THE WONDEE8 OF VEGETATION. 63 



of plants. Miss Ida Pfeiffer, who has been three times 

 around the world, was unable to ascertain the facts ; 

 she even states that the natives of the country are not 

 agreed on the subject, and assert that this tree only 

 grows on moist soil. The Island of Madagascar is 

 not yet sufficiently explored for botanists to be able 

 to add their conclusive verdict upon its vegetable 

 productions. On the other hand, there can be no 

 doubt that a real weeping-tree (Caesalpima pluviosa) 

 was seen some years ago in one of the Canary Islands, 

 from the tufted foliage of which water fell like copi- 

 ous rain. 



THE KAFFIA PALMS. 



The raffia palms are more elegant ; their long 

 leaves are curved back as if to adorn with their graceful 

 arabesques the summit of these lofty columns, which 

 resemble the pillars of an edifice. Comparing this ar- 

 rangement with the manner of building in the East, 

 we are involuntarily led to believe that this vegetable 

 architecture has furnished the original type of By- 

 zantine architecture. The harmony of this natural 

 temple seems to invite the mind to meditation and 

 prayer, even more effectually than the Gothic stone 

 arches which close the vault above us and prevent 

 the aspirations of our hearts from rising heavenwards. 

 In these palms every thing is of colossal size a fact 

 which we can, perhaps, best realize by seeing the 

 smthe or envelope which protects the young flower, 

 used as a cradle! Growing frequently to the size 

 of a large cup nearly two yards long, it is used for 



