CHAPTER XVI. 



WONDERS OF THE FOREST. 



|F the palms alone, upwards of a hundred species arc 

 found in these forests. These supply the Indian 

 with nearly all he wants to support existence. 

 Their fruit, or pith, or crowns, furnish him with an abun- 

 dance of food. He builds his hut and floors it with their 

 w T ood, and thatches it with their leaves. From the trunks 

 of some species he forms his canoes, of different sizes. He 

 obtains from them oil, cord, thread, wine — or a beverage 

 which answers the purpose — wax, mats, baskets, arrows for 

 his sumpitan or bow, and numberless other articles. Pure, 

 clear oils are made from some of the nuts and palm fruits ; 

 while many palms yield a fibrous material admirably suited 

 for cordage, being singularly elastic and resistant. 



From the curious candella-tree, — called by the Spaniards 

 arbol de la manteca, by the Indians cuajo, — he obtains tallow 

 for candles and excellent oil for lamps, and a beverage which 

 is made from its fruit. 



The cow-tree supplies a milk in appearance like that of 

 the animal from which it takes its name, but thicker. On 

 analyzing this product, it is found to consist of water, animal 



