362 



Marvels of the Universe 



come stout props and trunks supporting a leafy roof, under which an army could shelter. There are 

 other Figs in Burmah, South America and other warm regions which take advantage of other trees 

 as supports up which to climb, and end by strangling their supporter and occupying its place. 



Roxburgh's Fig, which forms the subject of our photograph, was discovered in Silhet seventy- 

 two years ago, and named in honour of Roxburgh, the famous botanist, who added so much to our 

 knowledge of the flora of India. Its leaves have little resemblance to the seven-Iobed leaves of the 

 ancient fig-trees that luxuriate in old gardens in the South of England (where they are believed to 

 have been originally introduced by the Romans and re-introduced at a later period by Cardinal 

 Pole). Roxburgh's Fig, apart from its fruit, might be taken for a nmlberry-tree, for its foliage is 



very similar in shape. 

 Like the Common Fig, 

 it grows to a height of 

 about twenty feet only ; 

 but the remarkable 

 point about it, which 

 is clearly shown in our 

 photo, is the manner 

 of producing its large 

 fruit. In the Common 

 Fig the fruits are pro- 

 duced singly or in pairs 

 from the base of the 

 leaf-stalk ; but those of 

 Roxburgh's Fig come 

 in clusters from the 

 lower branches, the 

 main trunk, and even 

 those parts of the stout 

 roots that are above 

 ground. They are 

 much larger than the 

 European Figs, shaped 

 much like a turnip, but 

 ribbed and covered 

 with coarse down. Our 

 to Major Gage, the superintendent, was taken in the 



riioto (/«] 



THE 



This is the largest of the British Sn 

 people — especially on the Continent — it 

 chalky soils. 



ROMAN 



ils. and i 



SNAIL. 



here shown of the 

 esteemed a greal delicacy 



natural size. 

 It is found 



photograph, for which we are indebted 

 Botanical Gardens at Sibpur, Calcutta. 



THE LOVE-STORY OF THE STICKLEBACK 



BY JOHN J. WARD, F.E.S. 



The Stickleback in yonder pond is a gay fellow indeed. There is no creature either in the pond 

 or the brook that is so gorgeously attired. Even the male newts, with their flowing crests and 

 gaudy orange and black hues, cannot compare with his exquisite suit of iridescent sapphire blue 

 and glowing red. Also, he is as courageous as he is brilliantly coloured. 



He has built a tub-shaped nest from particles of decayed vegetation, well cemented together, 

 and hammered into shape by means of his head. Now that it is complete and almost hidden from 

 view (being partly covered by mud and sand), he is very proud of his accomplishment ; and his 



