VOYAGE TO MADAGASCAR. 375 



from the caoutchouc. The Malegaches 

 make flambeaux of k, which bura without 

 wicks, and afford them an excellent light 

 when they go out to fifh in the night-time, 

 Bpirit of wine makes uo impreffion on thi^ 

 gum ; but It diffolves in sether and linfeed- 

 oil* There are alfo other fat and oily fub- 

 ftances which affed it very fenfibly, 



ll'he^nguere rifes to the height of twenty 

 feet. Its leaves are eight inches long, and 

 four in breadth. Its fruit refembles a round 

 fig, and is full of fmall feeds. The IVIale- 

 gaches eat this fig widi pleafure : but for 

 my part I found it bitter and cauftlc, 



Qn attentively examining the bottles and 

 other veiTels which the Peruvians make of 

 elaftic gum, it may be readily comprehend- 

 ed how eafy it would be to employ it ii^ 

 chirurgical operations. Belt§ and bandages 

 made of this fubftance would be attendc4 

 with many advantages. DifTolved in Hnfecd r 

 Ji h ^ pil 



