THE TROPICAL ZONE. 235 



foliage has quite a different character, and is not unlike 

 that of the Acacia (Robinia). 



As rivalling the Cassia-trees in number and beauty, we 

 must next mention those of the Melastoma family, and 

 amongst these especially the Lasiandra Fontanesia. The 

 purple blossoms with large yellow anthers, grow in clusters 

 together ; but the leaves are perhaps its chief beauty, they 

 are not more than about five inches in length, but of the 

 most symmetrical shape, with the beautiful curved ribs 

 which distinguish the leaves of all the tribe. 



One of the most magnificent trees is the Chorisia speciosa, 

 allied to the Silk-cotton-tree, or Bombax (Nat. Ord. Stercu- 

 liacea) . " It is a large tree, with a stem from five to eight 

 feet in circumference, covered with strong prickles, and un- 

 branched to the height of thirty or forty feet ; the branches 

 then form a nearly hemispherical top, which, when covered 

 with its thousands of beautiful large rose-coloured blossoms 

 of five wide-spreading petals (each about two inches and a 

 half in length), has a striking effect when contrasted with 

 the masses of green, yellow, and purple of the surrounding 

 trees." ' 



If earthly things could satisfy us we might be satisfied 

 here, where we are surrounded on all sides by the most 



