BRAZILIAN PALM WAX. 251 



three parts of this wax and one part of bees'-wax 

 also makes very excellent candles. 



A specimen of this vegetable wax was transmitted 

 to Lord Grenville from Rio de Janeiro, as a new 

 production recently obtained from the northern parts 

 of the Brazilian dominions, between the third and 

 seventh degrees of north latitude. 



That its properties might be scientifically inves- 

 tigated, it was submitted to Mr. Brande for analysis, 

 and hopes were entertained that if it were found 

 similar to bees'-wax, it might become an article of 

 commerce between Brazil and this country. 



A detailed account of the various experiments to 

 which it was subjected, in order to ascertain its real 

 nature, may be found in the Phil. Trans, for 1811. 

 The trials which were made of its relative value, as 

 an inflammable substance, proved highly satisfactory. 

 When made into candles with wicks properly pro- 

 portioned to the size of the candle, its combustion 

 was in every respect quite equal to that of bees'-wax 

 both in regard to uniformity and intensity. 



The product of its leaves is not, however, the only 

 useful part of the carnauba-tree. The fruit, when 

 green, after being boiled in several waters, affords a 

 nutritive food ; the pith of the stem of the young 

 plants, after being bruised in water, is likewise ap- 

 plied to the same purpose. The kernel of the fruit 

 when ripe is covered with a layer of sweet pulp, 

 and this is found to be wholesome food for cattle. 



The leaves make a very durable covering for 

 houses, and in such service will sustain every vicis- 

 situde of weather for twenty years without requiring 

 to be renewed. The trunk of the tree is a useful 

 wood for building houses, making fences, and a 

 variety of other purposes. 



From another species of palm, the Ceroxylon 

 andicola, a substance somewhat resembling wax is 



