palms. See Encyclopedia. The subject is introduced here to notice a kind of palm, the product of North America, of which we have the following account by Dr Barton.

"There grows upon the river Mobile a species of palm, which is but little known to naturalists, but which promises to be an important article of food to man. It has no stalk or stem above ground. The leaves spread regularly all round, and when fully expanded are flatelliform. In the centre of these leaves is produced the receptacle of the fruit, which is of the form and size of a common sugar-loaf. This receptacle consists of a vast number of drupes, or berries, of the size and shape of common plums: each is covered with a fibrous, farnaceous, pulpy coating, of considerable thickness. This substance is said to resemble manna in texture, colour, and taste; or, perhaps, it still more resembles molten brown sugar, with particles of loaf sugar mixed with it. It is a most delicious and nourishing food, and is diligently sought after in the places where it grows. Upon first eating it, it is somewhat bitter and pungent.