20 THE COCONUT AND ITS PRODUCTS 



matter of fact, Germany to-day is conspicuously 

 active in this field of research. 



Of the coconut itself many varieties and qualities 

 are produced in different parts of the world. Those 

 from Malabar are regarded as the most productive 

 and delicate in quality, points which are reflected 

 in the prices obtained for them on the European 

 markets. 



The coconut flourishes in many other regions, 

 notably in Ceylon, West Africa, the West Indies, 

 Malaya, the Philippines, Java, British North 

 Borneo, the Straits Settlements, East Africa, 

 Papua, Samoa, Fiji, the Solomon Islands, Panama, 

 Mexico, Brazil, the Seychelles, British Honduras, 

 British Guiana, the Moluccas, Celebes, Sumatra, 

 Zanzibar, Madagascar, New Caledonia, Gorgona 

 Island, and Florida. 



While about thirty varieties of the coconut palm 

 are supposed to exist in various countries, European 

 planters in most other Eastern countries only 

 recognise five principal varieties : (1) The King 

 coconut, which produces a handsome, pear-shaped 

 nut of a bright orange colour. This is not usually 

 sold in Eastern bazaars, being regarded as of 

 sufficient distinction to constitute a suitable gift 

 from a priest to distinguished visitors to the native 

 temples. (2) An orange-coloured nut, but less 

 handsome in shape than the above. (3) A nut of a 

 pale yellow colour. (4) A nut about the size of a 



