122 CASHEW NUT. 
which grows at the extremity of a somewhat pear-shaped Indian 
fruit. 
The tree which produces it (Anacardium occidentale, Fig. 
42) somewhat resembles a walnut tree in shape, as zcell as in 
the sjnell of its leaves, which are leathery, somewhat oval and 
shining. Thejiowers are red, and sweet-scented. 
The size of this fruit is nearly that of a large pear, 
and the colour of its pulp is sometimes yellow and 
sometimes red. The singularity of its form, with a nut 
or stone at the extremity, instead of the centre, gene- 
rally excites the surprise of persons when they first see 
it. In a ripe state the fruit is sometimes roasted, cut in 
slices, and used as an agreeable acid in punch. Its juice, 
when fermented* is made into wine ; and, on distillation, 
yields a spirit which some persons prefer even to rum. 
The nuts are each enclosed in two shells, connected 
together by a cellular substance, which contains a thick, 
inflammable, and very caustic oil. The kernels of these 
nuts have a peculiarly sweet and pleasant flavour, and 
are eaten either raw or roasted, and sometimes even 
pickled. It is said that the negroes of Brazil, who eat 
of these nuts as part of their sustenance, find them 
peculiarly wholesome, and that they are relieved, by 
the use of them, from various disorders of the stomach. 
They are also used in medicine, as almonds; and, when 
ground with the chocolate nut, they greatly improve its 
flavour. Cashew nuts may be kept, without any great 
alteration of their quality, for many years. If the shells 
be broken, and the nuts be laid for a little while on 
the fire, they open of themselves; and the kernels being 
taken out, the thin brown skin which covers them must 
be removed previously to their being eaten. It is ne- 
cessary to be cautious, respecting the oil, that it do not 
come in contact with the mouth or lips ; as, in such 
case, it would inflame and excoriate them. 
The oil of the cashew nut is sometimes applied, by 
the inhabitants of the West Indies (though much caution 
is requisite in the use of it) as a means of corroding can- 
cerous ulcers, corns, and ring-worms; and some of the 
West Indian ladies, when they imagine themselves too 
