Litchfield enquirer., 1833-09-05

boabab or monkey bread (Adansonia digi- tata) is the most gigantic tree hitherto dis covered. Thetrunk, though frequently 80 feet in circumference, rarely exceeds 12 or IS feet in height but on the summit of this hugo pillar is placed majestic head of innumerable branches, 50 or 60 feet long, each resembling an enormous tree, dense- lyclothed with beautiful green leaves.- While the central branches are erect, the lowest series extend in horizontal drec- .tion, often touching the ground at their ex- tremity; so that the whole forms splen- did arch of foliage, more like the fragment of forest than single tree. The grate- full shade of this superb canopy is favor- ite retreat of birds and monkeys; the na- tives resort to it for repose, and the weary traveller in burning climate gladly flies to it for shelter. The leaves are quinate, smooth, resembling in generalform those of the h0xsechesnut. The flowers are white and very beautiful, 18 inches in circumfer- ence. The fruit, which hangs in pend- ant manner, is n woody gourd-like capsule, with downy surface, 9 inches long, and four in thickness, containing numerous curls, in which brown kidney shaped seeds ere embedded in pulpy acid substance.- The timber is soft and spongy, and we are not aware that it is used for any economi- cal purpose. 1t is very easily perforated, so that, according to Bruce, the bees in Abyssinia construct their nests within it, and tho honey thus obtained, being suppo- sed to have acquired a superior flavor, is es- teemed in preference to any otheys A more remarkable excavation is however made by the natives. Diseased portions of the trunk are hollowed out and converted into tombs for the reception of tho bodies of snch i'm dividuals, as by the customs of the country, are denied the rights of interment. The bodies thus suspended within the cavity, and without any preparation or embalm- ment, dry into well preserved mummies.- The juicy acid pulp is eaten by the natives, and is considered beneficial in levers and other diseases, on account of its cooling qualities. The duration of the boabab is not the least extraordinary part of its his- tory. and has given rise to much specula- tion. In it we unquestionably see the most ancient living specimens of vegetation.- It is" says tho illustrious Humboldt, the oldest organic monument of our planet ;'' and Adamson calculates that trees now alive have weathered the storms of five thousand years.-Edinb. Cabinet Library.
 Wte.-There is no combination of let ters ih the English language, which excites more pleasing and Interesting associations in the mind of man, than the word Dife.- There is magic in this little word. Itpre- sents to the minds eye, cheerful compan- ion, a disinterested adviser, a nurse in sick ness, a comforter in misfortune, and faith ful and ever aflectionate friend. 1t con- jures up the image of lovely, tender, con. fding Uomaa, who cheerfully undertake to contribute to your happiness-to partak, with you the cup, whether of veal or woe which Destiny may offer. The word ,oif is synonymous with the greatest earthl! blessings; and we pity the unfortunat wight who is condemned by Fate's sever
 decree to trudge along through life's dal pilgrimage without one. LOsceU JoGrnGl
 Patrcfaction- Noisome OdOur. ar ticle which we have seen in the papers purportlng to be an extract from letter a
 pr. Waterhouse, makes some suggestion il
 relation to. the effects of putrefs c,ion an,
 noisome colours. that may he now to som,
 readers. The following is the item.
 How many of us, blind mortals, (says tn, DOctor,) are led by the nose into error I
 is a common opinion that putFefaction. m,
 the bad smellthence arising, will infallibl
 generate contagious, and infectious dislaiii
 pers, Hthis wereIactualIy iEa sas1 5 Is
 would become of tanners, curriers'. butch