36 
SURVIVAL ON LAND AND SEA 
in the trees. The bases of the leayes of these air plants hold 
water for a long time. It is necessary to strain out bugs, wrig- 
glers or an occasional frog but the water is good. The tips of 
the aerial roots of the pandanus tree (Fig. 9) may also be 
chewed for their moisture content. On islands where cactus 
grows, moisture may be obtained from the pulp of that plant. 
THE COCONUT 
Where there are coconuts your problem is much simpler. 
That the coconut is a valuable source of food and drink is well 
known. It also provides coconut oil, strong fibers which can 
be used in an emergency to manufacture cordage, and fronds 
or leaves for sandals, baskets, and building shelters. The coco- 
nut grows wild along the coast of many tropical countries and 
islands. The great importance of the coconut justifies a brief 
description of its qualities together with directions as to how 
the nut can be collected, husked, and opened. For other plant 
foods* see section on Tropical Foods. 
The coconut grows in clusters on a tall palm. (Fig. 10). 
The first problem in the use of the coconut is to get it down 
from’ the tree. You may find yourself badly in need of a 
coconut for food or drink, but unable to climb the tree, gome 
coconut palms are very difficult to climb unless you have 
had considerable practice, but there is a simple device known 
as “the climbing bandage.” It consists of a belt or rope which 
is a little larger around than the circumference of the tree. 
If you have a belt or rope or even a piece of cloth put it 
around the trunk of the palm tying it so as to leave enough 
room for your feet, and step on it with both feet. The loop 
will catch on the other side of the trunk and will support your 
weight. Beach up with your arms and grasp the trunk with 
