ARROW-ROOT is a farinaceous substance prepared from the roots or tubers of various plants; that from America and the West Indies being the produce of illaranta arlindi nacea and 11faranta indica, and that from the East Indies being from the il7 indica, and from several species of eurcutria. Among other plants which yield 'a similar substance is the cuckoo-pint, Arum maenlatunt. Arrow root is prepared by either grating or beating the tubers in a mortar to a pulpy consistence ; separating the fibrous matter from the pulp by mixing it with a quantity of water, and passing it through a hair-sieve ; and then suffering the pure farina to subside from the remaining milk-like fluid, and if needful, pu rifying it still further by successive washings and strainings. The moisture is at length evaporated by exposure to sun and air, and when perfectly dry the powder is packed in boxes or casks, in which state it may be kept for many years. West Indian arrow-root is usually of a pure white, and East Indian has a yellowish tinge. Its taste is insipid, and the powder emits a crackling sound when pressed in the hand, and retains the impres sion of the fingers, which common wheat starch does not. Being very easy of diges tion, arrowroot constitutes a valuable article of food for children and delicate persons. It
is used mixed with boiling water or milk, or in the form of puddings, and may be given plain, or with wine or spices. Potato-starch is not so digestible, and, if prepared from potatoes in the spring, is liable to disturb the stomach. The common English name of this ' preparation is derived from the use to which the South American Indians applied the roots of a plant once confounded with the Marhnta, Ibut now called Alpinia galunga, as an antidote to the effect of poisoned arrows.
It is said that a very large portion of that which is sold in the shops under the name of consists of potato-starch.
The cultivation of arrow-root has lately been introduced with considerable success into the island of St. Vincent. Machinery of skilful construction is employed to prepare the arrow-root from the plant; and the pack ing for shipment is very carefully conducted.
Arrow-root from British colonies pays Od. per cwt. import duty ; from foreign countries 2s. CI In 1847 about 10,580 cwts. were im ported ; and in 1848 about 8,100 cwts.