CACTUS FAMILY 



the mention of this fact we come to another interesting 

 point about the plant. That stout, prickly pear-shaped 

 arrangement that spreads over the sand is stem ; the leaves 

 are comparatively inconspicuous and early deciduous. 

 Out of the stems grow the large handsome yellow flowers, 

 that by their beauty lead many to transfer the plant to 

 their gardens, undeterred by the multitude of irritating 

 prickles that cling to the hands. So readily indeed, does 

 the cactus transplant, that it is well that it has this natural 

 protection, else it might be exterminated. 



From this plant is obtained a drug, valuable in the treat- 

 ment of heart trouble. 



16 241 



