OF HONDURAS.


taste, closely resembling that of the arti-
choke; and in its natural state animals
of most kinds eat of it with avidity. It
likewise forms a very agreeable pickle, in
which way it is often used. The young
Cocoa-nut tree also contains a similar kind
of substance within its trunk, equally
good with the above; but in this it is
found nearer the root.
 The Silk Cotton tree, a species of the
 Bombax of Linnaus, in this country at-
 tains an height nearly equal to the former;
 and whilst in bloom, is certainly one of
 the most splendid productions of nature.*
 At such season it is entirely crowned with
 a profusion of brilliant flowers of rich
 and variegated hues, of which the colour
 of the carnation is the most predominant.

 This is not altogether assented to by Browne,
 Nat. t. Jamaica, Fol. 277. But the species of
 which he speaks, as being common to the East and
 West Indies, may perhaps differ from that which
 is found on the American continent.