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New Zealand Tablet, Volume V, Issue 261, 3 May 1878, Page 17

At the winter assizes in Ireland there "was, from amongst a population of over 5,300.000, not one capital conviction! This, truly, is solid matter for rejoicing. •_ " I AM tempted." writes Major, R. Stuart, from Port au Prince, "to notice a plant that grows here of snch strong narcotic powers that, in the bands of a skilful practitioner, it 1 will' produce coma- of any intensity or duration, or even death itself, when so intended. The knowledge of this plant is confuted to a few families, who transmit the secret as an heir-loom from generation ' to generation,- and the heritage is highly prized, confirming, it is thought, the power of miracle workers and priests. . For the plant is in many ways used in aid of solemn imposture, superstition, and- even crime. The power thus exercised is called ' wanga,' a vyord that inspires the African with awe and dread. The wanga priest can throw into a death-like coma., and knowing the moment of returning consciousness, he will make a show of recalling to life. If a burglary is to be committed, he can, by means of his art, cast a deep sleep on all__in-doors ; and one may -understand how he can attain other, forbidden ends in the same way. .An experienced botanist could not fail to" discover' tliis nlant, which, an anaesthetic, would no doubt prove a valuable' acquisition to medical science." f <,<"',