116 MARTIN RATTLER.

kind; but when, as in the case of this milk-tree, the
provision for our wants comes in a singular and strik-
ing manner, it seems fitting and appropriate that we
should specially acknowledge the gift as coming from
the hand of Him who giveth us all things liberally to
enjoy.

The milk-tree rises with a straight stem to an
enormous height, and the fruit, about the size of a
small apple, is full of rich and juicy pulp, and is very
good. The timber, also, is hard, fine-grained, and
durable—particularly adapted for such works as are
exposed to the weather. But its most remarkable
peculiarity is the rich vegetable milk which flows in
abundance from it when the bark is cut. This milk
is so like to that of the cow in taste, that it can
scarcely be distinguished from it, having only a very
slight peculiarity of flavour, which is rather agreeable
than otherwise. In tea and coffee it has the same
effect as rich cream, and, indeed, is so thick that it
requires to be diluted with water before being used.
This milk is also employed as glue. It hardens when
exposed to the air, and becomes very tough and slightly
elastic, and is said to be quite as good and useful as
ordinary glue.

Having partaken of as much milk as they desired,
they continued their journey a little further, when