ARACE.E. CUCKOO-PINT TRIBE. 639 



"branched. Ditches, common. Smaller than the last, 

 and at once distinguished by the above characters. 



* S. natans (Floating Bur-reed) is found only in the 

 north. It has very long, pellucid, floating leaves, and 

 .flowers resembling those of the preceding species, except 

 that the barren head is usually solitary. 



ORD. XCV. ABACE^E. THE CUCKOO-PINT 

 TRIBE. 



Stamens and pistils separate, but on the same plant 

 (monoecious) \ flowers arranged on a spadix, or central 

 column, and enclosed in a sheath ; perianth ; stamens 

 numerous, sessile on the spadix ; ovaries the same, below 

 the stamens ; stigma sessile ; fruit a berry. A curious 

 tribe of plants, all more or less resembling the British 

 species, Arum maculdtum, abounding in tropical countries, 

 and possessing acrid, or even poisonous qualities, which, 

 however, may be dissipated by heat. The most remark- 

 able plant of the order is the Dumb- Cane of the West 

 Indies, a species growing as high as a man, and having 

 the property, when chewed, of swelling the tongue and 

 destroying the power of speech. The effects continue 

 for several days, and are accompanied with much 

 pain. Other species, which are scarcely less noxious in 

 their fresh state, are extensively cultivated in tropical 

 countries, and produce tuberous roots, which, when 

 cooked, are important articles of food. Even the British 

 example of the order (Arum maculdtum), though its 

 juice is so intensely acrid that a single drop will cause 

 a burning taste in the mouth and throat, which continues 

 for hours, has roots which, when properly prepared, are 

 wholesome and nutritious. This plant is cultivated 

 in the Isle of Portland, and the starch procured from 

 the roots is, under the name of Portland Sago, used 

 as a substitute for arrow-root. Several species have 



