264 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS 



are heat-producing, should be used sparingly and care be taken 

 to provide against sudden changes of temperature b} r proper 

 clothing. If these precautions are followed until he becomes 

 thoroughly acclimatized, there is no reason why any person of 

 good constitution should not enjoy good health. 



Elephantiasis, and leprosy prevail to some extent, and biri- 

 biri is also common and fatal among the natives. Typhoid fever 

 is also prevalent at times, but the white inhabitants seldom 

 suffer from it or any of the other diseases which affect the na- 

 tives. This immunity is due, without doubt, to better nutrition 

 and sanitary conditions in their dwellings. 



FOREST PRODUCTS 



In estimating the natural riches of the islands the forest growths 

 form an important factor. Ebony, cedar, ironwood, sapan wood, 

 logwood, and gum trees' abound, and in addition to these fa- 

 miliar trees there are hundreds of other varieties not generally 

 known, even by name, which produce useful and ornamental 

 woods available for many purposes. Gutta-percha is found in 

 some localities, and the tall and graceful cocoanut palm, Cocos 

 nucifera, is universal and contributes in no small degree to the 

 comfort and prosperity of the natives. Its trunk, branches, 

 leaves, fruit, shell, and husk are all turned to account. It pro- 

 duces fruit when seven years old that forms an important article 

 of diet. It is eaten when the nut is young or at that stage when 

 the shell is just formed, in a thin layer that can be cut with a 

 spoon. When the fruit is mature or in the condition in which 

 it is brought to our markets, it is valued only for its oil. To 

 obtain that, the nut is broken and the meat scooped out and 

 boiled in a large pan. As the oil rises to the surface it is skimmed 

 off. When first made it has a rich, sweet taste and is used for 

 culinary purposes and hair-dressing, but aftei a few d&ys it be- 

 comes rancid and is used only for lighting and lubricating. 

 Throughout the islands it was the only substance used for light- 

 ing until the introduction of kerosene, but it is still in almost 

 universal use by the natives, particularly in the interior, not only 

 from motives of economy, but from its being so easily manufact- 

 ured or procured. 



Of all the indigenous vegetal products, the bamboo, which, 

 although botanically a grass, is practically a tree, is most plen- 

 tiful, useful, and ornamental. It is scattered everywhere in pro- 

 fusion, and is always found near native habitations. It is put 



