. The Philippine Islands . n a buyo leaf, covered with lime, madefrom oyster shells, and then chewed. The whole is called betel, andthe betel-eater is constantly spitting what seems arterial blood ; this,together with the sanguinary appearance of his gums, teeth, andlips, makes him disgusting to contemplate. The areca palm for its nut, and the buyo palm for its leaf, arecarefully and extensively cultivated. The latter must be used fresh,and quantities of the green leaves are sold in the markets effects of betel-chewing seems to be similar to that of the cocaof Peru ; in moderation, t
. The Philippine Islands . n a buyo leaf, covered with lime, madefrom oyster shells, and then chewed. The whole is called betel, andthe betel-eater is constantly spitting what seems arterial blood ; this,together with the sanguinary appearance of his gums, teeth, andlips, makes him disgusting to contemplate. The areca palm for its nut, and the buyo palm for its leaf, arecarefully and extensively cultivated. The latter must be used fresh,and quantities of the green leaves are sold in the markets effects of betel-chewing seems to be similar to that of the cocaof Peru ; in moderation, the stimulus to the stomach is excellent;and in both cases it is possible to labor for hours without food, ifonly the native—Philippine or Peruvian—has an ample supply ofhis favorite Temperate use of either is positively , in both cases, produces delirium and death. There are nearly one thousand warehouses and retail shops inManila for the sale of the areca. nut, or for the fresh buyo leaf and 243. Betel Nut, Grain, and Fruit-Growing. 245 lime necessary in its preparation ; or for the slices wrapped andready for immediate use. The buyo leaf is hot to the taste. Whenbruised and placed on the wound it is an antidote to the bite of themost venomous snakes. It is useful in cholera ; and water inwhich the leaf has been steeped, is used by mothers as an outsideapplication in cases of infant colic. THE XIPA PALM AND NIPA WIXE. The nipa palm looks like a gigantic fern. It grows in swamps,and its leaves are deemed invaluable for the thatching of nativehuts. A tall grass, called c6gon, is also used for this the fruit-stalks of the nipa a wine is distilled that is aGovernment monopoly ; and the art of manufacturing brandy fromsugar-cane seems to be aboriginal. The inhabitants of the mostdistant islands and provinces have a patient, slow, inglorious wayof making their favorite drink. The fermented juice is boiled infour-gallon jugs ; the steam then es
Size: 1263px × 1979px
Photo credit: © Reading Room 2020 / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: ., bookcentury1800, bookdecade1890, booksubjectphilippinesdescripti
