tined to come to an end. In 1741, a group of islands was discovered near to Madagascar, and named the Seychelles. Here the mysterious double cocoa-nut was found growing in the greatest abundance, and there was nothing in the slightest degree supernatural about it. No sooner was this known, than the nut sank down in value, and instead of being more precious than gold, it was only sought after from curiosity, or to be used for domestic purposes.

The double cocoa-nut is only found upon three of the Seychelles islands, that lie within half a mile of each other, and are mountainous and rocky. The common cocoa-nut occupies the sea coast, but all other parts are entirely covered with " coco de mer." They grow in thousands, close to each other, the young plants shooting up on all sides, sheltered by the parent trees.

A new leaf is formed on the tree every year, and on falling away, it leaves a scar or ring. These rings are about four inches apart, and by counting them, people can find out the age of the tree. It is considered that a hundred and thirty years are required before this palm attains its full size. The new leaf begins to grow in the centre of the leafy crown, and

After a time, this age of wonders was des

tined to come to an end. In 1741, a group of islands was discovered near to Madagascar, and named the Seychelles. Here the mysterious double cocoa-nut was found growing in the greatest abundance, and there was nothing in the slightest degree supernatural about it. No sooner was this known, than the nut sank down in value, and instead of being more precious than gold, it was only sought after from curiosity, or to be used for domestic purposes.

The double cocoa-nut is only found upon three of the Seychelles islands, that lie within half a mile of each other, and are mountainous and rocky. The common cocoa-nut occupies the sea coast, but all other parts are entirely covered with " coco de mer." They grow in thousands, close to each other, the young plants shooting up on all sides, sheltered by the parent trees.

A new leaf is formed on the tree every year, and on falling away, it leaves a scar or ring. These rings are about four inches apart, and by counting them, people can find out the age of the tree. It is considered that a hundred and thirty years are required before this palm attains its full size. The new leaf begins to grow in the centre of the leafy crown, and

shoots out perpendicularly, folded close like a fan, to the length of ten feet or more. In this state it is of a pale yellow color, and is employed for making hats and bonnets. But when it expands in all its beauty, it becomes a deep green. The down attached to the young leaves is used to stuff mattresses and pillows. Of the foliage when fully grown, sheds and dwellings are both made and roofed. A hundred leaves are sufficient to build a good sized house, including the walls, the doors, and the windows. The sailors are still so fond of the double cocoa-nut, which they use as a drinking cup, that they will often give part of their ship's cargo to obtain one.

Chapter the Eighteenth.

THE CABBAGE PALM AND TALIPOT.

THE stem of the cabbage palm is about seven feet wide at the base, and rising perfectly straight, tapers to a vast height. The leaves are divided into a great many leaflets, which gradually decrease in size as they approach the ends of the branches. From the base of the leaves projects an immense spike of blossoms, that in the early autumn presents a very beautiful appearance. At such times the ground beneath the tree is white for many yards with the scattered pollen, as if a light shower of snow had fallen. Bees, flies, and other insects throng round it, attracted by the honey-like smell, while the swallows on rapid wing, dart about amongst them, and select their prey.

The fruit consists of small oval nuts, something like a bunch of dried grapes, and within the leaves that surround the top of the trunk, the cabbage lies concealed. It is white, about as thick

*Areca oleracea.