Page:Philosophical Transactions - Volume 003.djvu/82

 outward skin of the root, which is thinner in that sort of ground, than in other places. The Sugar-Canes also in those places grow larger and faster, than in other grounds, but rot presently, if not ground; and do not boyl so well to Sugar.

14. In Jamaica the Sugar cures faster in ten dayes, than in six moneths at Barbados: And, this happens in such places, as it rains for many Moneths at the same time, but you must know, that Raines there are sudden, and make no previous alteration in the Air before they fall, nor do they leave it moist afterwards.

15. There is an infinite variety in the Grain of Woods, and the Colours of them. Amongst others, there is a Tree, call'd a Bastard-Cedar, whose Wood is really so porous (though you would not guess so upon view) that being turn'd into Cups, Wine and Brandy will soak through at the bottom in a short time.

16. There are many kinds of wood in the Indies, besides that of the Acajou or Cajous, that breed no Wormes, and there is a Tree, call'd White-wood, in Jamaica, of which if you build Ships, they will never breed any Worm.

17. Of the Soape-Tree, I have seen it grow at the Spanish-Town; and the Berries of it (being as big as bullets of Musquets) without any proportion of Salt-Lixiviate, or Sulphur, or Oyle, wash better than any Castile-Soape, but they rot the Linnen in time. The Negro's use them.

18. As for Tanning-barks, they have in Jamaica 3 barks to Tann with, the Mangrave, Olive-bark, and another. They Tann better than in England, and in 6 weekes the Leather is ready to work into Shooes.

19. The Juyce of Manioc or Cassavi is rank Poison. All Hogs and Poultry, that drink it, swell and die presently. If the root be roasted, it is no Poison, but only occasioneth Torsions in the Belly.

20. Concerning the Oyle of Palma Christi, the Indians use it for Lamps; it is a delicate, sweet and transparent Oyle: But I could never find it operate in Physick, notwithstanding I have given a spoonful of it, and three in a Clyster. This Palma does yeild an exceeding great quantity of Oyle, and, did we mind any thing, might be a Staple-commodity. The leaves applied to the Rh