Roots (continued)

Mapoora — this is a kind of small Tarro which Grows in the Mountains and is hot & biting but made eatable in the same manner as the Yappe — and with this they make past for their Cloth.

Devve — this is another hot biting root like a large turnip radish which Grows in all parts of the Island and must be dressd in the same Manner.

Peea — this is a root resembling a Potatoe but is bitter to the tast and cannot be eaten till it has been grated down and steepd in Water, but it answers best for Paste by roasting & beating it up with a little water. The Method of preparing it for food is thus; they having gathered as many of the roots as they want, get a rough stone which they wash Clean & Grate the Peea into a trough filld with Clear Water, mixing it up and when it settles the water is pour’d off and more applyd for five or six days, when the Water is strained off and the Peea dryed for use it being then like fine Flour and makes excellent puddings or Pancakes.

E’huoy is a kind of Fern Root growing in the Mountains only, it is good eating when dressd. Many other roots are found in the Mountains which are good food but seldom sought for, except bread is scarce.

Ginger & Turmeric grow in abundance all over the Islands as does also Tobacco, Sugar cane Indian Corn Pumpions Red-peppers &c.

Indigenous Histories