IN EXTKA-TROP1CAL COUNTRIES. 207 



Opuntia Dillenii, Candolle. 



Central America. A Tuna-like Cactus, serving for unin- 

 flammable hedges, and perhaps also for the rearing of the 

 Coccus Cacti. It is particularly eligible for barren land. 



Opuntia elatior, Miller. 



Central America. A hedge plant with formidable thorns. 



Opuntia Ficus Indica, Miller. 



Called inaptly, with other congeners, Indian Fig. Central 

 America, north as far as Florida. Serves for hedges. Pulp 

 of fruit edible. 



Opuntia Hernandezii, Candolle. 



Mexico. Affords also food for the Coccus Cacti. 



Opuntia Missouriensis, Candolle. 



From Nebraska to New Mexico. Professor Meehan found 

 this Cactus covered with the Cochineal Coccus, and points to 

 the fact that this insect will live through the intense cold 

 which characterises the rocky mountains of the Colorado 

 regions. 



Opuntia Rafinesquii, Engelmann. 



North America. The most northern of all species, extending 

 to Lake Michigan. 



Opuntia spinosissima, Miller. 



Mexico and West India. Stem columnar with pendant 

 branches. Also a good hedge plant. Harding recommends 

 for hedges, besides these species, O. maxima, Miller, as the 

 most repellent. 



Opuntia Tuna, Miller. 



West India, Ecuador, New Granada, Mexico. Irrespective of 

 its value as the principal cochineal plant, this Cactus is also of 

 use for hedges. It will attain a height of 20 feet. The 

 pulp of the fruit is edible. With the other species hardy on 

 the south coast of Australia. 



Opuntia vulgaris, Miller. 



Central America, northward to Georgia, southward to Peru. 

 Adapted for hedges, and, like the rest, not inflammable, thus 

 particularly valuable along railway lines. The fruit almost 



