60 OASf RIRj 



but not so extensively as to form an article of commerce. 



The extract is used extensively by the natives of 

 Italia, Eastern Archipelago, Cochin China, and Cam- 

 bodia, as a masticatory, wrapped Up With Ihe betel. 



There are different qualities of extract: the first 

 and best is white, brittle, and Jims an earthy appear- 

 ance when rubbed between the fingers, (which 

 earthy appearance gave it the name of Terra Japo- 

 nica, being supposed, ut first also, to come from Ja- 

 pan.) and is firmed into very small round cakes. 

 Tliis is the dearest kind, and most refined, but it is 

 not unfrequenlly adulterated with sago: this kind is 

 brought in the greatest quantity from the island of 

 Sumatra. The second quality is of a brow nish yel- 

 low colour, is formed into obfong cakes, and, w hen 

 broken lias a light brown, earthy appearance; it is 

 also made into a solid cube form : it is sold in the 

 bazars in small packets, each containing five or six. 

 The third quality contain* more impurities than the 

 preceding, is formed in small circular cakes, and is 

 sold ill package* of live or six in the bazar. 



The method employed in preparing the extract is 

 thus correctly related by Fin lav son : " the leaves 

 are collected three or four times a year ; they are 

 thrown into a large cauldron, the bottom of which is 

 formed of iron, the upper part of bark, and boiled 

 for five or six hours, until a strong decoction is 

 obtained ; the leaves are then withdrawn, and allowed 

 to strain over the vessel, which is kept boiling for as 

 iimov hours more, until the decoction is inspissated ; 

 it b then nlhwed to cool when the catechu subsides. 

 The water is drawn off; a soft soapy substance 

 remains, which is cut into large masses; these are 

 farther divided Uy a knife into small cubes, about an 

 inch square, or into still smaller pieces, which are 

 laid in frames to dry. This catechu has more of a 



