62 ASCLEPIAS TUBEROSA. 
The down or silk of the seeds, in this and oth- 
er species, furnishes an admirable mechanism for 
their dissemination. When the seeds are liberat- 
ed by the bursting of the follicle which contains 
them, the silken fibres immediately expand so as 
to form a sort of globe of branching and highly 
attenuated rays, with the seed suspended at its cen- 
tre. In this state they are elevated by the wind 
to an indefinite height, and earried forward with 
a voyage like that of a balloon, until some obstacle 
intercepts their flight, or rain precipitates them to 
the ground. 
The down of different species of Abclibiaias is 
susceptible of application to various useful and or- 
namental purposes. If the fibre were sufficiently 
long to admit ofits being woven orspun, it would ap- 
proach more closely to silk in its gloss and texture, 
than any vegetable product we possess. As it is, 
-it has been substituted for fur, in the manufacture 
of hats, and for feathers in beds and cushions. 
When attached. by its ends to any woven fabric, 
this down forms a beautiful imitation of the finest 
and softest fur skins, and is applicable to various 
purposes of dress. The Asclepias Syriaca, from 
its frequency and the large size of its pods, has 
been most frequently employed for the —— 
purposes. [Note A.] 
