Batavia nutmegs are often attacked by beetles or are worm eaten. In this case they are pickled in lime water made from calcined shell-fish and mixed with water until it is of a semi-fluid consistency. Into this mixture they plunge the nutmegs (which have been put in bamboo baskets) two or three times until they are completely covered with it. Next they are put in heaps and are allowed to sweat. After this they are packed in boxes or barrels made of the best Java teak for exportation, with the worm holes plugged up. Sometimes it is thought quite necessary to lime the Batavia nuts (the kind most commonly used) before shipping, not only to protect them from the ravages of the beetles or worms which attack them, but also to prevent germination. But it has been proven that this process is perfectly unnecessary, as a simple exposure of the nuts to the action of the sun is sufficient to destroy the vitality of the embryo. It is also proven to be unnecessary, since the true brown Penang is shipped without liming. If lime is used, however, it should be in a dry state. After all that has been said, it is evident that the dealer or the consumer must be either foolish or ignorant who will reject the fancy, round, brown Penang nutmegs for the limed Batavia because it pleases the eye, and will for no other reason buy old worm-eaten nuts with plugged-up holes, relimed to give them a new appearance. The new coat of lime costs but little, but when the case is empty there is found from one to two pounds of lime in the bottom, not covered by tare, which has cost the purchaser the price of good nutmegs. Just so long as the trade will demand this class of stock, just so long will deception be practiced and inferior stock will be found on the market. All nutmegs have a market value and must be sold. In selecting stock, pick out of a lot the most inferior looking nut and cut it into two parts. If it cuts firm like wood and has plenty of oil and no worm holes, there is not apt to be any danger of inferior nuts in the balance of the stock. In using nutmegs always grate from the flower end instead of the stem end.