DR WRIGHTS HARBARIA. 26# 



swelling, are supposed to kill the wasps, when a leaf springs 

 from their bodies similar to that of the Guinea hen-weed. 

 Others, with some plausibility, think that the seeds of the 

 misletoe adhering to the wasp kill it, and afterwards vege- 

 tate, and occasion this odd phenomenon. 



On bruising the petiveria, it smells disagreeably pungent, 

 and volatile. It is probable that this weed is possessed of 

 diuretic and stimulating powers, though at present we know 

 nothing certain of its effects. 



49. Bromelia Pinguin, L. — Wild Pinguin. 



The pinguin is planted for fences, on account of the strong 

 hooked prickles with which its leaves are furnished on the 

 «dges. In appearance it resembles the pine ; it is propagated 

 from the shoots, and there seems no other objection to a fence 

 of this sort, than that it spreads too wide, and shelters rats. 



About the middle of April, a beautiful stem rises from the 

 middle to the height of a foot, from the sides of which spring 

 many beautiful pale red blossoms, mixed with white. The 

 larger humming-bird chiefly feeds on these. 



The fruit is of the bigness of a plum, the skin is yellow, 

 like a ripe lime, and the contents are an acid pulp, and many 

 seeds, &c. The pulp, eaten with sugar, is an excellent ver- 

 mifuge, but apt to excoriate the mouth, and even the rec- 

 tum, if too many are made use of at a time. Mixed with 

 water, it makes an agreeable and effectual gargle in fevers, 

 where the mouth and tongue are furred. 



gives relief, when rubbed on the part, and the application of indigo is said 

 to be a powerful antidote. 



