THE BAHAMA ISLANDS 213 



BOYSTONIA REGIA (H. B. K.) 0. F. Cook (Royal Palm). 



Plate XXXV, Fig. 1. 



This is one of the most beautiful of palms and grows to perfection in 

 Nassau. It was introduced from Cuba. 



POINCIANA REGIA (Boj.) Raf. (Royal Poinciana). 



Plate LXXXIII, Fig. 2. 



A small tree which when in full flower can scarcely be equalled for mag- 

 nificent display. Its decorative value has secured for it a conspicuous place 

 in most of the streets and gardens of Nassau. 



HURA CREPITANS L. (Sand-box Tree). 



Plate XXXVI, Fig. 2. 



A low tree with a dense, rounded top, much used for street planting. As 

 in so many other members of this family, the juice is very poisonous, but the 

 wood is used in some countries for making canoes and for interior work. 



THESPESIA POPULNEA Corr. (Sea-side Mahoe). 



This is another favorite shade tree on Nassau streets, where its large leaves 

 and showy flowers give it ornamental value. 



CEIBA PENTANDRA (L.) Gaertn. (Silk-cotton Tree). 



Plate LXXXVIIL 



This is one of the most striking of all tropical trees. Its great spreading 

 top, and immense trunk, flanked on all sides with buttresses, has won for it 

 the admiration of all travelers. There are some very fine specimens in Nas- 

 sau, but the old tree near the Postoffice, shown in the illustration mentioned 

 above, is perhaps the most perfect example of its peculiar growth. This tree* 

 is said to have been brought from South Carolina and to have given rise to all 

 the others on the island. 



CASUARINA EQUISETIFOLIA Forst. (Spanish Cedar). 

 This peculiar Australian tree grows to a great size in Nassau. Several 

 fine specimens may be seen along the street in front of the Postoffice square. 

 It is cultivated on most of the islands and has become naturalized in several 

 places. 



