VANILLA.

Most of the vanilla which goes into American cake and ice cream comes from Mexico. It is made from the beans and pods of a climbing plant which grows wild in that country, and is also cultivated on great plantations. It is a sort of orchid, and has flowers of a greenish white. After 41these come the pods, which are from six to twelve inches long and dark brown in color. When these are ripe enough they are picked off and treated with heat and moisture until they begin to “work,” or ferment. When the “vanillin” has been extracted from them it is dissolved in alcohol and bottled for use.

Holy Jesus,

Heavenly Friend,

Let thy word

My soul defend.

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