668 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



somewhat stiff leaves, the pinnfe crowded together and of a very dark green. 

 Few, however, have seen the plant in fruit, and most curious it is. From 

 the centre of the circle of dark-green leaves there arises a feathery mass 

 of bright buff-yellow filaments, as if they had been cut out of thick flannel 

 or even felt. This central mass is found to be composed of a multitude 

 of frond-like growths, and if one or two be broken off the pinkish-orange 

 fruits or nuts are found adhering to the stems below the flannelly 

 filaments. 



The plant is a native of Southern Japan, where the fruits are eaten. 

 They are slightly sweet, but very mealy, dry, and insipid. A very fine kind 

 of sago is, however, made from the plant's stem, which is said to be 

 exceedingly nutritious. 



