copyright reserved 
November 17, 1883.] 
THE GAR 
Euphorbia canariensis.— It is difficult at > 
first sight to realise that the plant here represented (fig. 
1 12) can be a near ally of the common Spurges of our 
fields and woods. Nevertheless, an examination of L., 
the flowers would at once show the real affinity of the | 
plants. It affords an excellent illustration of the fact, p 
well known to botanists, that what gardeners call |i;;; 
habit, or general appearance, is very often extremely j:::; 
misleading. Most persons would probably consider 
this to be a Cactus of some sort— an illusion which p;! 
would of course be instantly dispelled were the flowers p:;; 
visible. In doubtful cases a prick of a pin is sufficient j 
to show the difference, for if it be a Euphorbia ; 
milky juice at once exudes from the puncture, while if j 
it be a Cactus the fluid is transparent. Those more 1 
concerned with picturesque effect than with botanical 
' affinity will see much to admire in the quaint aspect 
of the plant, well shown in our illustration. When 
growing in its native locality the tall, stiff can- 
^ delabra-like trees shoot up from amid the bare rocks 
i of Tenerifife, fringing the edges of the precipices, 
and adding to the weird appearance of the scene. 
The effect produced may be, in considerable measure, 
judged of by a visit to the Succulent-house at Kew, 
one end of which is occupied with fine specimens of j 
the present plant, and several of its near neighbours. 
The contrast it affords with arborescent vegetation and j 
with the stiff, bold foliage of the Zamias is shown in 
our illustration, prepared from the photograph of a 
plant growing in the Botanic Garden of Cape Town, 
and for which we are indebted to the Director, Mr. 
McOwan. 
mi 
