218 COMMON ARUM. 
obtained by the destruction of the tree that produces 
them, and which dies in consequence of their being 
removed r they are considered too expensive a treat for 
frequent use. The larger leaves are employed for the 
thatching of buildings, and are wrought into baskets, 
brooms, mats, sacks, hammocks, and many other useful 
articles. 
The trunks are made into boats, and sometimes con- 
stitute timber for the construction of houses ; and, 
when their central pith is cleared away, they form 
excellent gutters for the conveyance of water. If, 
whilst growing, the body of the tree be bored, a white 
and sweetish liquor exudes from the wound, which has 
the name of toddy. This is collected in vessels of 
earthen-ware, and is a favourite beverage in many coun- 
tries where the trees grow. When fresh it is very sweet; 
in a few hours it becomes somewhat acid, and, in this 
state, is peculiarly agreeable ; but in the space of twenty- 
four hours it is complete vinegar. By distillation 
this liquor yields an ardent spirit, which is sometimes 
called rack) or arrack ; and is more esteemed than that 
obtained by distillation from rice or sugar, and merely 
fermented and flavoured with the cocoa-nut juice. If 
boiled with quick-lime, it thickens into a syrup, which 
is used by confectioners in the East Indies, though it 
is much inferior to syrup produced from the sugar- 
cane. 
POLYANDRIA. 
234. The COMMON ARUM, CUCKOO PINT, or 
LORDS AND LADIES (Arum maculatum), is a well- 
known plant, which grazes in shady hedge bottoms; and has, 
about the month of ilfay, a club-shaped spike, frequently of 
purple colour at the top, issuing from a green sheath with 
which it is enveloped. 
The acridity of every part of this common plant, 
whilst in a recent state, is such that, if tasted, there is 
left upon the tongue an intolerably disagreeable burn- 
ing and pricking sensation, which continues for a long 
