88 SYLVA AMERICANA* 



other, in its controlling and directing of chemical agencies so as 

 to facilitate the final detachment of the foot stalk, and form the 

 scar necessary to its own protection. And this effect is operated 

 by the converting of the substance that cements the respective 

 fibres of the leaf stalk and branch together from a soft and 

 glutinous to a dry and brittle consistence, analogous to the change 

 that takes place in the seams of the valves of ripening capsules 

 or pericarps, so that the leaf falls at last merely by force of its 

 own weight, or of the slightest breath of wind, but without the 

 intervention of any previous chink or crack. And if it is 

 necessary to illustrate the fall of the leaf by any analogous process 

 in the animal economy, it may be compared to that of the 

 shedding of the antlers of the stag, or of the hair or feathers of 

 other animals, which being like the leaves of plants, distinct and 

 peculiar organs, fall off and are regenerated annually, but do not 

 slough. 



2. The fall of the flower. The flowers, which like leaves, 

 are only temporary organs, and for the most part very short- 

 lived ; for, as the object of their production is merely that of 

 effecting the impregnation of the germ, that object is no sooner 

 obtained than they begin again to give indications of decay, and 

 speedily fall from the plant ; so that the most beautiful of the 

 vegetable is also the most transient. The flower of the Cactus 

 graridiflorus, the most magnificent of all flowers, no sooner 

 expands than it begins to decay, and before the sun has risen 

 upon it, its beauty is gone. The flowers of the tulip and poppy, 

 though very gaudy, are very short-lived ; and the beautiful 

 blossom of our fruit trees soon begin to fade. The scene often 

 continues blooming indeed, both in the landscape of nature and 

 of art, but that is more owing to the succession of blossoms on 

 the same or on different plants, than to the permanency of 

 individual blossoms. And so also of the flowers that adorn the 

 field or meadow ; they spring up in continual succession, but are 

 individually of very short duration. 



3. The fall of the fruit. The fruit, which begins to appear 

 conspicuous when the flower falls, expands and increases in 

 volume, and, assuming a peculiar hue as it ripens, ultimately 



