not ſo incremental as the Shrubs or Buſhes of five or ſix Foot high; theſe bear a Fruit (if it may be ſo called) about the Bigneſs of Pigeons Eggs, which as the Sun ſwells and ripens, burſts forth and diſcovers three Cells loaded with Cotton, and Seeds in the Middle of them: This in moſt Parts the Negroes know how to ſpin, and here at Nicongo and the Iſland St. Jago, how to weave into Cloths.
Yamms are a common Root, ſweeter but not unlike Potato’s: Kulalu, a Herb like Spinnage: Papa, a Fruit leſs than the ſmalleſt Pumkins; they are all three for boiling, and to be eat with Meat; the latter are improved by the Engliſh into a Turnip or an Apple Taſt, with a due Mixture of Butter or Limes.
Guava’s, a Fruit as large as a Pipin, with Seeds and Stones in it, of an uncouth aſtringing Taſt, tho’ never ſo much be ſaid in Commendation of it, at the Weſt-Indies, it is common for Cræolians, (who has taſted both,) to give it a Preference to Peach or Nectarine, no amazing Thing when Men whoſe Taſts are ſo degenerated, as to prefer a Toad in a Shell, (as Ward calls Turtle,) to Veniſon, and Negroes to fine Engliſh Ladies.
Plantanes and Bonano’s are Fruit of oblong Figure, that I think differ only ſecundum Major & Minus, if any, the latter are preferable, and by being leſs, are juicier; they are uſually, when ſtripped of their Coat, eat at Meals inſtead of Bread: The Leaf of this Plantane is an admirable Detergent, and, externally applied, I have ſeen cure the moſt obſtinate ſcorbutick Ulcers.
Manyoco. A Root that ſhoots its Branches about the heighth of a Currant Buſh; from this Root the Iſlanders make a Farine or Flower, which they ſell at three Ryals a Roove, and drive a conſiderable Trade for it with the Ships that call in. The manner of making it, is firſt to preſs the Juice from it,
