CHAP. V.] 



REMARKABLE LEA VES. 



69 



the present volume (see Chapter IV.). Others have 

 the leaves transformed into vessels for storing water, 

 whilst others again have no leaves at all, as in the 

 various species of Cactus, of which we propose now 

 to speak. 



If we wish to see living specimens of these singular 

 plants we need go no farther than Kew Gardens ; but 

 if we would see them in their native habitats we must 

 seek the neighbourhood of Mexico and California. 

 Here the Cacti are the characteristic features of the 

 vegetation. From their succulent nature they are 

 peculiarly adapted to this arid region. Their stems 

 assume various forms, some being fluted, others 

 square or angular, 

 while some as- 

 sume a spherical 

 form. Some attain 

 a great height, ris- 

 ing like tall fluted 

 columns to as high 

 as fifty or sixty 

 feet. These are the 

 dimensions of Ce- 

 reus giganteus or 

 Suwarrow, the lar- 

 gest species. The 

 flowers are very beautiful, and of a light cream 

 colour. Mr. Smith says of this species : " It is a 

 native of the hot, arid, and almost desert regions of 

 New Mexico, extending from Souora, in lat. 30 N., 

 to Williams River in lat. 35 N., and found growing 

 in rocky valleys and upon mountain sides, often 



FIG. 76. 



