A Deadly Tree

The cannibal tree of Australia grows in tlie form of a gigantic pineapple, seldom reaching a height exceeding ten or twelve feet. lts heiglit, however, is not a criterion to its diameter. as the reader will imagine when told that one eight feet in height may e five feet through at the base. The "leaves" resemblc broad planks and are frequently fifteen feet long. twenty inches broad and one and a half '■'■'■': thick at the base. These board-like leaves all put out at the top and haag down so as to forrn a sort of umbrella around the stem. Upon the apex of the cone arouncl which these leaves concéntrate are two concave BgxstéB, resembling dinner plates, onc above the other. These are constantly filled with an intoxic&tixig honey. A bird may light upon the edge of these n man or an animal may walk up the leaves to indulge in stolen sweets: Vrat death is the penalty íor such rashness. The instant the honey receptacleï are touchedthe leaves clo.-,e like a trap and squeeze the life out of the meddler. Afterawhile the leaves will relax their vise-like gi-asp, the horrid tenacleswil] slowly unfold and nature has set her trap for another victini.