_Roucou_ is planted of a Kernel much after the same manner as the _Cocao-Tree_. The Shrub that is most like it in _Europe_, is the _Lilach_, or the _Arabian_ Bean. Its Leaves, of the Shape of a Heart, are longish, pointed, and placed alternately; its Blossoms grow in Bunches at the end of the Boughs, they are white, mix'd with Carnation, like the Flowers of the wild Rose-Tree. In the middle, there is a Tuft of yellow _Stamina_ with red Points; when these Blossoms fall off, there appears tawny Buds, beset with fine Prickles: These Buds grow to be Shells, which, when ripe, open on the upper side, and discover within, two Rows of Pippins, almost like little Peas, cover'd with Vermilion, which sticks to the Fingers, when touch'd, and leaves the Pippins quite, when wash'd with warm Water. The Water being settled, they pour it off gently by degrees, they dry the Colour in the Shade that fell to the bottom of the Vessel; and this is the true _Roucou_, without any Mixture. The Physicians in these Parts prescribe it to cut and attenuate thick and tough Humours, which cause difficulty of Breathing, Retension of Urine, and all sorts of Obstructions[89]. REMARK X. _Atolla_ is a kind of Gruel which they make with Meal of _Maise_, (which is the same as our _Indian_ Corn, or _Turkey_ Millet.) The _Mexicans_ season it with _Pimento_; but the Nuns and _Spanish_ Ladies, instead of _Pimento_, use Sugar, Cinnamon, perfumed Waters of Amber, Musk, _&c._ In these Parts, they make the same Use of _Atolla_, as of the best Rice in the _Levant_. REMARK XI. One ought to chuse the smallest Cinnamon, the highest coloured, and of the most biting Taste, as well as sweet and spicy, because a great Part is full of Pieces, from whence they have drawn the Essence, and has neither any Colour nor Taste, but that of the Wood. To help and amend both, there needs only a Clove to be ground in the Mortar, with an Ounce of Cinnamon. This Spice is best that comes from the _East-Indies_, it has nothing of Acrid in it, and contains an oleous Volatile, which agrees very well with that of Chocolate. Cinnamon also has always kept its Place in all the Compositions of Chocolate. FOOTNOTES: [a] _New Voyage round the World_, Tom. 1. Chap. 10. [89] Thomas Gage, _Tom. 1. Part 2. Pag. 142_. MEDICINES In whose Composition OIL or BUTTER OF _CHOCOLATE_ Is made use of. _The Wonderful Plaister for the Curing of all sorts of Ulcers._ Take _Oil-Olive_ a Pound, _Venetian Ceruss_, in Powder, half a Pound. Put them in a Copper Pan, or a glazed Earthen one, upon a clear moderate Fire, stirring them continually with a wooden _Spatula_ till the Mixture is become black, and almost of the Consistence of a Plaister, (which you may know by letting fall two or three Drops upon a Pewter Plate; for if they grow cold immediately, and do not stick to the Fingers, when touch'd, it is done enough.) Then must be added, Of _Bees-Wax cut in little Bits_, an Ounce and a half.