26 COMPANION TO TROPICAL READERS 



Selection of seed. 



Propagation. 



Cultivation. 



Tillage, drainage, watering, weeding. 



Control of insect pests. 



Harvesting. 



Preparation for marketing. 



USES 



Special attention must be drawn to the uses made of 

 various portions of the plants studied ; for example : 



COCONUT 

 Fruit. 



(a) Water. A drink. 



(b) Meat. Oil, confectionery, food for animals. 



(c) Husk. Coir . mats, coir fibre, mattresses, rope, 

 floor brushes, other brushes. 



(d) Shell. Ornamental vases, spoons, drinking vessels. 



Leaf. Baskets, sails, mats, hats, thatch, fencing, 

 booths. 



Stem. Posts for house-building, ornamental wood 

 used for cabinet work, walking-sticks. 



PREPARATION FOR MARKET 



When the product has to be cured or manufactured 

 for market, the process should be carefully explained 

 to the children. Notes or drawings should be made 

 on the blackboard showing each step, and at the same 

 time specimens should be exhibited illustrating the 

 various stages from the raw to the manufactured 

 article. Special attention should be drawn to faulty 

 methods that affect the value of our exports. 



