( 14 ) 
large quantities of this oil are prepared locally by 
the natives for their own consumption, this being 
the favourite oil for general purposes such as 
cooking and, to a less extent, for toilet purposes 
and as an illuminant. 
As stated above, the residue remaining after the 
expression of the oil forms a valuable feeding stuff 
for cattle. Desiccated coconut is used as a food- 
stuff, principally in confectionery. 
IN addition, coir ropes, mats, brooms and brushes 
may be made from the fibre obtained from the husk; 
but in Malaya, at present, the husk is either burnt 
as fuel for the copra kiln or returned to the soil to 
rot. The shells are also used as fuel for the drying 
kilns. 
Alcohol can also be produced by fermenting the 
sap obtained by cutting periodically the unopened 
flower spathe of the palm and collecting the liquid 
which exudes. This liquid, when fermented, as is 
well-known, is the favourite beverage of the Tamil 
coolie. 
Exports . — (a) Copra. The following table shows 
the exports of copra from the Straits Settlements 
for the period 1919 to 1921. 
Year. 
Quantities . 
Value. 
Piculs. 
1919 
. . 1,912,647 
33,776,114 
1920 
. . 1,994,098 
45,753,153 
1921 
. . 2,259,996 
27,619,578 
* $1 (Straits currency) = 2s. 4 d. 
