Cayenne Pepper, one of the most heating and stimulating spices with which we are acquainted. It is said to be the pro-duction of a tree growing in South America; according to Guthrie, the geographer, in the vale of Arica, but more probably in the Island of Cayenne.

This powerful spice, in a state of powder, has lately become the. companion of the table, and is much esteemed for its flavour, and the quality it is supposed to possess, of promoting the digestion of fish, and other articles of strong food. We are, however, of opinion, that such practice is not conducive to health, in general; for, though Cayenne pepper, like high flavoured Indian soys, may occasionally assist digestion, we would preferably advise those who stand in need of artificial stimulants, if they value their constitution, to abstain from dishes requiring a vigorous stomach, rather than resort to precarious and destructive means.

Dr. Unzer mentions a preparation of Cayenne pepper, called cha-quetaille, which is so powerful a caustic, that the smallest portion of it applied to the skin, burns more violently than fire: he advises, therefore, in accidents of this nature, immediately to wash the part affected with brandy, which procures speedy relief.