BETEL TREE. 249 
us that it tastes like an artichoke. It is either eaten 
raw with pepper, dressed with a white sauce, or 
fried. 
The Americans make use of the trunks of these 
trees for water-pipes and gutters ; for both which 
purposes they are admirably calculated, on account 
of the hardness and durability of the wood. It is 
hardly necessary to remark, that the interior and 
spongy part is previously removed. This species of 
areca is also used, when split into planks, to inclose 
the negro huts and gardens. In short, it seems of 
general utility wherever it grows ; and therefore it is 
to be lamented that the tree, from not being readily 
propagated, becomes daily more scarce, and will pro- 
bably at length disappear. 
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