As Smooth as Velvet 



A direct color photograph print of four cactus leaves after Mr. 



Burbank had taken the plant backward in its evolution to 



spinelessness. Not only have the outward spines vanished, but all of 



the thousands of rudimentary spines, bundled up inside, as well. 



Contrasted with its parent varieties, it is not only possible to handle 



spineless cactus with impunity, but it is so soft and velvety that 



it can be safely rubbed over the face. Either in the form of 



slabs, or cut into strips, or ground into meal, cattle 



instinctively prefer cactus to any other food. The 



elephants from a passing circus showed an 



immediate liking for the new food and 



vigorously trumpeted for more. 



