ount of farina, or starchy matter, which
formerly supplied a considerable amount of food for the natives of
that country. The fresh seeds are very acrid, but when steeped in
water and roasted they become palatable and nutritious.

273. MALPIGHIA GLABRA.--A low-growing tree of the West Indies, which
produces an edible fruit called the Barbadoes cherry.

274. MAMMEA AMERICANA.--The fruit of this tree, under the name of
mammee apple, is very much esteemed in tropical countries. It
often attains a size of 6 or 8 inches in diameter and is of a
yellow color. The outer rind and the pulp which immediately
surrounds the seeds are very bitter, but the intermediate is sweet
and aromatic. The seeds are used as anthelmintics, an aromatic
liquor is distilled from the flowers, and the acrid, resinous gum
distilled from the bark is used to destroy insects.

275. MANETTIA CORDIFOLIA.--This climbing-plant is a native of South
America, and belongs to the family of _Cinchonaceae_. The rind of
the root has emetic properties, and is used in Brazil for dropsy
and other diseases. It is also exported under the name of
Ipecacuan, chiefly from Buenos Ayres.

276. MANGIFERA INDICA.--The mango, in some of its varieties esteemed as
the most delicious of tropical fruits, while many varieties
produce fruit whose texture resembles cotton and tastes of
turpentine. The unripe fruit is pickled. The pulp contains gallic
and citric acid. The seeds possess anthelmintic properties. A soft
gum resin exudes from the wounded bark, which is used medicinally.

277. MANICARIA SACCIFERA.--Bussu palm of South America. Its large
leaves are used for thatching roofs, for which purpose they are
well fitted and very durable. The fibrous spathe furnishes a
material of much value to the natives. This fibrous matter when
taken off entire is at once converted into capital bags, in which
the Indian keeps the red paint for his toilet, or the silk cotton
for his arrows, or he stretches out the larger ones to make
himself a cap of nature's own weaving, without seam or joint.

278. MANIHOT UTILISSIMA.--This euphorbiaceous plant yields cassava or
mandiocca meal. It is extensively cultivated in tropical climates
and supplies a great amount of food. The root is the part used,
and in its natural c