16 PALM TREES 



tribes which it scarcely ever reaches ; and it is among 

 them that the substitute is manufactured from the fruit 

 of the Jara. It is doubtful, however, whether it con- 

 tains any true salt, for it is described as being more 

 bitter than saline in taste ; yet with this alone to season 

 their fish and cassava the Indians enjoy almost perfect 

 health. Perhaps, therefore, mineral salt may not be such 

 a necessary of life as we are accustomed to consider it. 



