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SIR SAMUEL WHITE BAKER
CYPRUS AS I SAW IT IN 1879
page 504 View PDF version of this page same manner that many varieties of wild yams arc treated by the natives in Africa. In addition to the use of the acorn as a substitute for chestnuts by the Cypriotes, the large species when roasted black makes excellent coffee without any admixture of the real berry. All the varieties can be used for this purpose, but that already named is preferred as superior in flavour. The English poor are not clever in adaptation, and are known to be strong in prejudices respecting articles of diet, but it appears strange that the use of the acorn has been entirely neglected as an aid to the bulk of pure coffee, which would effect a considerable saving in the household, if the adulteration took place at home.
A few days ago I was conversing with the old monk upon the question of " Chittim wood, " and I suggested my own theory, " that Solomon required the highly-scented cypress of this island " (for the Temple.) My venerable informant declared " that a wood exists to this day in Cyprus which is supposed to be the original species referred to in Scripture ; this is a pine which is only found upon the mountains between Kyku and Khrysokhus. The grain and surface when planed are exceedingly close and smooth, and the timber is strong and durable, far exceeding in quality all other varieties. The native name for this tree is Kândro. I have sent a monk to gather the cones of this tree, which I shall send to England for seed, together with a sample of the foliage.
Sincerely yours, SAMUEL W. BAKER.
Sept. 24, 1879.
P.S.—My messenger has just returned with a branch and cones of the tree, which is only found upon the mountains between Kyku and
Khrysokhus. There is no longer a doubt. It is a beautiful species
of Cedar. ,
S. W. B.
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