404 



THE MULTIPLYING FIG-TREE. 



spongy contexture, grow hosts of robust trees, whose timber is com- 

 pact and sometimes exceedingly hard, and whose branches are of 

 immense span. My readers will probably remember the lines in 

 which Southey so admirably describes one of the most majestic and 

 most singular of these : the Banyan, or Indian Fig-tree (Ficus Indicd}* 



THE BAJSYAN TREE (Ficus Indica}. 



also designated the " Multiplying Fig-tree," the " Admirable Fig-tree,' 

 and " Tree of Life." The passage will bear transcription : -f- 



" It was a goodly sight to see 



That venerable tree, 

 For o'er the lawn, irregularly spread, 

 Fifty straight columns propped its lofty head ; 



* Order, Moracex. f Southey, " Poetical Works "The Curse of Kehama. 



