82 Elementary Species 



others show a large number of forms clearly 

 separated to a greater or lesser degree. 



In some few instances it is obvious that this 

 variability is of later date than culture. The 

 most conspicuous case is that of the coconut. 

 This valuable palm is found on nearly all tropi- 

 cal coasts, in America, as well as in Asia, but in 

 Africa and Australia there are many hun- 

 dreds of miles of shore line, where it is not 

 found. Its importance is not at all the same 

 everywhere. On the shores and islands of the 

 Indian Ocean and the Malay Archipelago, man 

 is chiefly dependent upon it, but in America it is 

 only of subordinate usefulness. 



In connection with these facts, it abounds in 

 subspecies and varieties in the East Indian re- 

 gions, but on the continent of America little at- 

 tention has as yet been given to its diverging 

 qualities. In the Malayan region it affords near- 

 ly all that is required by the inhabitants. The 

 value of its fruit as food, and the delicious 

 beverage which it yields, are well known. 

 The fibrous rind is not less useful; it is 

 manufactured into a kind of cordage, mats 

 and floor-cloths. An excellent oil is obtained 

 from the kernel by compression. The hard 

 covering of the stem is converted into drums 

 and used in the construction of huts ; the lower 

 part is so hard as to take on a beautiful polish, 



