ADY, in Natural History, a name given to the palm
tree of the island of St Thomas. It is a tall tree with
a thick, bare, upright stem, growing single on its root,
of a thin light timber, and full of juice. The head of
this tree shoots into a vast number of branches, which
being cut off, or an incision being made therein, afford
a great quantity of sweet juice, which fermenting sup-
plies the place of wine among the Indians. The fruit
of this tree is called by the Portuguese caryocas and
cariosse; and by the black natives, abanga. This
fruit is of the size and shape of a lemon; and contains
a kernel, which is good to eat. The fruit itself is eaten
roasted, and the raw kernels are often mixed with man-
dioc meal. These kernels are supposed very cordial.
An oil is also prepared from this fruit, which answers
the purpose of oil or butter. This oil is also used for
anointing stiff and contracted parts of the body.