106 



old wounds, will cleanse and heal them ra- 

 pidly. 



In Maldivia, this nut is thought a power- 

 ful antidote against the venom of serpents and 

 other poisons. 



The milk is of the greatest importance 

 in dyeing silks, cotton, or woollen stuffs, 

 as it prevents black and other caustic colours 

 from burning them, and gives a brilliancy to 

 the colour. The emulsion of the kernel is 

 used in the art of painting chintzes, and in 

 scouring the cloth after the colours have 

 been applied. The Hindoos procure their 

 fine violet and rose colours by the assistance 

 of this fruit. 



The tough fibres or substance which en- 

 closes the shell, being steeped in water and 

 beaten like flax, is then manufactured into 

 linen. 



The palms of this tree are made into mats 

 for sleeping on ; the leaves, which are of great 

 length, are made into baskets, hammocks, 

 mats, brooms, racks, &c. and are used for the 

 thatching of houses : the trunk of the tree is 

 employed for gutters, and split into laths for 

 covering buildings, &c. 



The shell of the fruit, when polished, is 

 formed into basins, drinking cups, and a va- 

 riety of useful articles. 



