150 THE PALMS OF AMERICA. 



CHAPTER V. 



THE PALMS OF AMERICA. 



Although by far the largest portion of the 

 pahii tribe belongs to America, though the 

 number of species indigeuous to that part of the 

 earth's surface is far greater than even Asia 

 can boast, yet in point of social, economical, and 

 commercial importance, it must be confessed 

 that the American palms seem to hold a lower 

 rank. This inferiority, however, may be only 

 apparent and temporary ; it may arise from the 

 very partial acquaintance we have with them ; 

 and it may eventually prove that not only are 

 the American palms more numerous, but of 

 more social importance than even those of the 

 old world. We shall see that not only are 

 many species already turned to useful account, 

 but that facts are known of others, which will 

 probably lead to their economical application. 

 The first we shall mention is Areca oleracea, 



