which continually grow thicker, until by a gradual 
descent they reach its surface, where, striking in, they 
increase to a large trunk, and become a parent tree, 
throwing out new branches from the top. These in 
time suspend their roots, and receiving nourishment 
from the earth, swell into trunks, and shoot forth other 
branches: thus continuing in a state of progression so 
long as the first parent of them all supplies her sus¬ 
tenance, “ forming the most beautiful walks, vistas, 
and cool recesses that can be imagined.” 
Well may the poet speak of 
-“ The maze 
Embowering endless, of the Indian fig.” 
The leaves of this tree are large, soft, and of a lively 
green: the fruit is a small fig, when ripe of a bright 
scarlet; affording sustenance to monkeys, squirrels, 
peacocks, and various birds which dwell among the 
branches. 
Such is the description of this vegetable wonder, 
whose fame extended to ancient Greece and Rome, 
being mentioned both by Arrian and Nearchus, Strabo 
and Pliny. Nearchus speaks of “ large trees which 
cover a circumference of five acres, and which extend 
