2'A 



Jatropha platyphylla Mnell. Saxghe ciiado. 



This species, caned by the same name as The preceding, is also used 

 as a hedge- plaid. It lias a large peltate leaf and an open inflores- 

 cence. We have no specimens like it in the National Herbarium. 



CACTACEAE. 



Cereua pecten-aborigimim Kngelm. 



The most interesting of the hedges to the botanical traveler are those 

 made of the great cereus (Cereus peefen-aboriginum) of western Mexico, 

 ^vhich is perhaps the real giant of the cactus family (Pis. LYI I, LVIII, 

 and lig. 32). It often reaches 15 and 20 meters (4o to GO feet) in height, 

 and sends up a multitude of long naked branches. The branches are 



cut oft' into lengths of 18 to .30 dm. (5 to 9 feet) and transplanted into 

 rows closely set together, forming an almost impenetrable break against 

 all kinds of stock. These branches Anally take root and grow slowly, 

 rarely sending off short side branches, and ultimately flowering and 

 fruiting near the tops. The large fruits are covered with long yellow 

 bristles set close against the trunk, and furnish rich granaries stored 

 with many seeds for the birds. 



Dr. Palmer fells me that Cereus thurbcri of northern Mexico is also 

 used for fences. In central Mexico another of the columnar cacti, which 

 they call "organos" (Pis. LIX, LX), is so used. This is Cereus margi- 

 natus DC. ( ?) 

 Opuiitia spp. 



Several species of Opuntia are grown for boundary hedges. 



