358 FEEJEE GROUP. 



braided, about three inches wide, where the ends of the bark project 

 so as to form a fringe, which is dyed red or black. This is the only 

 article the women wear to cover their nakedness. The band is so 

 plaited as to be a little elastic, by which means only it is kept on. 

 The manner of braiding it is by affixing it to the great toe of the right 

 foot. 



WOMAN BRAIDING. 



The Pandanus odoratissimus furnishes the materials for their mats, 

 called baya-baya ; they are woven in the same manner as at the other 

 islands, only they appear stronger, more firmly made, and more 

 suitable for the purpose to which they are applied, — that of covering 

 the floors. 



A rattan (Flagellaria) is used for making baskets; for this purpose 

 the stem is split, and the baskets are very neatly made. It is also 

 used as ties for the fastening of houses. 



The palm-tree (Caryota) is used for rafters in building ; its straight 

 stems, with its hard, durable, and tough qualities, render it well 

 adapted to this purpose. The stems of the tree-fern are used for door- 

 posts. 



The bamboo is here used for vessels to contain water, and also for 

 rafts, which the natives use in taking fish. Another use it is put to, 

 is for torches to light them in their evening dances. These, with 

 the addition of cocoa-nut oil, give a good light. In some places it 

 forms the rafters of houses, but its growth is confined to a few dis- 

 tricts. 



The iron-wood (Casuarina indica) is preferred for making spears 

 and clubs ; it is a fine-grained and very heavy wood. 



The old pendent roots of the mangrove are used for their bows, 

 which are very tough and elastic. 



