48 [Senate 



FROM DR. CHARLES MARTIN, U. S. NAYY. 

 Tagtta Nttt [Phytilephas macrocarpa) : Nut of the ivory plant, from which 

 the vegetable ivory is manufactured. 



" This extraordinary Nut, from the solidity it acquires at a certain age, is 

 rendered an object of peculiar interest and astonishment to those who con- 

 template the wonderful economy of the vegetable world. The shell or outer 

 covering of this nut is barely as thick as that of the common hazel, and is 

 so extremely hard that no instrument will make an impression on it : it is 

 only removed from the kernel by pressure. Bears and other animals are said 

 to eat the nut with avidity, ere it has acquired its solid state, and derive 

 considerable nourishment therefrom. The learned Dr. Lindley classes the 

 tree among the family of Palms ; and it is common in the Mascaren islands, 

 where it is called Tagna-plant. Persoon describes the nut and its shell as 

 being enclosed in a prickly head, or drupe. The kernel, in an early state, 

 includes a limpid liquor, which becomes milky and sweet, and at length 

 acquires the solidity of ivory. The Indians cover their cottages with the 

 largest leaves ; and the English manufacture all kinds of fancy articles from 

 the nut, which in color are superior to the elephant ivory. The shavings of 

 this nut, when boiled, afford a milky liquor, and are not all gelatinous, as 

 the shavings or dust of ivory is known to be when boiled down." 



