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ORIGINAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
from the want of positive information, has been hitherto 
supposed to be derived from this plant; but during the recent 
visit made by Mr. Nuttall to that island, he discovered that 
it is obtained from the species of which he has furnished us with 
an account, — at the same time, it may be that both species are 
to be found among the islands of the Southern Pacific. The 
difference between the two plants may be understood by 
comparing the descriptions, and from the summary of the 
points in which they disagree, made by Mr. Nuttall. 
Sandwich Island arrow-root is a rare article in the American 
market. It has, however, been introduced; it is stated that 
a large quantity was some years since brought to the United 
States. Its properties are the same as those of the Burmuda, 
possessing equal whiteness and purity, if the same care be 
taken in its preparation. We are informed by Dr. Rusch- 
ENBERGER, of the United States Navy, who has just returned 
from the Pacific, that he preferred it as nutriment for the 
sick on board the Peacock, to the ordinary arrow-root. It 
is sold in the Island at about six cents per pound. 
