The cochineal insect of Mexico and Central America is solely nurtured by the native growth of cacti.
Here the cactas is grown for the sake of the cochineal insect.
The Mexicans wove many kinds of cotton cloth, sometimes using as a dye the rich crimson of the cochineal insect.
In hot climates, in which the cochineal insect delights, it has been preserved, and is cultivated as an article of commerce.
The circumstances attending the birth of the cochineal insect are very curious.
It is the colour of the dye produced from the dried bodies of the cochineal insect (Coccus cacti).
It is in this membranous cradle that the larv of the cochineal insect are born.
The cochineal insect, which feeds on the leaves of the prickly pear, is cultivated for its brilliant dye.
Carmine, kr′mīn, n. the red colouring principle obtained from the cochineal insect.
The cactus is cultivated for the production of the cochineal insect.
