Catalogue of Botanical Works. 449. 



sea, in the Indian ocean, and near the Maldives islands. The nut only 

 was found floating, and the Malay and Chinese sailors used to affirm that 

 it was borne upon a tree deep under water, which was similar to a cocoa- 

 nut tree, and was visible in placid bays, upon the coast of Sumatra, &c. 



A new leaf is formed upon the tree annually, and, on falling away at the 

 end of the year, it leaves a scar or ring: by these it is estimated, that one 

 hundred and thirty years are required before the tree attains its full • 

 developement. The foliage is largest and most beautiful in young plants. 

 The new leaf is always formed in the centre, and it shoots out perpen- 

 dicularly, folded close like a fan from the top, to the length of ten feet 

 or more. In this state it is of a pale yellow colour, and is employed for 

 making hats and bonnets ; afterwards it expands itself in all its beauty, and 

 becomes green. There is a space of about four inches between the rings on 

 the trunk. A Coco de Mer, planted on M. de Quincy's estate, on the Isle 

 Make, is thirteen feet and a half high, has thirty-nine marks or rings, and 

 was planted forty years ago. It is a female plant ; but there being no male 

 plant in the island, the fruit never comes to maturity. 



The crown of the trunk, in the midst of the leaves, is called the cabbage, 

 and is eaten like that of the true cabbage palm (Areca oleracea) ; but it is 

 less delicate, and slightly bitter ; it is often preserved in vinegar. 



The trunk itself, after being split and cleared of its soft and fibrous part 

 within, serves to make water-troughs, as well as palisades for surrounding 

 houses and gardens. 



The foliage is employed to thatch the roofs of houses and sheds, and 

 even for the walls. With a hundred leaves, a commodious dwelling may 

 be constructed, including even the partitions of the apartments, the doors, 

 and windows. In the Isle Praslin most of the cabins and warehouses are 

 thus made. The down which is attached to the young leaves serves for fill- 

 ing mattresses and pillows. 



The ribs of the leaves and fibres of the petiole constitute baskets and 

 brooms. The young foliage, as before mentioned, affords an excellent 

 material for hats. For this purpose the unexpanded leaves only are taken, 

 dried in the sun, and cut into longitudinal strips, two or three lines in 

 breadth, which are then plaited ; and scarcely any other covering for the 

 head is worn by the inhabitants of the Seychelles. 



Cut of the nut are made vessels of different forms and uses. When 

 preserved whole, and perforated in one or two places, the shell serves to 

 carry water, and two of them are suspended from opposite ends of a stick. 

 Some of these nuts hold six or eight pints. If divided in two, between 

 the lobes, each portion serves, according to the size and shape, for plates 

 and dishes, or drinking cups ; these being valuable from their great 

 strength and durability : so that this kind of utensil, in the Seychelles is- 

 lands, bears the name of vaisselle de PIsle Praslin. And such is the estim- 

 ation in which these nuts are held by the negroes and poor people of 

 other islands, that the sailors always try to obtain and make them part of 

 the cargo of their vessel. Amongst other articles, shaving dishes, black, 

 beautifully polished, set in silver, and carved, are made from them. 



Solatium {solari, to comfort?) Quitense (belonging to Quito in Peru), 

 Angular-leaved downy Quito Solanum ; Solanaceas. " The noblest species 

 of the genus we are acquainted with." It grew in the open garden of 

 R. Barclay, Esq., Bury Hill, Surrey, in the summer of 1826, to the height 

 of five or six feet; and with its large noble leaves of a deep green with pur- 

 ple veins, large white flowers, and thick and beautiful purple down, which 

 clothes its racemes, calyx, and the under side of its young foliage, exhibits 

 a truly handsome appearance. A most valuable addition to our half-hardy 

 annuals, and well worth having. 



Vol. II. — No. 8. gg 



