eter, though the sheath of green leaves that sprang from their
summits was nearly forty feet from the ground. They were indeed elegant
trees. Mr Hooker, when he saw them, said they were the pinang, or
betel-nut palm--_Areca catechu_. We found the nuts growing from a stalk
hanging down in the centre, forming a loose conical cluster. Ali no
sooner set eyes on them, than he climbed one of the trees, and brought
down a bunch of the nuts. He put several of them into the bag he
carried by his side, and we proceeded some distance, till we came to a
stony place, when he instantly, selecting two large stones, pounded some
nuts. They were ripe, each about the size of a small chicken's egg, the
skin of a brightish yellow. Within was a husk, similar to the husk of a
cocoa-nut. Within this again was a small spherical nut, not unlike a
nutmeg, and somewhat hard and tough. Having picked some leaves, he took
one of them, and produced from his pocket a small piece of lime about
the size of a pea. This he mixed with some of the nut, and enclosed in
the leaf. He then took the roll between his thumb and forefinger, and
rubbed it violently against the front of his gums, his teeth being
closed and his lips open. After this, he began to chew it for some
time, and then held it between his lips and teeth, a portion protruding
from his mouth. Nothing could be more disagreeable than the result, for
immediately a profusion of a red brick-coloured saliva poured out from
each corner, dropping to the ground as if his mouth was bleeding. He
seemed, however, highly satisfied, and continued on at a brisk pace.
Soon, however, he spoke a few words to Mr Hooker, who forthwith
produced from his pocket a tobacco-bag. The eyes of the Malay glistened
with delight as he saw it; and as soon as Mr Hooker gave him a small
portion of the tobacco, cut very fine, he put it in with the betel,
leaving long threads, like pieces of oakum, hanging out on either side
of his mouth, not improving his appearance; and on again he went,
chewing the mass with evident delight.

Mr Hooker was not at all surprised. He told me that not only the men
but the women indulge in the same unpleasant habit. When a number of
them meet to chat, the various articles are produced from a box at hand,
and a high urn-shaped receptacle of brass is placed in the middle of the
circle, into which each dame or damsel may discharge the surplus saliva
from her mouth. When a guest comes i