Note 56 — COMMENCEMENT OF THE EXPEDITION (continued 2)

There are at least three varieties of mesquit-tree (prosopis) in New Mexico and Arizona. It is related to the acacia and locust; and the fruit, consisting of ten or twelve beans in a sweet, pulpy pod, is gathered by the Indians, pounded in a mortar, and made into bread. A prolific tree will yield ten bushels of beans in the hull. The Comanche also concoct an intoxicating drink from this bean.—Ed.