308 TRAVELS IN THE CONFEDERATION 



flora L. Further, the Silk-Cotton-Tree (Bombax pen- 

 tandrum L.) the seed-case of which yields a very fine, 

 light brown wool. The tree is comely, large and 

 strong; the branches of the one I saw, no doubt the 

 only one on the island, shaded a circuit of at least a 

 hundred yards. The Hum crepitans L. (Trew: 

 Ehret, t. 35) called the 'Sand-box' from the use 

 made of its seed-cases. The ripe, dry cases split with 

 a loud clack ; the unripe are bored through and used 

 for strew-sand boxes, from their star-shaped openings 

 being very well suited to the purpose. The seeds, like 

 almonds in form and taste, are drastick. The fine 

 growth of the tree makes it a favorite for shading 

 walks, and the trunk yields excellent boards. Aeschy- 

 nomene grandiilora L., ' Chicken-peas,' a tree of very 

 rapid and tall growth, recommends itself by its large, 

 splendid blooms, and the seeds are good forage for 

 poultry. 



The Cashew or Acajou, Anacardium occidentalis L., 

 is met with on sundry plantations. The coco and the 

 date-palm have both been transplanted ; they thrive 

 and bear much fruit. But the dates here are small and 

 of a harsh taste. 



Among the indigenous palms the inhabitants dis- 

 tinguish four different varieties, naming them, accord- 

 ing to the use made of them, as follows : 



' Great-Thatch ' and 



1 Brittle-Thatch Palmetto,' the leaves of which are 

 used in the roofs of their cabins. 



' Silver-Thatch,' on account of the leaves being 

 supplied below with a silver-colored down. The 

 younger leaves are employed chiefly for making 

 the rough nets and tackle used by the fishermen 



