26 BOTANICAL INFORMATION. 
left arm of the other, are used in climbing the Cocoa-nut trees, and 
made of cow or buffalo hide, twisted whilst in its raw state (and are 
further represented in Plate ii. figs. 9 and 10). The small ladder 
serves for scaling the trees, to the height of about eight or nine feet 
from the ground. The small pendent water-tight baskets (Tab. ii. fig. 6), 
made of tender Cadjans or Palmyra-leaves, are used for holding the 
toddy which is poured into them: and the cases (Plate ii. fig. 1), 
fastened on the right sides of both figures, contain each a hooked knife ' 
(Tab. ii. fig. 3), a small hard-wood stick, or bludgeon, for beating the 
spadices of the trees (Tab. ii. fig. 4), a wooden strop (Tab. ii. fig. 2) 
to sharpen the knives (aided by a little emery-powder, carried within 
the hollow of a small bamboo), and a small bundle of strips of the 
Cocoa-nut leaf (not represented). These are the implements necessary 
for the Toddyman’s calling. 
The Cocoa-nut leaf over the shoulder of the left figure is supposed 
to be his perquisite, from which he manufactures mats: the manner of 
making them is by splitting the leaf in twain, and plaiting the fronds 
together; these mats are used for the purpose of sitting or sleeping 
upon, and when dry serve for screens, or for the covering of slight 
verandahs, panáals, &c. 
The method of climbing the cocoa-nut tree is this. A loop of rope 
(Tab. ii. fig. 9) is placed over the feet of the Toddyman to keep them 
from separating further than the extent allowed by the rope, which in 
ascending the tree is secured from being hurt by a short gaiter, or guard 
of thick leather (Tab. ii. figs. 7, 8). The large rope (Tab. ii. fig. 10) 
is then passed round the tree, as well as round the body of the Toddy- 
man: it is then secured, and forms a sort of band, encircling both the 
trunk of the tree and the body of the climber. He then raises this larger 
rope to a level with the arm-pits, and places his feet against the trunk 
of the tree. By pressing his hands forcibly against the tree, he raises 
. his feet about eighteen inches, and rests the full weight of his person 
on the large band. He nexts takes hold of the large band by one 
hand, keeping the other against the tree (as shown in the figure climb- 
. img), and, by raising the rope with a sudden jerk, places himself in a 
. position for again lifting his feet ; and so the operation of ascending is 
repeated, till he reaches the top. When he reaches the required 
height, the rope is shifted from the shoulders to the waist: the man 
then supports himself with ease and has both his hands free. 
