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The leaves are of a lively green colour, the blossoms are a 

 pale red ; the stamina purple ; and, as it is always in bloom, it 

 is reckoned one of the prettiest shrubs we have. The berries 

 are round, and contain hard seeds. 



Some people here think this plant poisonous, but I cannot 

 think so, as horses eat the berries without injury, and even 

 fatten on them. This, by the bye, is a good mark to judge 

 of plants or fruits, and I have made it a rule never to taste 

 any leaf or fruit which is avoided by cattle or insects. 



67. Melastoma prasina, Sw. — Wild Currants. 



There are several varieties of this which differ but little. 

 The leaves are of a dull green hue ; the blossoms are white, 

 and have declined stamina ; the berries are less than currants, 

 taste sweet, and contain sundry seeds. 



This plant is frequent in moist savannahs, and is four or 

 five feet in height. 



68. Poinciana pulcherrima, L. — Flower Fence, or Spanish 

 Carnation. 



This shewy shrub grows wild in sandy places, and, on ac- 

 count of its great beauty, is planted in gardens. Its height 

 is ten feet, or upwards. 



The leaves have a disagreeable smell, and are said to be 

 emenagogue, and cathartic. Some people make use of them 

 as such, but they are not admitted in the practice of the phy- 

 sician. 



69. Cassia emarginata, L. — Antigua Senna. 



This woody plant is perennial, and grows eight or ten feet 

 high. It puts us in mind of the blossoms of broom or furze. 



