COCOA-NUT TREE. 335 



notions of a noble traveller on this subject cor- 

 rect, or were his suggestions, founded on these 

 notions, carried into execution ; who, supposing 

 cocoa-nut trees to be injurious to the air, has 

 recommended the destruction of those fine groves 

 in the neighbourhood of Galle, with the idea 

 of improving the wholesomeness of a place al- 

 ready remarkably wholesome. It was from no- 

 tions similar to this, not long after we fead pos- 

 session of Trincomalie, that the majority of the 

 cocoa-nut trees at that place were cut down, to 

 the great detriment of the inhabitants, and to 

 the deterioration rather than the improvement 

 of the air. It is well established, and ought 

 never to be forgotten, that it is not shade that 

 is prejudicial in a hot climate ; that it is not 

 vigorous healthy vegetation that is noxious ; but 

 the accumulation of dead vegetable matter and 

 its putrefaction ; and that whilst every means 

 are taken to prevent the latter, too much en- 

 couragement cannot be given to promote the 

 former." 



It is interesting to see the natives ascend this 

 lofty palm, to gather its fruit : they simply fasten 

 a piece of bark round their feet, leaving between 

 them a space of a few inches ; they then clasp the 

 tree, and ascend with great agility. In throwing 

 down the nuts, a whirling motion is usually 



