COCOA-NUT TREE. 309 



Linneus : it is called Haari by the Tahitans, 

 Polgaha by the Singalese. The varieties of the 

 cocoa-nut are numerous at Tahiti, (one of the 

 Society Islands.) I am acquainted with six, each 

 having a distinct appellation by the natives. At 

 Ceylon, five varieties are indigenous ; but are 

 seldom, if ever, found in the same plantation, 

 except it be in the vicinity of a Budlioo temple 

 of some importance. The first, or King cocoa- 

 nut may be well known to those who have re- 

 sided in Ceylon : its bright orange colour, and 

 somewhat oval shape, cannot fail to attract no- 

 tice, and is usually presented to respectable 

 Europeans, by the Modeliars, or by the priests, 

 as a compliment to those whose curiosity may 

 have induced a visit to the shrine of Budhoo. 

 This variety is the Tembili of the Singalese, and 

 they have of it three sub-varieties. The second 

 is of a similar colour to the preceding, but of a 

 more spherical shape. The third is of a pale 

 yellow, and rather heart-shaped : it is the Na- 

 wasi, or edible husk, and has the peculiar quality, 

 that after the epidermis has been removed, the 

 inner rind turns to a pale red, and is edible. 

 The fourth is "the common cocoa-nut, which is 

 in general use, and the one most known. The 



guese coco, or coquin, the three holes at the end of the cocoa- 

 nut shell, giving it some resemblance to a monkey's head. 



