THE ISLAND OF CEYLON. 
323 
to dry, and then split the outside husk, in order to separate 
it from the nut. The leaves of the betel-tree are from four 
to six feet in length, and very much resemble those of the 
cocoa, although of a more delicate texture. From the tree, 
at the root of the leaves, a substance grows up, and over- 
spreads them like a thick coat. This extraordinary substance 
resembles a tough leaf or rather a skin : it is used by the 
natives to hold their victuals, and is of so strong a texture 
that it retains water or arrack like a bladder ; a purpose for 
which it is generally employed. 
The nuts, from their general use, form a great article of 
trade among the natives. The timber of the tree is used for 
rafters to houses, and makes excellent lath. It is also em- 
ployed in pales to fence their grounds. 
The plant from which the betel-leaf is procured resembles 
a vine, and is supported by twining around other trees or 
poles placed for the purpose. The leaf in shape and colour 
is not unlike that of the ivy, but larger and rather thicker. 
As I have already mentioned in a former part of this work, 
the natives always chew it along with the betel-nut, and also 
contrive to render the mixture still hotter, by the addition of 
lime, tobacco, and the most pungent spices. 
Ceylon, which has been so long renowned for its spices, 
produces several sorts of pepper. The chilly or red pepper 
is produced on a shrub. The fruit grows in small oblong 
pods which are at first green, but upon being pulled and 
dried, become red ; and from them the cayen - pepper is 
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