THE BEETLE-NUT TREES. 143 



of success. The Beetle-nut might be turned to 

 advantage if it would live in England ; it requires 

 care and shelter for the first three years, after 

 which it is a hardy tree ; it bears the fifth year, 

 and no doubt its fruit might be turned to better 

 advantage, than being a mere accompaniment to 

 Pawn, which is the only use made of it by the 

 natives, and for tooth powder by the Europeans ; 

 the husk is an excellent TAN, and is frequently 

 made use of by the Ckumars (curriers) for prepar- 

 ing their leather. 



Trees. The Soondry takes the lead, it grows to 

 an immense height and girth in the jungles about 

 the Hurringattah, and other large rivers. The 

 timbers brought to the different marts, seldom 

 exceed 14 and 15 feet in length, and from 3 to 6 

 feet in circumference ; they are used principally for 

 boat-building, as it is liable to warp and crack when 

 exposed ; it makes the best charcoal, and is pre- 

 ferred as fire-wood. The Pussoor is a dark, heavy 

 wood, and beautiful for furniture ; small trees are 

 generally brought in for house posts, as it is consi- 

 dered to last so much longer than any other wood ; 

 it is not liable to rot, and withstands the attacks of 

 white ants, but the posts are generally very crooked. 



