(I2 9 ) 



The nettle family follows, represented by such plants as 

 the odd Procris; Pilea, in several species, including P. 

 microphylla, the artillery plant; the Gyrupia poison-tree, 

 a native of Australia, one of the most vicious of the sting- 

 ing nettles — at fruiting time the dull purple of its fruit 

 makes it quite attractive; and the two-lobed Boehmeria, 

 from Japan. The flat-stemmed Muhlenbeckia, native of 

 the Solomon Islands, belongs to the knotweed family. 

 As one proceeds, many species of figs will be found, in- 

 cluding the common rubber plant of our homes. Further 

 on is the laurel family, one of the interesting plants be- 

 longing here being the alligator pear, the fruit of which is 

 edible and much used as a salad, and otherwise, in the 

 tropics. Near this is the custard-apple family, including 

 the cherimoyer, an edible fruit, native of tropical America. 

 Nearby are the senna and mimosa families, represented by 

 numerous individuals. To the senna family belongs the 

 poinciana, commonly grown in Florida and tropical coun- 

 tries on account of its decorative red flowers. To the 

 mimosa family belong the sensitive plants, of which there 

 are two here which show this characteristic noticeably, 

 Mimosa pudica and Mimosa Spegazzinii. 



Near the west end of house 3 is a collection of the spurge 

 family. Here will be found the genus Codiaeum in many 

 colored forms, usually known as garden crotons. Other 

 genera represented are Croton, Phyllanthus, Xylophylla, 

 Antidesmia, and Acalypha. Here, also, are two plants of 

 the curious West Indian ivy, belonging to the genus 

 Marcgravia. On the south bench of this house is a large 

 collection of begonias. Entering house 2, the north side 

 of which we have already visited, we find more begonia 

 plants on the south bench, and nearby the meadow- 

 beauty family, largely represented in tropical regions, to 

 which belongs our native meadow-beauty, Rhexia vir- 

 ginica. Other families following are the vervain, acan- 

 thus, potato, madder and thistle, the last two near the east 

 door. 



