FRUITS OF THE MACAUBA PALM. 
In the vicinity of towns many of the palms are cut to 
obtain the tender, white terminal bud, which is boiled and 
eaten as a vegetable. The fruit clusters are very large, 
sometimes weighing 60 or 70 pounds. Surrounding the hard 
seed in the center of each fruit is a thick layer of white, 
woody flesh which is very nutritious. Because of its in- 
sipid flavor it is not commonly eaten by the natives, but 
is used to fatten hogs with, for which -purpose it is con- 
sidered excellent. It also contains an oil, which is some- 
times expressed in small quantities and used for lubri- 
cating. Photo No. 1294, by Brazilian Expedition, taken at 
Lavras, Minas Geraes, Jan. 22, 1914. 
