Page:Malabari, Behramji M. - Gujarat and the Gujaratis (1882).djvu/291

Rh removed through the "eye" of the nut, which is otherwise kept intact. When broken into two, the shell makes good handy curry or liquor cups, and oil vessels. When burnt to cinders and mixed with vinegar or lime, the coating is very good for ringworm and other cutaneous eruptions. If burnt by a peculiar process, the coating yields an oil, which is said to be peculiarly efficacious for the above purpose. Thus far the shell. Its kernel is good for children. Taken with date or molasses, it is excellent food for travellers. It enters into the composition of a thousand dishes, and is much relished alike by Hindus and Mahomedans. Its "milk" makes a very good hair-restorer, and one may often see Mahomedan and other lads buy a piece of the kernel, chew it, take the fluid in the hollow of the hand, apply it to the hair, and eat the remainder! Cocoa-nut oil is used in cooking. The oil is also a mild, pleasant burner. But at religious performances it is indispensable. It makes the ambrosia of the gods if mixed with ghee and sugar. When given to strangers, it means welcome; on the other hand, the phrase "to give the cocoa-nut" also means a peremptory and ignominious dismissal, exactly corresponding to your "give him