. The vegetable kingdom : or, The structure, classification, and uses of plants, illustrated upon the natural system. d it. Its greatpeculiarities are, that the juice of the unripe finiit isa most powerful and efficient vermifuge (the powder of the seed answers the same pur-pose), and that a constituent of this juice is fibrine, a principle otherwise supposedpecuhar to the animal kmgdom and to Fungals. The tree has, moreover, the singularproperty of rendering the toughest animal substances tender, by causing a separation ofthe muscular fibre ; its very vapour even does this ; newly-killed meat
. The vegetable kingdom : or, The structure, classification, and uses of plants, illustrated upon the natural system. d it. Its greatpeculiarities are, that the juice of the unripe finiit isa most powerful and efficient vermifuge (the powder of the seed answers the same pur-pose), and that a constituent of this juice is fibrine, a principle otherwise supposedpecuhar to the animal kmgdom and to Fungals. The tree has, moreover, the singularproperty of rendering the toughest animal substances tender, by causing a separation ofthe muscular fibre ; its very vapour even does this ; newly-killed meat suspended amongthe leaves, and even old hogs and old poultry, when fed on the leaves and fruit, becometender in a few hours. See an excellent account of the Papaw by Hooker m the 2898. Dr. Wight observes that the seeds, when chewed, yield, in a very markeddegree, the pungency and flavom- of Tropaeolum majus. The excessive acridity whichrenders the Papaw an active vennifuge,is indicated by the disgusting and overpowermgodom- pf its roots, which smeU hke decaying Radishes. The leaves are used by negi-oes. Fig. CCXXI. Fig. CCXXI.—Carica Papaya. flower: 2. O flower ; 3. section of ovaryY 4. section of seed. 322 PAPAYACEiE. [Diclinous Exogens. to wash linen, instead of soap. The Carica digitata, (Chambiuni), a Brazilian plant, isregarded by the natives of Majiia as a deadly poison, and ^\dth as much awe as theUpas tiee by the Javanese. Poppig says that the juice which spirted over his skin whenhe cut the tree, caused itching on tlie face, and drew a few blisters on his hands ; themale flowers of tliis plant have the disgusting smell of human excrement. It is worthyof remark that the fruits of the plant, although handsome, scentless, and insipid, areuntouched by buds or other animals except an ant belonging to the genus Atta. Tlieroot of Modecca palmata, a native of tropical Asia, rubbed down with oil, is regarded asa coiToborant ; mixed with Cocoa-nut milk it is used for
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