. The Cuba review. 12 THE CUB A 11 E \ 1 E ^\â. Barriguda is one of the most curious trees in Brazil and yields a sreat deal of silk-cotton. well-known ceiba tree near Ponce, Porto Rico, which measures 108 feet in circumference four feet above the ground, by following the depressions and elevations of the trimk, is said to have been visited by Columbus in 1493, and that it was already at that time a tree of very large proportions. Those who have studied tlie ceiba trees for years are of the opinion that they do not attain an age of more than two hundred and fifty or three luuvlred years. There
. The Cuba review. 12 THE CUB A 11 E \ 1 E ^\â. Barriguda is one of the most curious trees in Brazil and yields a sreat deal of silk-cotton. well-known ceiba tree near Ponce, Porto Rico, which measures 108 feet in circumference four feet above the ground, by following the depressions and elevations of the trimk, is said to have been visited by Columbus in 1493, and that it was already at that time a tree of very large proportions. Those who have studied tlie ceiba trees for years are of the opinion that they do not attain an age of more than two hundred and fifty or three luuvlred years. There is probably no other forest tree that has such a wide range of distribution. It seems to find its best development in Cuba and certain other West Indian islands, but it grows abundantly on the mainland of tropical America, tropical Africa, East Indies, and in mam' of the South Sea islands. There is a good deal of superstition connected with this tree and in many parts of the world the natives refuse to fell the ceiba because it is believed by manj- of the simple-minded inhabitants of the warm countries that ceiba trees growing close to their habitations protect them against the evil spirits and wild animals. The laatives of Africa are quite prone to this belief and it is largely due to this fact that the artificial range of the ceiba has been greatly extended. The tree is probably not a native of Africa, where it is now grow- ing more extensively than in any other part of the world. The uses of the ceiba are very numerous. Ever}' part of the tree is available in one form or another, and it is believed that after these uses are better known to the industrial world the tree will become an important factor in the management of tropical forests and their utilization. The wood of the ceiba will sooner or later form an important article of trade, for its properties are such that it can easily be made available for a good many It is nearly white when freshly cut, quite so
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