Freak Coconuts

Letter to the Editor A FEW days ago, while watching the native students making soap, my little daughter found a coconut, from which two young shoots were sprouting. She put the nut aside; but, unfortunately, it was husked and broken open. There was a thin division of shell through the middle, and each of the two sections contained a nut complete in itself, and commencing to grow.

Many of the natives said that they had never seen a similar nut, but an older boy told me that some years ago, while working in the Conflict group, he saw a nut, having two compartments, and another divided into three. They were both very big nuts. He also told

me that he had found a nut, having six strong young palms growing from it.

I was about to write and tell you of these freaks in the coconut world when the “P.1.M.” for May came to hand, with its story and picture of the six palms from one nut (p. 28).

Under separate cover I am posting a half of the small divided coconut, and trust that the same will be of interest to you and perhaps to your readers.

I am, 'etc.,

Harry K. Bartlett.

Methodist Mission, Misima, Papua.

Mr. C. H. Maclean, who is in. charge ol the W.R.C. shipping department at Rabaul, New Guinea, arrived in Australia recently on leave.