THE IWLMS OF ASIA. Ill 



the natives do not sow them, but leave tliat 

 operation entirely to nature. 



Knox asserts, tliat if the tree be cut down 

 before it runs to seed, the ferina, largely con- 

 tained within the stem, is nutritious and Vvfhole- 

 somc ; and adds, that " the natives take the pith 

 and beat it in mortars to flour, and bake cakes 

 of it, which taste much like wheat bread ; and it 

 serves them instead of corn before their harvest 

 be ripe." A better known fact about the uses of 

 the inner parts of the tree is that sago is made 

 from them. By beating the spongy portion of 

 the stem in a mortar, and afterwards sifting, 

 the fecula, or sago flour, is readily separated. 

 It is, however, mainly used by the natives, and 

 does not form any, or at least a very small 

 portion, of the sago of commerce. The great 

 value, however, of this noble tree resides in its 

 leaves. Growing on the tree, they arc, when 

 expanded, of a beautiful dark green colour; 

 but those chiefly used are cut before they 

 are spread out, and have, and retain for ages, 

 a pale brownish yellow colour, not unlike old 

 parchment. Their preparation for use is very 

 simple. They are rubbed with hard, smooth 

 pieces of wood, which express any moisture 

 that may remain, and increase their pliability, 

 which is naturally very great. They are used 



