CHAP. V.] REMARKABLE LEAVES. 69 
the present volume (see Chapter IV.). Others have 
the leaves transformed into vessels for storing water, 
whilst others again have no leaves at all, as in the 
various species of Cactus, of which we propose now 
to speak. 
If we wish to see living specimens of these singular 
plants we need go no farther than Kew Gardens; but 
if we would see them in their native habitats we must 
seek the neighbourhood of Mexico and California. 
Here the Cacti are the characteristic features of the 
vegetation. From their succulent nature they are 
peculiarly adapted to this arid region. Their stems 
assume various forms, some being fluted, others 
square or angular, 
while some as- 
sume a_ spherical 
form. Some attain 
a great height, ris- 
ing like tall fluted 
columns to as high 
as fifty or sixty 
feet. These are the 
dimensions of Ce- 
reus giganteus or 
Suwarrow, the lar- 
gest species. The 
flowers are very beautiful, and of a light cream 
colour. Mr. Smith says of this species: “It is a 
native of the hot, arid, and almost desert regions of 
New Mexico, extending from Souora, in lat. 30° N., 
to Williams River in lat. 35° N., and found growing 
in rocky valleys and upon mountain sides, often 
\) 
SPOS 
SOM 
