A TRIP TO CUBA AND TUE SOUTUERN STATES. 



process that is proint? on on thousands of tho trees, but, csjiocially, the very 

 Inrfre Ceil)a. The phint is epii)hytical on other trees.* The S|)aniurds call it 

 Jaqncy (pronounced llawaia). The seed lodges in a hiph crotch of the Ceiba, 

 takes root there, and immediately l)eprins to envelop downwards the huge trunk 

 with a delicate network of roots that gradually get a footing at the bottom of the 

 tree it has invaded ; and now begins the wonderful process. The network spreads 

 rapidly, and has the reuiarkal)le faculty of ^'cAAV/ itself into one continuous, smooth 

 bark. The Ceiba resists the embrace of the boa constrictor that has attempted 

 his conquest, and a contest ensues; the Ceiba swells out at any neglected point, 



The Ceiba-tree, -with air-plants growing on its branches. 



and appears to desire to burst its bonds ; in vain, for the plant is uniformly the 

 conqueror. Very soon the smooth bark of the invader has encompassed every 

 part of its support, and, finally, all the limbs are thus covered, and a neiv tree, to 

 all appearance, has been formed, with its peculiar leaves waving in the air. This 

 new tree is really the emblem of ingratitude, having swathed its benefactor for 



* Tliis epiphyte is the Ficus Indica occidentalis, and another is the Clusia alba. " The 

 Latter trrows on rocks," says Loudon, " and frequently on tlie trunks and limbs of trees ; 

 the birds scattering the seeds, which, being glutinous like those of the Mistletoe, take root 

 in the same manner: but the roots, not finding sufficient nutriment, spread on the surface 

 of tho tree till they reach the ground, where it fixes itself, and the stem becomes a large tree. 

 Roots have been known to do this at forty feet from the surface. The resin is used to cure 

 sores in horses, and instead of tallow for boats." Loudon's Encijc, p. 8G7. A swing is made 

 by the Cubans of the roots of the Clusia ; when they are half the size of one's little finger, 

 they are so strong as to hold three stout men. They are useful for traces and other pur 

 poses, and form an example among thousands of the adaptability of the products of this 

 region to the wants of man. {See "Editor's Table.") 



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