290 



THE OCCIDENTAL PLANE. 



with a dense coat of fur, which must serve as an admirable 

 safeguard against cold ; and within all lie the leaves, 

 wrapped up in a mantle of silk, waiting till the succeeding 

 spring shall give them new vigour and enable them to 

 burst all their envelopes. For some time after their 



KAF OF OCCIDENTAL PLAXE. 



expansion the leaves have their under surfaces covered 

 with a thick coat of dovvn, which circumstance has given 

 to this plant the name of Cotton-tree. Nor is this com- 

 plicated protection against cold more than is requisite; for 

 stout and lusty as the tree appears to be, it would without 



