INDIAN FIG, or Prickly Pear. This plant is by Linnaeus joined to the genus of Cactus; though, for reasons given under that article, we have chosen to consider it as a genus by itself. There are nine species, all natives of warm climates. The most remarkable are, 1. The vulgaris, or common Indian fig. This is found in the warm parts of Europe as well as in America, and grows wild on the sides of the roads in Sicily, Naples, and Spain; but it is probable that the seeds of it may have been brought thither from America. This has oval or roundish branches, compressed on their two sides flat, and have small leaves coming out in knots on their surface, as also on their upper edges, which fall off in a short time; and at the same knots are three or four sharp spines, which do not appear unless they are closely viewed; but, on being handled, they enter the flesh, separate from the plant, and so are very troublesome and difficult to get out. The branches spread near the ground, and frequently trail upon it, putting out new roots; so are extended to a considerable distance, and never rise in height: these are fleshy and herbaceous while young; but, as they grow old, become drier, of a tough contexture, and have ligneous fibres. The flowers come out on the upper edges of the branches, though sometimes they are produced on their sides: these sit upon the embryo of the fruit, and are composed of several roundish concave petals, which spread open. They are of pale yellow colour, and appear in July and August. They are succeeded by an oblong fruit, whose skin or cover is set with small spines in clusters; and the inside is fleshy, of a purple or red colour, in which are lodged many black seeds. 1. The cochinchilera, or cochineal fig; so called from its being the food of the cochineal insect. It hath oblong, smooth, green branches, which grow erect to the height of 8 or 10 feet, with but very few spines, and these so soft that they are not troublesome when handled. The flowers of this are of a purple colour; and sit on the embryo of the fruit, like those of the former sort, but do not expand like them. This kind grows naturally in Jamaica; where it is probable that the true cochineal might be discovered if persons of skill were to search for it. The vulgaris is the only kind which can be raised in this country without great difficulty; and may be propagated by slips, in a light mould.

the French word for gold, by which this metal is expressed in heraldry. In engraving it is denoted by small points all over the field or bearing. It may be supposed to signify of itself, generosity, splendour, or solidity; according to G. Leigh, if it is compounded with

| Gul. | Courage. | | Azu. | Trust. | | Vor. | Joy. | | Pur. | Charity. | | Sab. | Constancy. |

ORACH. See ATRIPLEX.