OF THE COCO-NUT TREE, 
14S 
of eight ounces, it is said to expel worms from the intes- 
tines. Particular virtues have been attributed to cups 
made of the shell of the nut. They have been supposed 
to give an antiapoplectic quality to intoxicating liquors. 
Many other virtues are ascribed to different parts of the 
tree, of which it is not necessary here to take notice. 
When coco-nuts are intended for seed, they are placed 
close to one another, v/ith the holes uppermost, and covered 
with a small quantity of earth. In a short time, the aque- 
ous fluid is absorbed, and the cavity becomes filled with a 
spongy- white substance. * Through the largest of the three 
holes the plumula passes, and sometimes along with it the 
radicles, which run downwards on the outside of the shell. 
The seedlings are allowed to remain in this state for about 
a year before they are transplanted. Holes of about 2 feet 
deep and from 25 to SO feet distant from each other, are 
dug in the field intended for a coco-nut garden, and the 
young shoots put into them.. A little earth is put round 
the nut ; and, in dry weather, the plants are watered. 
They require to be protected from cattle, and particularly 
from elephants. 
