LOSSOM.]

THE COCOA-NUT.--This is the fruit of one of the palms, than
which it is questionable if there is any other species of tree
marking, in itself, so abundantly the goodness of Providence, in
making provision for the wants of man. It grows wild in the
Indian seas, and in the eastern parts of Asia; and thence it has
been introduced into every part of the tropical regions. To the
natives of those climates, its bark supplies the material for
creating their dwellings; its leaves, the means of roofing them;
and the leaf-stalks, a kind of gauze for covering their windows,
or protecting the baby in the cradle. It is also made into
lanterns, masks to screen the face from the heat of the sun,
baskets, wicker-work, and even a kind of paper for writing on.
Combs, brooms, torches, ropes, matting, and sailcloth are made
of its fibers. With these, too, beds are made and cushions
stuffed. Oars are supplied by the leaves; drinking-cups, spoons,
and other domestic utensils by the shells of the nuts; milk by
its juice, of which, also, a kind of honey and sugar are
prepared. When fermented, it furnishes the means of
intoxication; and when the fibres are burned, their ashes supply
an alkali for making soap. The buds of the tree bear a striking
resemblance to cabbage when boiled; but when they are cropped,
the tree dies. In a fresh state, the kernel is eaten raw, and
its juice is a most agreeable and refreshing beverage. When the
nut is imported to this country, its fruit is, in general,
comparatively dry, and is considered indigestible. The tree is
one of the least productive of the palm tribe.

SOUP A LA CRECY.

126. INGREDIENTS.--4 carrots, 2 sliced onions, 1 cut lettuce, and
chervil; 2 oz. butter, 1 pint of lentils, the crumbs of 2 French rolls,
half a teacupful of rice, 2 quarts of medium stock No. 105.

_Mode_.--Put the vegetables with the butter in the stewpan, and let them
simmer 5 minutes; then add the lentils and 1 pint of the stock, and stew
gently for half an hour. Now fill it up with the remainder of the stock,
let it boil another hour, and put in the crumb of the rolls. When well
soaked, rub all through a tammy. Have ready the rice boiled; pour the
soup over this, and serve.

_Time_.--1-3/4 hour. _Average cost_,1s. 2d. per quart.

_Seasonable_ all the year.

_Sufficient_ for 8 persons.

[Illustration: THE LE