Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1856-06-12


lures but little differently of North Carolina.
Some months elapsed, and he visited Paran-
aqua; and he was almost as much surprised
at another discovery, which was not, howev-
er, in the botanical line. He found in this
out-of-the-way part of Brazil an American
woman engaged in the delightful art of pre-
pairing tejioes and touirinho (pork and beans)
for natives and foreigners who might patron
ize her establishment. In conversation with
DR.. R. in regard to the matte, size exclaim-
ed, "why, Doctor, this is the same truck we
use in Carolina to make tea." Here was a
most striking confirmation of the true con-
clusion of science.
Now, if this tree or bush really aboundsin
North Carolina, why may not the enterprise
of some of her citizens add to the exports
(laid down in every geography as tar, tobac-
co, turpentine and lumber matte? Brazil
and Paraguay are reaping their millions from
a shrub which grows spontaneously, and the
subject is really worth investigation in our
own country.
In Brazil and Paraguay the matte can be
gathered during the whole year. Parties go
into the forest or places where it grows,
break off the branches with the leaves A
process of kiln drying is resorted to in
woods, and then the branches and leaves are
transported to places where there is water
power, and are broken in mortars. The sub
stance, after this operation, is almost pow.
der, though small stems denuded of their
bark are always permitted to remain. By
this simple process the matte is prepared
for market, only requiring the raw hide ca,
ses mentioned at the beginning of this com.
munication. Its preparation for drinking is
equally simple. A small quantity of the
leaf, either with or without sugar, is placed
in common bowl, upon which cold water is
poured. After standing short time, boil,
ing water is added, and it is at once ready
for use. Americans who have visited Bue.
nos Ayres or Montevideo may remember to
have seen, on fine summer evening, the
denizens of that PARTON of the world enga-
ged in slipping, through long tubes inserted
into highly ornamented cocoa nut bowls, a
liquid, which, though not so palatable as
iced juleps, was certainly far less harmful.
These citizens of Montevideo and Buenos
Ayres were enjoying with their JcmJMas
a refreshing draft Of moue 1t must be i'm
bibed through tube on account of the par
ticles of leaf and stem which float upon the
surface of the liquid. This tube has fine
globular strainer at the end. Kidder in his
"Sketches," says that great virtues are as,
cribed to this tea. 1t supplies the place Of
meat and drink "Indians who had been
laboring at the oar all day, feel Immediately
refreshed by cup of the herb mixed simply
with river water. In Chilli and Peru, the
people believe that they could not exist
without it, and many persons take it every
hour of the day. Its use was learned from
the natives; but, having been adopted, ii
spread among the Spaniards and Portuguese,
until the demand became so great as to rem,
der the herb of Paraguay almost as fatal to
the Indians of this part of America as mines
and pearl fisheries had been elsewhere
1t grows wild, and never has been success.
fully cultivated Although attempts were
made by the Jesuits of Paraguay to trans
plant it from the forests to their plantations,
yet it was without result.
1 hope this little communication may come
under the idea of some North Carolina gen.
tleman, who has turn for such matters, and
will give an examination of the tea bearing
Ner which is found in his State, and which
has SO long furnished beverage to some Of
the interior people. Yours, PAUL.
~ May there not be some of the same
kind of growth in York District ?-ED.