[126] There is a kind of seam along the centre, exactly under the stem of the leaf, from both sides of which long and tough fibres, about the size of a bristle, regularly diverge in an oblique direction; sometimes there appear to be two layers of fibres, which cross each other, and the whole is cemented with a still finer, fibrous, and adhesive substance. The length and evenness of the threads, or fibres, the regular manner in which they cross each other at oblique angles, the extent of surface, and the thickness of the piece, corresponding with that of coarse cotton cloth, the singular manner in which the fibres are attached to each other, cause this curious substance, woven in the loom of nature, to present to the eye a remarkable resemblance to cloth spun and woven by human ingenuity.—Ellis, vol. i. p. 53.
[127] This substance is also used for small bags.
[128] Lime prepared from burnt shells and coral.
[129] The shell of the Oua, or young cocoa-nut, is said to be used medicinally by the Tahitans.
[130] Mission to Siam, page 290.
[131] The palm wine of Africa is procured in a similar manner, but I believe from other species of palms.
[132] Formerly the toddy was supposed to be the sap of the tree drawn from the branches. “The wine issues from the top of the tree, and is procured thus:—They cut a branch, binding it hard, and hang an earthen pot under the cut end, which they empty every morning and evening.”—Fitch’s Journey to India Overland, in 1583. (Kerr’s Collection of Voyages, vol. vii. p. 476.)
[133] The vinegar is thus prepared:—The toddy is collected in dry weather, put into jars, and well covered. After a month the contents are strained, and replaced in the same jars, with the addition of a little Chili pepper, (Capsicum frutescens,) commonly called bird-pepper; a small piece of Ghorkah, (fruit of the gamboge tree,) the red sort of which is to be preferred, being most acid; and the pod of the horseradish tree (Hyperanthera moringa). At the expiration of a month or five weeks it becomes very excellent vinegar.
[134] From one inch to two inches in thickness.
[135] The Tahitans do not use the coir in the manufacture of large ropes; for that purpose they use the bark of the Hibiscus tiliaceus, or Purau.