146 THE COCONUT OIL AND 



factor is that while Cochin copra is sun-dried, the 

 Ceylon product is mainly smoked, which accounts 

 for its bad colour. The reasons for the superiority 

 of Cochin oil may therefore be summarised as 

 follows : 



(a) Climatic conditions permitting of rapid sun- 

 drying. 



(6) Selection of thoroughly well-matured nuts 

 of a dark brown colour, dry on the tree, before 

 gathering. 



(c) Prompt treatment after gathering. 



(d) Greater cleanliness and industry of the 

 Malabar Indian, as compared with the workers of 

 Ceylon. 



(e) Elimination of all inferior nuts. 



On the other hand, it is necessary to point out 

 that Ceylon nuts cannot be much inferior to those 

 of Cochin, seeing that large quantities of copra 

 have been shipped from Ceylon to Cochin for the 

 purpose of extracting oil, which it is reasonable to 

 assume is sometimes, if not always, plated on the 

 market as Cochin oil. This refers more particularly 

 to the copra produced by European planters in 

 Ceylon, who take greater pains to secure a good, 

 clean product than does the average native grower. 

 Finally, it is certain that the system that has been 

 gradually built up in Ceylon, whereby various 



