THE PALMS OF ASIA. 83 



in water it is beaten out, and is then manufac- 

 tured into an admirable kind of cordage and 

 cable, very elastic, durable, and strong. It is 

 now largely imported into this country under 

 the name of " coir." Soaking in sea water is 

 even said to improve it. The same material is 

 largely employed as a stuffing for mattresses, 

 being as elastic as horse-hair, and less friendly 

 to the presence of vermin. It is also woven 

 into different kinds of matting for lobbies and 

 churches, which are surprisingly durable, 

 resisting for a length of time the effects of the 

 hardest wear. 



The shell of the nut is manufactured into 

 drinking vessels and measures, and the albu- 

 men, or white solid kernel contained within the 

 shells, yields by pressure or decoction an ex- 

 cellent oil ; the former is the method usually 

 employed. It is largely employed by the 

 natives of Ceylon for anointing the hair, which 

 is remarked by travellers as generally luxuriant 

 and beautiful, owing, as the Cingalese say, to 

 the use of this article. It is also used for 

 burning in lamps, for which it is well adapted, 

 giving a good light, and being entirely free 

 from any unpleasant smell. It is now very 

 largely imported into this country for the manu- 

 facture of candles, which are made in the same 



