STEM. 
61 
Fig. 9. 
Some stems are remarkable for bearing bulbs 
in the axils of their leaves. These bulbs like the 
bulbous root, contain within them the germ of a 
new plant. The Lilium bulbiferum, or bulb- 
bearing lily is of this description, {Fig. 9.) 
A remarkable phenomenon is described by 
travellers, as being exhibited by the stems of the 
Banyan tree of India, Ficus Indicus ■ their stems 
throw out fibres, which descend and take root in 
the earth. In process of time these stems become 
large trees, and thus from one primitive root, is 
formed a little forest. This tree is called by va- 
rious names; as the Indian-God-tree, the arched- 
Fig-tree, &c. 
The Hindoos plant it near their temples, and 
in many cases, the tree itself serves them for a 
temple. Milton speaks of this tree as the one 
from which Adam and Eve, obtained leaves to 
form themselves garments ; he says it was not 
the figtree renowned for fruit, but 
“ Such as at this day to Indians known 
In Malabar or Decan, spreads her arms, 
Branching' so broad and long, that in the ground 
The bended twigs take root, and daughters grow 
About the mother tree, a pillar’d shade 
High over-arched, and echoing walks between.” 
You have here a description of this wonderful tree, which is 
said to have given shelter to an army of seventy thousand men. 
Fig. 10. 
Ficus Indicus. 
All the varieties of stems which we have now considered may 
be included under two divisions ; 1st. such as grow externally 
Rooting stems — Stems included in two divisions. 
6 
