786 DIOECTA HEXANDRIA. Phenix. 
there is a small elevation, under which is an oblong pit con- 
taining the embryo or first principle of the new plant. — 
The leaflets are wrought into mats for sleeping upon, &c. 
The common petioles are split into three or four,and used to 
make common baskets of various kinds, but they are not so 
good for this purpose as the Bamboo, which is’ very elastic, 
much more durable, and splits easily, The small trunk when 
divested of its leaves, and the strong brown fibrous web that 
surrounds it at their insertions, is generally about fifteen or 
eighteen inches long, and six in diameter at the thickest 
part; its exterior or woody part consists of white fibres mat- 
ted together, these envelope a large quantity of farinaceous 
substance, which the natives use for food in times of scarcity. 
To procure this meal, the small trunk is split into six or 
eight pieces, dried, and beat in wooden mortars, till the fari- 
naceous part is detached from the fibres; it is then sifted to 
separate them, the meal is then fit for wees The only further 
preparation it undergoes, is the boiling it into a thick gruel; 
or as it is called in India, Kanji ; it seems to possess less nou- 
tishment than the common sago, and is less palatable, being 
considerably bitter when boiled; probably a little care in the 
preparation, and varying the Wield: might improve it ; how- 
ever} it certainly deserves attention, for during the end of 
the last, and beginning of this year, and even again at this © 
soda a va 1792, it has saved many tee Rice was 
ular ly near the sea. 
3. F. dicighpsbe. Willd, iv. 730. 
Leaves pinnate, unarmed ; or roned together, linear 
Tiaeonite, strait, 
Numerous atteinpts have been made to familiarize this 
useful tree to the soil and climate of India, but I have not 
been able to learn that any one has been’successfal. I have 
