List of the Plants of Chile. 79 
crescence produced by the wound of some insect as is seen on some 
other trees of Europe, and I gave the matter but little attention, but _ 
two days afterwards they became unglued from the branch and I 
observed with surprise that the skin was broken and the whole sur- 
face covered with pentagonal tubes precisely similar to the alveoli 
of a honey-comb, at first full of a gelatinous substance, of the color 
of milk, which disappeared with the maturation, afterwards throw- 
ing out from these cavities with some force an impalpable powder 
when it was touched, exactly as is observed in the Peziza vesiculosa. 
At the end of two days these bodies softened, lost their expulsive 
property and rotted. ‘These circumstances incline me to think that 
tubercles are mosses, and perhaps a new genus approximating 
to the Spheria, if the color and consistence are not deceptive. Its 
vulgar name is Dignénes. Some persons eat them, but their insip- 
id and styptic taste is disagreeabie. I will study this singular pro- 
duction, the first opportunity that presents itself. 
Fedia Samolifolia. Bertero. A very common species in the 
fresh pastures of the hills and mountains; it is also met with in the 
plain near torrents. It is of no use, although its leaves (somewhat 
fatty,) have the same taste as those of the F. olitoria, _— 
which is eaten as salad in Europe. . , 
Festuca. L. I have met with many species of this genus; is 
most common is that which is called posto blanco, paja teatina which 
is the F. muralis, H. B. and K. It grows in arid spots on the plain 
and on walls. The coiron is also a Festuca which is found in 
the pastures of the high mountains near the snows. Its leaves 
are very useful for covering huts and houses. Large quanti- 
ties of it are annually used for this purpose. The F. Brizoides, 
Spreng., which authors say comes from Montevideo, is very common 
in arid and. stony situations in the mountains and along the Cacha- — 
pual. 
Ficus Carica. L. Higuera. The first fruit is called brevaneid 
the other higos, figs. ‘There are many varieties. This tree flour- 
ishes in Chile: I have seen some of them of an immense size. The 
fruit is delicious, sweet and very abundant. It is dried in large 
quantities for the winter and also for exportation. ‘Turners should 
make use of its wood as they do in Europe and particularly in 
Geneva. : 
Flaveria Contrayerva. Pers. It is found in fields and olitories 
near drains and cultivated places. This plant is called here dan-das 
