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MISCELLANEOUS INTELLIGENCE. 



Art. I. Foreign Notices. 

 POLYNESIA. 



Notices on the Native Plants of the Island of Rotuma, Southern Pacific 

 Ocean. — This beautiful island, clothed in verdure, has a fertile and pictur- 

 esque appearance. As its shores are approached, cocoa-nut palms (Cocos 

 nucifera), in an infinite number, are seen elevating their feathered tops 

 above the other trees ; and, on a nearer approach, native houses can be seen, 

 near the beach, mingling with the beautiful tropical vegetation. On landing, 

 the luxuriance and beauty of the vegetation charms the eye. Near the 

 beach, the fifau (Calophyllum Inophyllum) and several species of the 

 Panddnus are seen, apparently enjoying the moisture from the sea. On 

 proceeding farther inland, not only the cocoa-nut palm, with its feathery 

 fronds waving and rustluig to the passing breeze, but an infinite variety of 

 shrubs and plants, meet the eye, glowing in nature's most brilliant colours, 

 and teeming with fragrance. Occasionally the wildness and luxuriance of 

 nature gives place to the art and industry of man, diversifying the scene. 

 In a cleared spot are seen the plantations of yams (Dioscorea sativa, or per- 

 haps aculeata), and the J'rum esculentum : the root of the latter is much 

 esteemed when cooked, although poisonous in a crude state ; the acrid 

 poison being removed by the action of fire. This root, here named ahan, 

 is more commonly known by the name of taro among the Pol3'nesian 

 Islands. Plantations of sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum), bread-fruit 

 (Artocarpus incisa et var.), and plantains (Musa paradisiaca), are also 

 seen ; and, although all are cultivated in a rude manner, this cultivation 

 sufficiently shows the industry of man in a savage state, when stimulated by 

 necessity. There is a large species of ^Vum also cultivated, named aper 

 by the natives ( J^rum costatum), the root of which is also eaten ; but the 

 other species of JVum are usually preferred. * 



Casuarina equisetifolia. Among other beautiful trees is the toa, or Casua- 

 rma equisetifdlia : it has a delicate drooping appearance, and is a tree of 

 very elegant growth. It is usually seen planted in clumps about the vil- 

 lages, or displaying its mournful appearance in the native burial-places 

 (morals), for which its sombre appearance renders it an apt ornament. 

 The wood of this tree is very hard, and of a beautiful dark reddish brown 

 colour; and, from its hardness and durability, has been named iron 

 wood by Europeans. The natives employ the wood in the manufacture 

 of clubs, spears, &c. 



Calophyllum inophyllum. Another elegant tree is the fifau, or Calophyl- 

 lum inophyllum, usually seen growing by the sea-side : it is a lofty branch- 

 ing tree, with thick, ovate, transversely linear, dark green leaves ; the flowers 

 are in clusters, of a white colour, with yellow anthers, and have much fra- 

 grance; the fruit is, when mature, of a reddish brown colour, and is also fra- 



* It is named cabbe at Tongatabu, and ape at Tahiti, 



