Muscade (Noix). Muskatennus.

No. 944. - The Nutmeg tree is about thirty feet high, with numerous branches, and an aspect somewhat resembling that of the orange tree. The leaves stand alternately on short foot stalks, and are oblong-oval, pointed, entire, undulated, bright green and somewhat glossy on their upper surface, whitish beneath, and of an aromatic taste. The flowers are male and female on different trees. The former are disposed in axillary, peduncled, solitary clusters, and the latter are single, solitary, and axillary, Both are minute and of a pale yellowish color. The fruit which appears on the tree mingled with the flowers, is round or oval; of the size of a small peach, smooth, at first pale green, but yellow when ripe, and marked with a longitudinal furrow. The external covering, which is at first thick and fleshy, and abounds in an austere, astringent juice, afterwards becomes dry and coriaceous, and, separating into two valves from the apex, discloses a scarlet, reticulated membrane, commonly called mace, closely investing a thin, brown, shining shell, which contains the kernel or Nutmeg. It is a native of the Moluccas and other neighboring islands, and abounds in the Banda Islands, whence the chief supplies of Nutmegs were long derived. Numerous varieties are cultivated in Sumatra, Java, Penang, Ceylon, and other parts of the East Indies, and have been introduced into the Isles of France and Bourbon, Cayenne, and several of the West India islands. The Penang Nutmegs are distinguished by not being limed. When Nutmeg is cut or broken it presents a yellowish surface, varied with a reddish brown, branching, irregular veins, which give to it a marbled appearance. These dark veins abound in oily matter, upon which the medicinal properties depend. The odor of Nutmeg is delightfully fragrant, the taste warm, aromatic, and grateful. Its virtues are extracted by alcohol and ether. The largest Nutmegs are the most expensive. They should be rejected when very light, with a feeble taste and smell, worm eaten, musty, or marked with black veins. Nutmeg has considerable narcotic power, and when taken in doses of from two to three drams will produce stupor and delirium, and dangerous if not fatal consequences. It is frequently used as an agreeable addition to farinaceous articles of diet, and to various kinds of drink in cases of languid appetite and delicate stomach. It is usually given in substance, and is brought by grating to the state of a powder. Its pleasant flavor makes it invaluable in cookery for seasoning. Nutmeg should always be purchased entire, as when it is ground it soon loses its strength. To ascertain if they are fresh stick a pin in one, and if the pin is oily when you withdraw it the Nutmeg is fresh. When dry they are of no use.