548 USES OF PALMS. 



possess such density, as to be no unfit match for those of iron. 

 Sections of the stem, the soft interior being removed, are con- 

 verted into drums ; and the stems, split lengthways, and chan- 

 neled out, are employed as conduits for water. The soft interior, 

 in most of the large-stemmed species of the Palm tribe, resembles 

 the pith of Exogens in its freedom from woody bundles, consist- 

 ing entirely of cellular tissue ; and it usually contains a large 

 quantity of starch, which renders it very nutritious. This is 

 obtained as food from many species, but especially from what is 

 called the Sago Palm, in which it is particularly abundant. The 

 unexpanded buds also, at the extremity of the stems of many 

 species, furnish a wholesome article of food ; this is especially 

 the case in a species known in the West Indies by the name of 

 the Cabbage-Palm, from the similarity in flavour between its 

 buds, when boiled, and ordinary Cabbage. This palm, when 

 growing by itself in favourable situations, is one of the stateliest 

 and most elegant of the whole race ; the author has himself seen 

 one in the island of St. Vincent, the height of which was ascer- 

 tained to be above 220 feet. But when growing in thick woods, 

 which prevent the full influence of the sun upon its bud, the 

 stern is dwarfed ; and it is then not unfrequently cut down, for 

 the sake of the product just named. At the base of each leaf of 

 many Palms, there is a sort of sheath composed of a fibrous net- 

 work, which is probably a modification of a stipule ; this is used 

 by the Indians to form cradles, and also a sort of coarse cloth. 

 The leaves are used entire to form thatch, fences, and fuel ; the 

 midribs furnish oars ; and the fibres of the leaves, like those of 

 the husk of the Cocoa-nut, are spun into thread, from which 

 cords, cables, and woven fabrics of various degrees of fineness, 

 are manufactured. The rope made from the fibres of the Cocoa- 

 nut husk, which is known under the name of Coir-rope, is nearly 

 equal in strength to hemp, and is considered superior to it for 

 cables, on account of its great elasticity. The sap of the Palms, 

 which flows in great abundance from the spathes when wounded, 

 is a very pleasing beverage, and contains a considerable quantity 

 of sugar ; this may be separated by boiling it down ; or it may 

 be converted by fermentation into alcohol, so as to make a sort 



