Viscum Cariophylloides angustifolium, Floribus longis tubulosis
caeruleis, ex spicis squamosis caeruleis erumpentibus: The Wild
Pine.
This Plant rises from a round tuberous Root, with many Fibres spreading
on the Surface of the Limbs and Branches of Trees, insinuating a
little Way into the Bark; from the Root grow many concave Leaves,
folded in a Manner like those of the Ananas, the Outsides
are prominent and large below, tapering into narrow grassy Points,
reflected back and hanging down; from the Middle rises a round streight
Stalk, at the Top of which are placed five (more or less) red scaly
Spikes five or fix Inches long, from the Sides of which shoot forth
obliquely, several cylindrical, tubulous, monopetalous blue Flowers,
with several Stamina and a yellow Stilus; the Flower
consisting of one Leaf only, is folded spirally in a singular Manner.
These Plants grow to various Sizes, from one to two Feet and upwards
in Height, growing, always erect.
But what recommends this useful and very singular Plant is, that
its hollow Leaves lapping over one another, are so closely placed,
that one Plant will contain two Quarts of clear Water. In many Countries
between the Tropicks that are destitute of Water, having
neither Springs nor Rivers, these Plants abound, and are of great
Benefit in relieving the Thirsty in Distress, as I have often experienced
in Draughts of this refreshing Water, which tho' receiving the Heat
of the Sun's perpendicular Rays, was always as cool as from a Spring.
These Plants are common on many of the Bahama Islands, and
usually grow on large Trees, particularly to Mahogany, Sappadillo,
Maracanel, &c. which are sometimes so covered with them, that
they seem to be the Leaves and Blossoms of the Tree on which they
grow, and make a very elegant Appearance.
Locusta Caroliniana, elytris fuscis; alis interioribus nigris,
and extremitates luteis.
The whole Body with the Legs and the two fore Wings of this Grasshopper
is of a brown Colour; the two broad Wings which are placed behind,
are black, and bordered with yellow towards their Extremities. These
Grasshoppers are found in Carolina.
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