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some inches, begins to unfold its pale green leaves to the light 

 and air ; at this time also two thick white fibres, originating in 

 the same point, push away the stoppers or coverings from the 

 other two holes in the shell, pierce the husk in an opposite 

 direction, and finally penetrate the ground. If allowed to 

 remain, the shell which no knife would cut, and which 

 a saw would hardly divide, is burst by an expansive power 

 generated within itself. The husk and shell gradually decay, 

 and forming a light manure, facilitate the growth of the young 

 plant, which gradually strikes its roots deeper, elevates its 

 stalk and expands its leaves, until it becomes a lofty, fruitful, 

 and graceful tree. 



1 The Indians' nut alone 



Is clothing, meat and trencher, drink and can, 



Boat, cable, sail, and needle all in one,' 



says George Herbert 



The real wealth, however, of the group lies in the sugar-cane. 

 Among the more important products of the Fijian group the cul- 

 tivation of the sugar-cane holds a prominent place. Every visitor 

 (even from countries in which the sugar-cane is almost the 

 only plant cultivated) cannot fail to be struck with the size, 

 healthy appearance, and rapidity of growth of the sugar-cane 

 in Fiji. These remarks do not extend only to the ' pet ' canes 

 of the Fijians, which are to be found growing near the houses 

 in every native town, but also to the canes in the settlers' 

 plantations as well as to those planted by the Fijians for 

 thatch. 



The wild canes (vicos) of these islands are the subject of 

 admiration to the cane-grower. They suggest to him interest- 

 ing ideas with regard to the parentage of the sugar-cane, 

 which undoubtedly originated in the islands of the South Sea, 

 where from time immemorial it has been cultivated by the 



