Somewhat like the tree last mentioned, is one which is found in
Madagascar, and which, from its property of yielding water, is called
“the traveler’s friend.” It differs from most other trees in having all
its branches in one plane, like the sticks of a fan or the feathers of a
peacock’s tail. At the extremity of each branch grows a broad double
leaf, several feet in length, which spreads itself out very gracefully.
These leaves radiate heat so rapidly after sunset, that a copious
deposition of dew takes place upon them, which, soon collecting into
drops, forms little streams, which run down the branches to the trunk.
Here it is received into hollow spaces of considerable magnitude, one of
which is found at the root of every branch. These branches lie one over
the other alternately, and when a knife, or, which is better, a flat
piece of stick (for it is not necessary to cut the tree) is inserted
between the parts which overlap, and slightly drawn to one side, so as
to cause an opening, a stream of water gushes out as if from a fountain.
Hence the appropriate name of “the traveler’s friend.”
[Illustration: THE CAMPHOR-TREE.]