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Had we been better acquainted with the medical botany we should have let this liquor alone, for the dragons'-blood is one of the most noted of astringents. Alas! we soon discovered its qualities by experiment. In five minutes after, our tongues felt as if vitriol had been poured upon them, and our thirst increased to a degree of violence and fierceness that could no longer be borne.
It was said to yield, when cut or tapped, a red juice resembling blood, and to which the name of "dragons'-blood" has been given; hence the tree itself is called the "dragon-tree," or, sometimes the "dragons'-blood tree" though it is to be observed, that several other kinds of trees that give out a red juice are also known by this name.
The point that had first led us to approach the great tree was now decided. Red sap flowed from the wound: it was the "dragons'-blood!" In hopes of getting relief from this source, we both moistened our lips with the crimson-juice, and swallowed it as fast as it oozed out.
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