OF THE COCO-NUT TREE. 
141 
vermin by this means, although, in all probability, it may 
have such an effect. The Asiatics, without much exception 
as to rank, do not seem to consider this source of disquie- 
tude as either uncomfortable or disgraceful. Captain Lyon, 
who seems to have practised the inunction of oil, while in 
Northern Africa, says, " It is very refreshing, after a long 
day"*s journey, to be well oiled over." 
Coco-nut oil is a good substitute for olive oil, in the 
composition of pharmaceutical preparations, such as oint- 
ments, plasters, &c. In the laboratory at Colombo, it is 
employed in a number of the preparations where olive-oil is 
directed to be used by the different pharmacopoeias. One 
of the editors of the Journal de Pharmacie, says, respect- 
ing coco-nut oil, " J'ai aussi observe que cette huile divi- 
sait mieux le mercure qu'aucune autre huile vegetale.""— 
(Tom. ii. p. 101.) 
Mixed with dammer (a species of resin) and the com- 
pound melted, a substance is formed which is much used 
in India to pay the seams of boats and ships, in place of 
pitch. The same compound is employed to protect the 
corks of wine and beer bottles from the depredations of 
white ants. 
In this country, it has been employed as a lamp-oil, and 
in the manufacture of cloth, instead of olive-oil. Soap and 
excellent candles are made of it ; and I am informed the 
glass-blowers prefer this oil to all others in their operations. 
Hitherto the importation of coco-nut oil into Europe has 
been attended with much waste by leakage, in consequence 
of having been imported in casks, the wood of which per- 
mits the contents to pass through in large quantities. Be- 
tween the tropics, the temperature of the cabin or cuddy 
of a ship, is frequently as high as from 83° to 86° Fahren. ; 
that of the hold must be considerably higher. Coco-nut oil 
does not freeze until the temperature be reduced to 73° 
