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gallons would be near the average. The shells of these 

 nuts are used in Seychelles for domestic ustensils of 

 all sorts and when sawed in half longitudinally they 

 are the most convenient things possible for balings 

 boats, for which purpose they are universally employed 

 by the fishermen of this colony. Although the fruit 

 is in general two-lobed, it frequently happens that 

 four lobes are enveloped in one husk, is stripped off, 

 and the sides which were in contact are quite flattened. 

 These lobed nuts are sometimes met with, and I have 

 seen one with five lobes. 



The leaves of this palm form an excellent thatch, 

 •nearly as durable as shingles, and when cut previous 

 to expansion, form one of the best materials possible 

 for making hats (1.) and bonnets, as well as little work 

 baskets and mats, in the manufacture of which, as well 

 as fans and artificial flowers, many of the Seychelloises 

 shew very great task and skill. 



The stem, which like those of all palms consists 

 of hard fibres imbedded in medullary (m) substance, 

 enclosed in a hard sheath, is so hard that none but a 

 very good axe will cut it ; but it splits easily and is 

 used for fences, and also when hollowed, as channels 

 for conveying water : it is extremely durable. 



It is much to be regretted that this unique and 



(I) These hats are imported on a pretty large scale here 

 and sell well generally each hat of the smallest size being sold for 

 2 sh. 6 d. This is the general price asked for. 



(«)) Medullary substance means a cellular substance of 

 the pith. 



