THE COCOA-NUT PALM. 
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mats, and the fruit is well known for the food 
and drink it gives. 
5. The fibres of the husk are called the coir 
and from this ropes, mats, brushes, bedding, and 
many other things are made. From the kernel 
we get oil, which is put to use in making soap 
and candles. After the oil is pressed out, the 
kernels are good food for cattle. These are only 
a very few of the useful things we get from the 
cocoa-nut tree. 
6. It seems to grow best near the sea, and 
thrives even when its roots are washed by the 
water. Most palms grow straight, but the cocoa 
nut palm is often curved and twisted. Along the 
shore it bends its head towards the sea, as if 
to meet the force of the wind, and to enjoy the 
breeze from the water. 
7. When young trees are needed for a cocoa- 
nut plantation ripe seeds are chosen and sown, 
and as soon as they sprout the young plants are 
set out. It will be five years before they flower, 
and at least two years more before they fruit 
well. 
8 Then they make up for this long time, by 
giving fruit all the year round ; and one tree may 
yield from 50 to 80 nuts in a year. 
I think you will say that the cocoa-nut palm 
well deserves its name — the " Prince of Palms 
