, 1853-10-29

WONDERFUL TEEEs.-Among the re-
m1Ikable trees in the world, the following,
Of which we have compiled brief dcscrip-
tions, are some Of the most curious:
Tile Brqeii-nut Trcc-Thc Brazil nut
tree may justly command the attention Of
the enthusiastic naturalist. This tree thrives
well in the province OF Brazil, and immense
quantities Of It's delicious fruit are annually
exported TO foreign countries. II grows 10
the height of from 60 TO 50 feet, and in ap-
pearancc is one of the most majestic orna
menIs Of the forest The fruit, in its natu-
raj position, resembles cocoa nut, being
extremely hard, and about the size Of a
childs head Each one Of these shells con-
tans from II TO 30 of these three corncrcd
nuts, nicely packed together. And to OBJ
tain the nuts as they appear in market, these
shells have TO be broken open. During the
season Of their falling ii is dangerous 10 en-
ter the groves where they abound, as the
force ol their descent is sufficient 10 knock
down the strongest man. The natives,
however, provide themselves with wooden
bucklers, which they hold over their heads
while collecting the fruit from the ground.
In this manner they are perfectly secure
from injury.
Tie Cannon ball Tree. - Among the
plants Of Guinea, one Of the most curious is
the cannon ball tree 1t grows tothe height
of sixty feet. and its flowers are remarkable
for beauty and fragrance, and contradictory
qualities. Its blossoms are Of delicious
crimson, appearing in large punches, and
oXhaling rich perfume. The fruit resem-
blcs enormous cannon balls; hence the
name. However, some say il has been so
called because of the noise which the balls
make in bursting. From the shell domestic
utensils are made, aud the contents contain
several kinds Of acids, besides sugar and gum,
and furnish the materials for making an ex-
cellent drink in sickness But, singular as
it may appear, this pulp, when in perfect
ly ripe state, is very filthy, and the odor
from it exceedingly unpleasant
The Great Chestnut Trce-On the one
side of Mt Etna there is famous chestnut
tree, which is said TO be one hundred and
ninety six feet in circumference, Just above
the surface Of the ground lis enormous
trunk is separated into FIVE divisions, which
gives it the appearance Of several trees grow
ing together. In a.clrcular space, formed
by these large branches, a hut has been
erected for the accommodation Of those who
collect the chcstnuts.
The IrorV-nm Tree. The ivory-nut tree
is popularity called the Tagua plant, and is
common in South America. The tree is one
ofthe numerous family of plants, but belong
ing to the order designated as screw pine
tribe. The natives use the leaves 10 cover
their cottages, and from tho nuts make but
tons and various oiher articles. In an carly
state, the nuts contain a sweet milky liquid
which alterward assumes a solidliy nearly
equal to ivory, aud will admit Of a high
polish. 1t is known as ivory-nut, or vege-
table ivory, and has recently been brought
into use for various purposes.
The SoRRowFUL TREE.-At Goa, near
Bombay, there is a singular vcgetaLle-lhe
sorrowiu tree-so called because il only
Gourishes in the night. At sunset no how-
rrs are TO be seen, and yet, half an hour af'
ter ii is quite full Of them. They yield a
sweet smell, but the sun no sooner shines
upon them than some Of them fall of, and
others close up; and thus it continues flow
cring in the night all the year.
THE DWARF TREE.--Captains King and
Filzroy state that they saw tree, on the
mountains near Cape Horn, which was only
one or two inches high, yet had branches
spreading out four or five feet along the
ground.
TIE SACK TREE,-There is said 10 be o
tree in Bombay called the sack tree, because
from il may be stripped very singular nOtu-
raj sacks, which resemble "felt" in appear
ancc.--L Christian Inquirer.