94 BOTANY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. 



E. Some, however, consider the cases very 

 different, and assert that the only use of these 

 wild branches is to serve as a vehicle for an im- 

 mense number of small insects called Cynips, 

 which perforate the Figs in order to make a nest 

 for their eggs, and the wound they inflict caus- 

 ing considerable irritation and excitement which 

 accelerates the ripening of the fruit. In many 

 cases the Fig contains perfect flowers, thougli 

 in most they do not. 



Another species of this genus i.? the Banyan 

 Tree, which sends forth branches that falling to 

 the ground take root, still remain connected with 

 the parent trunk, and in turn send out, as soon 

 as they grow old enough, others that follow the 

 same example. Each tree is soon a grove and 

 continually increases in size and numbers, until 

 some are known to be large enough to give shel- 

 ter to seven thousand men. The leaves are 

 large, soft, and of a lively green, and the fruit, 

 a small Fig of an agreeable flavor, which ; when 

 ripe, is of a bright scarlet. 



The India Rubber Tree is of the Fig tribe 

 also, it exudes a milky juice, which, when dried 

 and darkened, gives it the name. Nearly allied 

 to this is Humboldt's celebrated Cow Tree that 



