Page:A history of Chile.djvu/454

 4o8 A HISTORY OF CHILE still a staple product with them. Strawberries grow wild ; there are two kinds of the madi and many spe- cies of the pimento. There are species of leeks, and one specie of wild basil which exudes a saline substance often used as salt. There are a number of plants, excellent for dyeing purposes. A species of madder called relbun is exten- sively used ; also a species of agrimony (giving a yel- low), the cuUi (furnishing a violet), and other varieties. Probably no country has a greater number of medi- cinal plants; over two hundred have been discovered having properties more or less valuable. Grasses and sedges are abundant and there are a great number of reeds and rushes. Hay is not needed in the country, as cattle graze throughout the j'ear ; but in the south- ern provinces fodder of different kinds is baled for shipment to the nitrate regions. Willows, wild cherries, wild oranges, white or win- ter cinnamon, carob, maqui, mulberries and tamarinds grow in different parts of the country. The cactus Co- quimbanus has thorns eight inches long and these are used by the women for knitting needles. The white cinnamon, ca«^/«', called by the natives "boighe, " grows to a height of fifty feet and is considered by the abor- igines as a sacred tree. Thej' ascribe to it great heal- ing properties, carry branches of it in their religious ceremonies, and wave it when they conclude treaties of peace. The palma Chilensis is a species of cocoanut which grows in some of the northern provinces and is highly esteemed ; the date grows in the province of Copiapo. Melons thrive everywhere, and millions of them are consumed by the peons and Indians. All kinds of fruits grow, apples, peaches, quinces, pears, cherries, oranges, lemons, citrons, olives, and others.