the plants are cut through the middle, their inside is a soft, pale-green, fleshy substance, very full of moisture. The fruit of all the species is frequently eaten by the inhabitants of the West Indies. The fruits are about three quarters of an inch in length, of a taper form, drawing to a point at the bottom toward the plant, but blunt at the top where the emplacement of the flower was situated. The taste is agreeably acid, which in a hot country must render the fruit more grateful.

The cochineal animals are supported on a species called caecus cochellifer.—The flower of the cactus grandiflora (one of the creeping cereuses) is said to be as grand and beautiful as any in the vegetable system. It begins to open in the evening about seven o'clock, is in perfection about eleven, and fades about four in the morning; so that the same flower only continues in perfection about six hours. The calyx when expanded is about a foot in diameter, of a splendid yellow within, and a dark brown without; the petals are many, and of a pure white; and the great number of curved stamens, surrounding the style in the centre of the flower, make a grand appearance, to which may be added the fine scent, which perfumes the air to a considerable distance. It flowers in July.in fabulous history, an Italian shepherd upon Mount Aventine. As Hercules was driving home the herd of King Geryon whom he had slain, Cacus robbed him of some of his oxen, which he drew backward into his den lest they should be discovered. Hercules at last finding them out by their lowing, or the robbery being discovered to him, killed Cacus with his club. He was Vulcan's son, of prodigious bulk, and half man half satyr.