Page:Voyage in search of La Perouse, volume 1 (Stockdale).djvu/307

] The most varied species belonged to the genus cicindela fabr.

We were entertained with the pleasant view of different species of figtrees, from the top branches of which depended a great number of radicles, soon to be transferred to the soil, and to give birth to so many different trees.

The palm cycas circinalis hath multiplied greatly in the shallows, under the shade of the great trees. We observed near them, an arbour newly constructed with branches, where the natives had been reposing, and had left the fragments of a repast they had made on the fruit of the cycas, the kernels of which, if eaten without preparation, are a powerful emetic, as several of our ship's company experienced; but the savages had roasted them, as we observed the marks of fire on a great number of the husks.

The kernel of the fruit of the cycas circinalis, is very bitter. The inhabitants of the Moluccas know how to put it to a better use, than those of New Ireland, as I had occasion to observe, towards the end of this voyage. Experience had taught them, that maceration freed it from its hurtful qualities; and the same process may also succeed with many other fruits and roots, which, in this manner, may be rendered useful, as food for animals and even for man. There