186 
Palms, 
and acquires, by fermentation, an intoxicating quality. 
Of the cocoa-nut tree it has been said, that it furnishes 
meat, drink, medicine, clothing, lodging, and fuel. 
The kernel of the nut is eaten ; the milk is a cooling 
and pleasant beverage, which is sometimes employed as 
an emulsion in fevers j a fibrous substance at the base 
of the branch is converted into coarse cloth ; the fibrous 
covering of the nut is manufactured into strong and 
durable cordage ; the leaves are used as thatch, or made 
into mats for baskets ; the woody part is applied to the 
purpose of lathing, and the polished shells are made 
into drinking cups. 
