Letter received by Banks from Christopher Smith, 23 June 1799 (Series 16.06) - No. 0012

[Page 12]

Kiar [Coir] Cables are made of the husk of the Cocoa Nut Shell) and if the Cable made of Gomutoo be buryed in mud for twelve months it will not rot, it also makes excellent Matches, if exposed to incessant rain for six days, it is not sufficient to extinguish it.

     This plant is of quick growth and will produce Gomutoo in Seven or eight years ;  it is my own opinion that the produce of this Tree, would be of the utmost importance to the Royal Navy, particularly should Hemp prove to be Scarsce [scarce].

     I have been told by the best informed men at the Moluccas, that this Tree produce the best Sort of Sago, but in
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