The Palo de Vacca, or cow-tree of the Caraccas, grows on the shores of the Cordilleras, on the barren flank of a rock. “Here,” says Humboldt, “grows a tree, with dry and leather-like leaves; its large, woody roots can scarcely penetrate into the stony soil. For several months in the year, not a single shower moistens its foliage. Its branches appear dead and dried; yet, as soon as the trunk is pierced, there flows from it a sweet and nourishing milk. It is at sunrise this vegetable fountain is most abundant.— The natives are then to be seen hastening from all quarters, furnished with large bowls, to receive the milk, which grows yellow, and thickens at the surface. The milk, obtained by incisions made in the trunk, is glutinous, tolerably thick, free from all acrimony, and of an agreeable and balmy smell.”