in botany, JAMAICA PEPPER, or Allspice. See MYRTUS, of which it is a species.

The fruits are gathered when green, and are exposed to the sun for many days on cloths, frequently shaking and turning them till they are thoroughly dry: great care is taken that they be not wetted by the morning and evening dews; and when thus dry, they are sent over to us.

Pimento abounds with a fragrant essential oil, which is separated in great quantity in distillation, and is so heavy that it sinks in water. This spice is much used in our foods, and sometimes in medicine: it is indeed a very good aromatic, and imitates the flavour of all the rest; so that the essential oil of Jamaica pepper is frequently substituted in the room of those drawn from the more costly spices.