1. In Malabar, a tree called "the tallow tree" grows; from the seeds
of it, when boiled, is procured a firm tallow which makes excellent
candles.
2. The "butter tree" was discovered by Park in the central part of
Africa; from its kernel is produced a nice butter which will keep a
year.
3. The _palo de vaca_, or "cow tree," grows on rocks in Venezuela,
South America. It has dry and leathery leaves, and from incisions made
in its trunk a kind of milk oozes out, which is tolerably thick and of
an agreeable balmy smell. At sunrise, the natives may be seen hastening
from all quarters furnished with large bowls to receive the milk.
4. A tree of Madagascar, called the "traveler's tree," yields a copious
supply of fresh water from its leaves, very grateful to the traveler.
It grows in the most arid countries, and is another proof of the tender
care of our Heavenly Father in supplying all His creatures' wants. Even
in the driest weather a quart of water can be obtained by piercing
a hole at the bottom of the leaf stalk, and the liquid is pure and
pleasant to the taste. The leaves are of enormous size, varying from
ten to fifteen feet in length.
5. The date tree is a species of palm, and almost every part of it is
valuable. Its fruit is delicious and it is also esteemed for the palm
wine drawn from its trunk. Its leaves are made into hats, baskets,
fans, and many other articles, and the fibres of the leaf stems are
made into cord and twine. A department store might almost be furnished
from this tree.
6. The "sorrowful tree" is found on the island of Goa, near Bombay. It
is so called because it flourishes in the night. At sunset no flowers
are to be seen, but soon after it is covered with them. They close up
or drop off as the sun rises. It has a fragrant odor, and blossoms at
night the year round.
7. There is a tree in Jamaica called the "life tree," whose leaves grow
even when severed from the plant. It is impossible to kill it save by
fire.--_Normal Instructor._
[Illustration: BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER.
Life-size
FROM COL. F. M. WOODRUFF.
6-99
CHICAGO COLORTYPE CO., CHIC & NEW YORK
COPYRIGHT 1899,
NATURE STUDY PUB. CO., CHICAGO.]