t is the tobacco which possesses the narcotic
principle; if this is omitted, the remaining ingredients are simple
stimulants.

The teeth of all natives are highly discolored by the perpetual
indulgence in this disgusting habit; nor is this the only effect
produced; cancer in the cheek is a common complaint among them,
supposed to be produced by the caustic lime which is so continually in
the mouth.

The exports of areca-nuts from Ceylon will give some idea of the supply
of palms. In 1853 no less than three thousand tons were shipped from
this colony, valued at about 45,000 l. The greater portion of these is
consumed in India.

Two varieties of palms remain to be described--the date and the sago.
The former is a miserable species, which does not exceed the height of
three to five feet, and the fruit is perfectly worthless.

The latter is indigenous throughout the jungles in Ceylon, but it is
neither cultivated, nor is the sago prepared from it.

The height of this palm does not exceed fifteen or twenty feet, and
even this is above the general average. It grows in the greatest
profusion in the Veddah country. The stem is rough and a continuation
of rings divides it into irregular sections. The leaves are a rich
dark green, and very light and feathery, beneath which the nuts grow in
clusters similar to those of the areca palm.

The only use that the natives make of the produce of this tree is in
the preparation of flour from the nuts. Even this is not very general,
which is much to be wondered at, as the farina is far superior in
flavor to that produced from most grains.

The natives ascribe intoxicating properties to the cakes made from this
flour; but I have certainly eaten a fair allowance at one time, and I
cannot say that I had the least sensation of elevation.

The nut, which is something similar to the areca in size, is nearly
white when divested of its outer husk, and this is soaked for about
twenty-four hours in water. During this time a slight fermentation
takes place and the gas generated splits the nut open at a closed joint
like an acorn. This fermentation may, perhaps, take some exhilarating
effect upon the natives' weak heads.

The nuts being partially softened by this immersion are dried in the
sun, and subsequently pounded into flour in a wooden mortar. This flour
is sifted, and the coarser parts being separated, are again pounded
until a beautiful snow-white farina is produced. This is ma