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SAMOAN GROUP. 



Among the trees which have been named, that which struck us as 

 most remarkable was the species of banyan (Ficus religiosa), called 

 in these islands ohwa. Some of these were seen, whose pendent 

 branches had taken root in the ground to the number of thousands, 

 forming stems from an inch to two feet in diameter, uniting in the 

 main trunk more than eighty feet above the ground, and supporting 

 a vast system of horizontal branches, spreading like an umbrella over 

 the tops of the other trees. For the sketch of one of these I am in- 

 debted to Mr. Peale. 



OHWA TREE. 



The bread-fruit is the most abundant of all the trees, and grows 

 here to a large size ; the vi-apple, the cocoa-nut, and the wild orange, 

 are also found in great numbers; and at Tutuila a large lime-tree 

 was seen in full bearing, which was said to have been planted before 

 the arrival of the missionaries. 



Among the most singular of the vegetable productions is the stinging 

 tree, of which the natives are much afraid ; for if its leaves be touched, 

 an eruption is produced, particularly if the skin be wet. Its leaf is 

 cordate, but quite smooth. 



The arborescent ferns are not as numerous as at Tahiti, but grow 

 to a larger size. The palms gave a character of luxuriance to the 

 country, from the variety of their foliage. Rattans ninety feet in 

 length were seen running over the trees. 



Bamboos and the wild sugar-cane were very common ; the latter is 

 used in thatching houses : the wild ginger also abounds. 



Of the wild nutmeg (Myristica), two species were seen, which are 

 small trees, and likely to be passed without notice, were it not for the 

 peculiar manner in which branches grow out of the trunk, which is 



