MONOCOTYLEDONEJE. 43 



subacid, cooling 1 , and somewhat exhilarating, though 

 not so as to inebriate. A strong spirit is also drawn 

 from the toddy by distillation. The outer covering or 

 husk of the cocoa nut, after being macerated in water, 

 and beaten to discharge the cellular pulp, yields a 

 coarse filaceous substance, of which mats, cordage, and 

 even ships' cables are made ; and the kernel yields 

 what are called milk, cream, and an abundance of 

 useful oil. The wood of the Cocos and other palms, 

 though of extremely coarse grain, is very durable, 

 and much used in buildings and fences. The leaves 

 or fronds, too, make excellent thatch. 



The date tree, Phoenix dactylifera, is a valuable 

 fruit tree, as well for the use of the inhabitants where 

 it grows, as an article of commerce. The Latania 

 barbonica is said to be the most magnificent vege- 

 table in nature. 



The next grades requiring notice are in structure 

 more complex, though much more humble in stature, 

 than the preceding. Among the Bromelidce<z, the 

 Ananassa, or cultivated pine apple, may be chosen as 

 a type. They are mostly suffruticose plants, the stem 

 acquiring a woody consistence, though their general 

 colour and appearance is decidedly herbaceous. The 

 roots are thick fibres issuing first from the bottom 

 of the stem, but subsequently and periodically in sets 

 from the joints above, during the life of the plant. 

 Each joint is organised like the original crown ; in 

 fact they appear to be only detachments of it, as they 



