Macropiper Methysticum

A plant of the pepper family, which

furnishes the root called Ava by the Polynesians. It has narcotic

properties, and is employed medicinally, but is chiefly remarkable

for the value attached to it as a narcotic and stimulant beverage,

of which the natives partake before they commence any important

business or religious rites. It is used by chewing the root and

extracting the juice, and has a calming rather than an

intoxicating effect. It is a filthy preparation, and only partaken

of by the lower classes of Feejeeans.