are suspended from opposite ends ofa stick. Some of these 
nuts hold six or eight pints. Ifdivided in two, between the 
lobes, each portion serves, according to the size and shape, 
for plates and dishes, or drinking cups; these being valua- 
ble from their great strength and durability: so that this 
kind of utensil, in the Seychelles Islands, bears the name 
of Vaisselle de V Isle Praslin. And such is the estimation in 
which these nuts are held by the negroes and poor people 
of other islands, that the sailors always try to obtain, and 
make them part of the cargo of their vessels. Amongst 
other articles, shaving dishes, black, beautifully polished, 
set in silver, and carved, are made from them. 
We have received from Mr. Texrair, at the Royal Glas- 
gow Botanical Garden, a living nut of this rare Palm; 
but, although all possible care was taken in its treatment, 
it did not vegetate with us. We feel confident, however, 
of possessing living plants in our stoves ere long, as Mr. 
Texrarr has promised us the nuts in an actual state of ger- 
mination ; which, with proper care on board of the ship, 
during the voyage, will reach us in safety *. 
* Since the above was printed, Mr. Barcuay and myself haye received 
accounts of the arrival, in the river, of Germinating nuts of this most valuable 
eee 
Reference to the Plates, 2734, 2735, 2736, 2737, 2738, 
Tas. 2734 represents the Male and Female Palm.—T. 2735, f. 1, Male 
Spadix, much diminished. 2. Scales, with Stamens protruded, natural size. 
3. Section of the Male Spadix, ditto. 4. Cluster of Male Flowers; a. the 
point of attachment to the Cell. 5, Single Flower, in bud. 6. the same 
expanded, natural size. 7. Bundle of Stamens, slightly magnified. 8. 
Single Stamens, magnified—T. 2736. 1. Part of a Female Spadix. 2. Pistil. 
3. One of the outer Segments of the Flower. 4. Inner Segment, all reduced 
in size, 5. Female Flower, natural size-—T. 2737. 1. Section of a Germen. 
"2, Vertical, and 3 Transverse Section of a young Drupe.—-T. 2738. 1. Drupe. 
2. Nut. 3. Nut in a state of germination.—4il much reduced in size. 
