BICOTYLEDONES. 



195 



eaten by the people of the Tropics. The Fig-tree {Ficus 

 Ca/rica) has been cultivated for ages, and is now to be met 

 with in all tropical and sub-tropical countries. The tree 

 is sixteen to twenty feet high, and the ripened and dried 

 receptacles, which are pear-shaped and closed (Figs. 304, 

 o05), constitute the figs of commerce; other species of the 

 genus (as F. ektstica, etc.) yield Caoutchouc. From one 

 species the resinous exudation called gum-lae is collected. 

 The Banyan-tree (^F. Indiea) is remarkable for its adven- 

 titious roots, which proceed from, and ultimately support, 

 the branches. The Cow-tree 

 {Gcdactodendron utile) flour- 

 ishes in Venezuela ; its milky 

 juice is used by the natives 

 for milk, which it resembles 

 much. Several species of the 

 Mulberry (Morus) are culti- 

 vated for the edible fruit, and 

 for the leaves as food for the 

 silk-worm The Osage Orange {Madura aurantiaca) of 

 Arkansas, Texas, etc., is an important hedge plant. From 

 its wood a coloring matter is obtained for dyeing. From 

 M. tinetoria of the West Indies, the dye Fustic is obtained. 

 The Chinese make paper, and the Pacific Islanders make 

 cloth, from the fibres of the Paper Mulberry {Broussonetia 

 papyriferd). The China Grass, or Ramie (Boehmeria nived), 

 a perennial herb, introduced into the Southern States and 

 California, furnishes a fibre approaching flax in fineness 

 and durability. Our common Stinging Nettles belong to 

 the genera Urtica and Laportea. To the latter belongs the 



304 



Kics. 304, 305, The Fig, natural size (^04), and a portion with the flowers (30J) 

 slightly magnified. 



