Trees. 25 



the sap to ascend, and thus the upper part is kept 

 alive, whilst the cut, arresting the sap as it descends, 

 causes fresh roots to form in the moist soil in 

 the pot, and in this way large plants may be obtained 

 in a few months. Spring is perhaps the best time for 

 the operation, although it can be carried on all through 

 the summer. 



F. macrophylla. A native of Australia. One of 

 the handsomest trees of the country, with large, oblong 

 leaves, pointed at the apex, and terminal white sheaths. 

 This species is similar in form to F. elastica (The Assam 

 rubber), but it makes a more compact tree than the 

 latter, which is distinguished from the macrophylla by 

 its terminal red sheath which enfolds the young leaves. 



F. nymphaeifolia The water-lily leaf Ficus. A 

 South American variety, of a bold, spreading habit, and 

 large, ovate leaves. Some very fine specimens may 

 be seen growing in the Esbekeeyeh Gardens at Cairo, 

 but in Alexandria it seldom grows into a large tree. 



F. eriobotryoides The Loquat-leaf Ficus. Com- 

 monly seen near the coast. It is of spreading habit, with 

 tuffs of oblong leaves, having a rough brown under- 

 surface, and hairy stems. It will grow on very poor 

 soil, and would serve as an excellent shade tree for a 

 windy garden. It will, however, lose its leaves if 

 planted in a very exposed position, by the strong 

 spring gales. 



F. bengalensis The Banyan tree. A well-known 

 Indian species, easily recognised by its curious aerial 

 roots, which hang from the branches in large numbers. 



The effect of these trees in a large garden is ex- 

 ceedingly tropical, as they form in themselves a 

 complete continuity of shade, and the area they coyer 

 in the tropics by means of their hanging roots, which 

 support the branches, is very considerable. Many 

 fine specimens exist in Egypt, and it is recom- 

 mended by some authorities that all superfluous roots 

 should be removed. 



