The tree itself, common here and in Guiana, is one of the true Forest Giants; we saw many a noble specimen of it in our rides.

Its timber is tough, not over heavy, and extensively used already in the island; while its bark is a febrifuge and tonic.

In fact it possesses all those qualities which make its brethren, the Meliaceae, valuable throughout the Tropics.

But it is not the only tree of South America whose bark may be used as a substitute for quinine.

They may be counted possibly by dozens.