COCOA-NUT TREE. 313 



elevation, probably, of eight feet ; and at that 

 time the enormous size of its fronds are more 

 conspicuous than when the tree has obtained its 

 full elevation : it then usually commences to 

 bear fruit, and continues for sixty years fo yield 

 it in abundance ; but beyond that period, the 

 produce begins decreasing, until it ceases alto- 

 gether. 



The wood of this tree is used for various pur- 

 poses : among the Polynesians it is used for 

 spears, rafters for their huts, fences &c. ; and it 

 also makes excellent charcoal. When the tree 

 has ceased to bear, it is most valuable, and is 

 imported into the European markets under the 

 name of porcupine wood. Among the Singalese 

 it is used for rafters, laths, shingles, chairs, 

 ladies' work-boxes, &c. ; but during the period 

 of its most abundant bearing, (considered to be 

 between ten and thirty-five years' growth,) the 

 heart is of so soft and spongy a nature, that 

 it is merely used for fences, water-pipes, &c. 



The fronds are from eighteen to twenty feet 

 long, and composed of a strong, tough stalk, 

 diminishing from the base, and has a number of 

 narrow leaflets* ranged on each side. The Sin- 



* The midribs of the leaves, tied together, form good 

 brooms for the decks of ships. 



Formerly it was not unusual for the Tahitan females to 



