Fruits (continued)

Ohhe or Bamboo grows here in abundance some of which are 60 feet long but their substance is not very strong — however they serve when Cut into lengths to hold Oil and for those who dwell far from the Beach to carry their Salt Water in which serves evry purpose of Salt in this Country — it also serves for making Fences, Fishing rods, knives &c. — and of a small hard sort they make their Arrows while the large makes quivers. Aeeho or Reeds — these Grow in abundance on the Hills and are servicable for many Uses, as fixing the thatch on for their Houses, making Fences, and for Burning at Night when Fishing, and they frequently burn them to Clear the Ground of them.

Oporro, or the Chili Pepers, were planted here in Captain Cooks time, and with the Tobbacco may now be found in all the Islands being carried about as Curiosities.

Eowtay — this is a Shrub about the size of a rose tree bearing a red flower with which they dress their Heads, it is also used by them as a Medicine for Sore Eyes, which is common among Children it îs no way disagreeable and is taken in their food.

Fwharra, or Prickly Palm, Calld in India Pandanes, Grows here in abundance generally near the Beach in Barren Ground; the roots of the tree grow above Ground, and support it like shores standing round to the heigth of 5 or 6 feet. The Outside of the tree is hard & with it they point their Javlins, but the Inside is soft spungey & fiberus — the Leaves Grow in a Special manner round the Branches and are about 6 feet long and 4 inches Wide with long prickles on their edges & Center — with these they make their Thatch by sewing the leaves on reeds — they also make mats for their Sails & for performing their Heivas or Dances on some of which are of a large size—the Blossom is a large Bunch of Flowers of a Buff Collouryeilding a Fragrant Smell. With this they Scent their .Oil & Cloth—the Seed is Composed of a number of nuts which grow upon a round Core and have the Appearance when ripe of a Pine Apple — their tast is sweet & pleasant, and they are frequently put into the Earth with Plantains when they are put to ripen to give them a fine Flavour.

Indigenous Histories