE YEARS IN THE PACIFIC. 



La Paz, in 1781, when the Spaniards were constantly on the 

 watch, and destitute of provisions in the inclemencies of win- 

 ter, they were saved from disease and death by resorting to 

 this plant. 



The coca possesses a slightly aromatic and agreeable odor, 

 and when chewed, dispenses a grateful fragrance ; its taste is 

 moderately bitter and astringent, and it tinges the saliva of a 

 greenish hue. Its effects on the system are stomachic and to- 

 nic, and beneficial in preventing intermittents, which have al- 

 ways prevailed in the country.* 



The mode of employing coca is to mix with it in the mouth 

 a small quantity of lime, prepared from shells, much after the 

 manner that the betel is used in the East. With this, a handful 

 of parched corn, and a ball of arrow root, an Indian will travel 

 on foot a hundred leagues, trotting on ahead of a horse. On 

 the frequented roads, I am informed, that the Indian guides 

 have certain spots where they throw out their quids, which 

 have accumulated into little heaps, that now serve as marks of 

 distance ; so that instead of saying one place is so many leagues 

 from another, it is common to call it so many quids ! 



The Indians sometimes have tertulias for taking the infusion 

 of the leaves, as well as for chewing it. In the former mode, 

 the effects are agreeably exhilarating. It is usual to say, on 

 such occasions, " vamos a coquear y acullicar" — let us indulge 

 in coca. 



* Disertacion sobre el aspecto, cultivo, comercio, y virtudes de la famosa 

 planta del Peru, nombrada Coca. For el Doctor Don Hipolito Uhanue. Mer- 

 curio Peruano. July, 1794. Lima. 



