Friendly advice to the gentlemen-planters of the East and West Indies In three parts. I. A brief treatise of the most principal fruits and herbs that grow in the East & West Indies; giving an account of their respective vertues both for food and physick, and what planet and sign they are under. Together with some directions for the preservation of health and life in those hot climates. II. The complaints of the negro-slaves against the hard usages and barbarous cruelties inflicted upon them. III. A discourse in way of dialogue, between an Ethiopean or negro-slave, and a Christian that was his master in America. By Philotheos Physiologus.

Of Potato's.

THis is a very brave noble and more excellent Root than any other the West-Indies bring forth, of a friendly temperate Quality, some∣what windy if eaten hot or whilest the fiery Atomes or Vapours be in it; therefore they are far better and whol∣somer cold, as many other of the like nature are: They afford a brave firm substantial Nourishment, surpassing therein all other Roots, but not com∣parative to that of Bread; they are Restorative, of a most pleasant Taste, comfort and strengthen the body, of a warming nature and operation; so that they are a good food eaten alone, or with Bread, Butter, Flesh, or the like.

The common ways of preparing or dressing them are divers, but the most common are Stewing, and Roasting them in the Embers, the last of which is most commendable, but being more tedious than the other, is not so fre∣quently practised: either way they make a good Dish, being eaten when through cold with Oyl, Vinegar, Salt and Bread, or Butter instead of Oyl, to such as do not love it, or cannot pro∣cure it. As to Temperature they are of a middle Nature, but rather warm than cold, easie of Concoction, and the drier they are prepar'd, the warmer and firmer Nourishment they yield.

Likewise, they make a good sort of Drink, but it will not admit of much age, being apt then to become acid, sharp and keen; it may be made either stronger or smaller, according to the Quantity of Potato's allowed, and Wa∣ter put to them. There are various sorts, but the driest and yellowest are best. They are under Sol, in the sign Taurus. The young and tender

Leaves are a pretty good Sallet boyl'd▪ they cleanse the stomach and loosen the belly; being eaten with Butter▪ Vinegar, Salt and Bread, a fine Mea•• may be made of them.