206 On Norfolk Island, 



branches are crowned with crests of broad, sedge-hke 

 leaves. From the centre of these arise masses of red, 

 pulpy fruit, four inches in length and as much in circum- 

 ference. While in flower the centre leaves are scarlet, which 

 adds to the splendid appearance of the plant. 



In the open, grassy valleys, two or three species of tree- 

 fern, the Alsofhila excelsa, and Cyathea medullaris, exhibit 

 yi'iila. Maranta elegans, their rich crests among the surround- 

 ing verdure. They often measure forty or fifty feet in height, 

 and have fronds of great length and magnificence. From the 

 centre of the trunk a black wood is extracted, and used by 

 cabinet-makers for stringing. 



The Norfolk Island Bread-fiuit differs much from that 

 grown at Tahiti or the West Indies. It is the Charlwoodia 

 Australis. Attaining twenty feet in height, it branches from 

 within a few feet from the ground, and forms several heads 

 with flag-like leaves, and long-branched spikes of greenish 

 star flowers. These are succeeded by small purple berries, 

 the food of parrots. 



The native Spice-plant, by many thought to be the 

 pimento, is the Piper Psittaconim, ov Ava of the South 

 Sea Islands. It yields fruit of a yellow colour and long 

 cylindrical form, which has an aromatic taste, and may be 

 employed as a pickle or preserve. 



The Blood-tree yields on tapping a fluid of a bright red 

 colour. This has been used as medicine as an astringent, 

 but is more generally employed as a marking ink, as the 

 stain on linen is indelible. 



The Cotton-plant was once cultivated by Captain Maco- 

 nochie with advantage. It is now wild, and overruns every 

 part of the island to such an extent as to render the Bush 

 almost impracticable. 



The Phorviium te?iacv, or New Zealand flax, has always 



