be made using results of analysis of frond from young trees, years
pefore these trees produce coconuts.
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‘An indication of the significance of radioactivity in coconut meat
can be seen by reviewing the production and use of copra.
The natives
harvest the coconuts which have taken about a year to mature and ex-
tract the coconut meat from the shell and husk.
The shells are some-
times used by the natives for eating utensils and such shells may find
their way into commerce in the form of charcoal.
Husks are used in
cooking fires and as a mulch in planting crops including coconut trees.
Cord and rope are also made from husk fiber.
Sleeping mats are made
from coconut palm frond along with other items of handicraft suchas
hats and handbags.
The "Kili Bag,” which is a handbag manufactured by
the Bikinians, is made from palm frond and Pandanus leaf and is widely
e
known .in the Pacific.
Pieces of coconut meat are sun dried, bagged, and stored under cover
(warehouse) until picked up by a copra boat which may visit an Atoll two.
or three times a year.
Collection of 25 to 50% of a years copra production
~‘
in a warehouse would accumulate a sizable quantity of 13705 at the 1969
levels.
Fresh coconut meat is about 50% water, 30-40% ofl, and 10-20%
copra meal by weight.