412 



thb bkb-kbepbr's gtjidb; 



and makes clearing- the land no small expense in Florida. The 

 slim trunk creeps along the ground for twenty feet, and sends 

 roots beneath for nourishment. The leaves arise from this 

 stem, and are from four to six feet long. The clusters of 



Fig. 213. 



HorsemiiU, — Orlijlna 



small, yellowish-white blossoms are immense in size. The 

 blossoms last from the middle of April till June. The honey 

 is yellow, thick and fine. The fruit of this palm is about 

 twice the size of the Concord grape, and from October till 

 Christmas the oozing nectar keeps the bees at work. This is 



