1840. J on the Tenasserim Provinces, fyc. 171 



wholesome food. They are cut down after the perennial planta- 

 tions attain the height of four feet six inches, when they are 

 strong enough to bear the dry season unprotected, and the burnt 

 plantains yield a considerable quantity of potash. At the same 

 time that the forest is cleared and prepared, a nursery for young 

 areca palms is to be established in some appropriate locality. 

 The best arecas for seeds are to be obtained from December 

 to March, and sufficient are at present grown in the southern 

 provinces, so that seed is always procurable. Such as are the 

 largest and apple shaped, are considered the best for planting. 

 They are placed in baskets in layers, covered with leaves or 

 hay, from 500 to 1000, closely packed together, these baskets 

 are kept in cool places, and watered at least once a day. 



The outer husk of the areca nut consisting of fibres and a 

 pulpous matter, begins in a short time to ferment and to decay, 

 the nut loses its bright orange colour, gets dark, and after its 

 epidermis is rotten, it remains enveloped in a mass of closely 

 woven fibres. 



The fermentation accompanied with a considerable degree 

 of heat, is deemed necessary to further germinations, which 

 become conspicuous after about one month. In about two 

 months, or later, the nut has shot forth a sprout, about an inch 

 in length. This is the time to take the nuts out of the baskets 

 and to plant them in a nursery, at a span's distance from each 

 other, only half covered with earth. In the latter end of June 

 or beginning of July, they are transplanted into the planta- 

 tion in the spot where they are to remain for ever. They are 

 then generally one foot high, and have shot two or three leaves 

 in the nursery. They ought to be planted in rows at least seven 

 cubits distant, this being about double of the diameter which 

 the crown of this slender palm occupies, and which is necessary 

 to leave ample room for ventilation. At the time of planting, 

 care must be taken that the weather promises rain for a succes- 

 sion of several days. Should an interval in the monsoon take 

 place, which is generally accompanied by a most powerful sun, 

 the transplanted arecas die or suffer considerably. The arecas 

 are the first of the perennial plantations to be taken care of, 

 and they will be found very advantageous. The profits will not 



