i^ATURAL HISTORV. 
<a<35 
after the firft planting : but, in the interim, 
they are fometinies twice or three times re* 
moved ; when great care is taken to fe'cure 
tliem, with fuch (hade as may prcferve thenl 
from the intenfe heat of the fun. Being 
once reared, they are not liable to this inju- 
ry : and, therefore, the precaution being nd 
longer necelTary, is dilcontinued j for, being 
tanged in rows, with (hady pUntains, they 
are both mutually Ihcltered by each other 
from the parching fun, and boilterous winds. 
It is a tree of fingular beauty^ profit, and 
utility. Its large, broad, and green leaves, 
hang like fo many fliiclds, as if to defend 
the tender and valuable fruit from injury. 
As the fruit adheres to the large branches, 
the tree appears as if moil beautifully (tud- 
ded, from the root to the moll large and ex- 
panding branches. 
"^Ihe cOcoa-nUts, aflordlng to the Indians 
and Spaniards food, raiment, riches, and 
delight, are received in payment, as cur- 
fency. 
It is unncceffary to add, that, from this 
extraordinary tree, that wholelomc beve- 
rage chocolate is made, in fuch quantities as 
to fupply the greater part of the world with 
a liquor difting'uiflied for its nutritive aud re- 
ftorative qualities. 
