Bread-Tree of Tahiti. 



CHAPTEE III. 



THE BREAD-FRUIT-TREE. 



WE will commence this portion of our task by 

 mentioning certain extraordinary plants, which 

 in countries essentially different from our own in soil 

 and climate, are made use of by the natives to supply 

 those wants which are supplied among us by means 

 of certain domestic animals, or by mechanical con- 

 trivances, put into daily operation. There is one re- 

 markable family in the kingdom of Flora, of which 

 some members furnish leavened bread, others a supply 

 of milk, equal to the best cow-milk, and still others 

 the most fearful poison as yet known to man. The 

 useful members are the bread-fruit-tree, the milk-tree, 



