62 LIFE OF A TREE. 
applied to an arrow-tip, will instantly make the 
stoutest brute inhabitant of the forest tremble 
when pierced therewith ; and in a few seconds fall 
to the earth in brief, rapidly fatal, death-spasms. 
Yet, as if to counterbalance these poisonous 
attributes, the milk-sap of some plants is perfectly 
harmless. In the Canary Islands we are informed 
that a milky juice is obtained from a tree, which 
closely resembles sweet milk, and, thickened into 
a jelly, is eaten as a luxury by the natives. But 
the Baron Humboldt has related one of the most 
interesting facts connected with this subject. 
‘On the barren flanks of a rock grows a tree with 
dry and leathery leaves; its large woody roots 
can scarcely penetrate into the stony soil. For 
several months in the year not a single shower 
moistens its foliage. Its branches appear dead 
and dried; yet, as soon as its trunk is pierced, 
there flows from it a sweet and nourishing milk. 
It is at sunrise that this vegetable fountain is 
most abundant. The natives are then seen has- 
tening from all quarters furnished with large 
bowls to receive the milk, which grows yellow, and 
thickens at the surface. Some drain their bowls 
under the tree, while others carry home the juice 
