Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-10-17
Dear Aunt Dorothy:
About Plants.

From the New Orleans Times-Democrat.
Did you have any idea that there were
as many as 1900 different varieties of
known plants on earth. and new kinds
being found all the timer 1t is not strange,
then. that there Is so much difference and
such wonderful contrasts existing among
them. 1t is hard to realize that the mighty
trees Of the forest and the tiny daisies and
violets belong to the same great family.
In various parts Of the world grow
strange and wonderful plants. The "mov-
ing plant" Is native OF the basin Of the
Gauges. It's leaves revolve in various d.
rections during the day and night, except
occasionally, on very hot day. when the
plant seems to desist from its habitual mo-
ton for temporary repose. A high wind Is
also said to produce a cessation Of its ac-
ton. At times again. only certain parts Of
the plant are noticed to be In motfon-a
leaf, or perhaps a branch; and 1t seldom oc-
ours that some portions of 1t are quite mo-
tionless while the remainder is active.
In the valley Of the Irrawaddy grows the
Barossus fiabelliformis. which bears a leaf
of wonderful dimensions. and which Is said
to be of sufficient size to cover twelve men
standing upright.
At Timor. near the Island Of Java, a
plant is found the leaf of which being Of
thorny nature. possesses fatal sting
when penetrating the flesh. The victim, If
not fatally poisoned. frequently suffers pro-
tracted illness. The plant is well called
Club MOSES grow in these islands to a
length of several feet among which is flo
raj giant. parasitical plant peculiar for its
carbon scented flower. Of brick-red color,
which 1t bears. and which measures be-
tween three or four feet In diameter The
flower weighs about fifteen pounds, and
bears natural cup in the center, which
often contains several pints of water
In Jamaica the Tellansia retriculata Is a
noteworthy plant. growing on old and de-
cayed trees. with leaves so adjusted that
tanned at their basis. These in time swell
out In the form Of a bottle, holding about
a quart Of liquid, by which travellers and
animals are AFFORDED a supply of water
often when other resources fail or are not
available.
In the Auckland Islands which lie to the
south of New Zealand. a plant grows near
the sea which has clusters of green wax
like blossoms as large as a child's head
Timber exists In the forests Of the Philip
pines In great variety and of most excel
lent quality. There are to be found kinds
or wood suitable to every purpose MANY
are OF dense and tough fiber Susceptible of
the highest polish. Four kinds are SO heavy
that water will not float Them nor can thew
De cut with ordinary saws. One variety il
or bright emerald green and another rich
yellow. and they retain these colors when
polished. Another, perhaps the prettiest
and much used in fine furniture. varies IN
color from light straw to deep red PERHAPS
the best known Is "molave" a yery heavv
dark brown wood. used for finishing in fhe
interior Of the Jesuit church at Manila
where 1t Is said the carvings are by master
hands and OF SURPRISING beauty. Ebony ia
abundant There are the cacao tree the
cocoanut palm and the bamboo. all invalua-