THE BETEL, OR ARECA-NUT. 41 



cordage it produces from the hairy-like filaments, 

 which, are interwoven round the stem and about the 

 axils of the leaves, is of excellent quality, and of great 

 service, on account of its durability, in the house -build- 

 ing economy of the Dyak. This substance is also 

 plaited into ornaments for the arms, legs, and neck, 

 and its deep black and neat appearance renders it, to 

 the eye of an European, a much more agreeable orna- 

 ment than either the brass or beads with which they 

 abundantly adorn their persons, as will be explained 

 hereafter. 



The graceful betel or areca-nut (Areca catechu) palm 

 is one of the greatest ornaments of Eastern gardens. 

 It is not here planted in sufficient quantities to form an 

 article of exportation ; indeed, considerable quantities 

 are imported, as, like the cocoa-nut, the trees were 

 destroyed during the wars which, previous to the 

 arrival of Mr. Brooke on the western coast, desolated 

 the country. The nut is used for no other purpose 

 but that of being chewed with the sirih leaves (piper), 

 lime, and gambier ; this practice of the other natives 

 of India and the Archipelago being quite as universal 

 among the Dyaks as the Malays. 



This beautiful tree is also much prized by the natives 

 on account of the delightful fragrance of its flowers, 

 which, taken just before opening from the sheath or 

 spathe, in which the inflorescence is enveloped, and 

 called myang, is requisite in all their medicines and 

 conjurations for the purpose of healing the sick : it is 

 also used with other sweet-scented flowers at bridals 

 and all occasions of festivity. This delightful perfume, 



