KUCALYPTUS TREES. 351 
eoccus, which offers the costly cochineal dye. Three 
gatherings can be effected in the year. About 1,200 
tons used to be imported annually into Britain alone, 
and a good deal also to other countries, valued at 
£400 for the ton. The precious carmin-pigment is 
prepared from cochineal. 
Opuntia elatior, Miller. —Central America. A 
hedge-plant with formidable thorns. 
Opuntia Ficus Indica, Miller. — Central America, 
north as far as Florida. Serves for hedges. Pulp of 
fruit edible. 
Opuntia Hernandezii, Candolle.—Mexico. — Affords 
also food for the Coccus Cacti. 
Opunti spinosissima, Miller.— Mexico and West In- 
dia. Stem columnar, with pendant branches. Also 
a good hedge-plant. 
Opuntia Tuna, Miller.—West India, Ecuador, New 
Granada, Mexico. Irrespective of its value as the 
principal cochineal plant, this cactus is also of use for 
hedges. It will attain a height of 20 feet. The pulp 
of the fruit is edible. With the other species hardy, 
at least, in our lowlands. 
Opuntia vulgaris, Miller.—Central America, north- 
ward to Georgia, southward to Peru. Adapted for 
hedges, and, like the rest, inflammable, thus particu- 
larly valuable along railway-lines. The fruit almost 
smooth, also eatable. A dyecan also be prepared from 
its pulp, and that of allied species. Numerous other 
species are here industrially eligible for hedging pur- 
poses. 
Origanum Dictamnus, L.—Candia. Like the fol- 
owing, a scent-herb of somewhat shrubby growth. 
Origanum Majtérana, L.-~ North Africa, Middle 
