268 I'ALL OF RIPE FUUIT, 



the life of the adjoining branch continues unimpaired, 

 and a line of separation is soon drawn. In a poor soil, 

 or unfavourable climate, a bunch or spike which should 

 naturally consist of a considerable number of flowers, 

 bears perhaps not half so many. Its uppec part very 

 early withers, the vital principle ceases to act at the point 

 beyond which it could not continue to act with eflfect, 

 and all its energy is directed to perfect what lies within 

 the compass of its resources. This is evident in Lathy- 

 rus odoratus, the Sweet Pea of our gardens, a native of 

 a very hot climate, at the sum.mits of whose flower- 

 stalks are generally found the rudiments of one or more 

 flowers, not attempted to be perfected. So also the first 

 Barley sown on the sandy heaths of Norfolk, and indeed 

 too nniny a following crop, bears very few grains in an 

 ear ; for ihe same meagre supply of nourishment, be- 

 stowed equally on a numerous spike of blossoms, would 

 infallibly starve them all. In like manner one seed only 

 is perfected in the best wild Arabian CoflPec, known by 

 its round form ; while the West Indian plantation Cof- 

 fee has two in each berry, both consequently flattened 

 on one side. The former grows in barren open places, 

 in situations sufficiently favourable for the impregna- 

 tion of its blossoms, but far less so for the perfecting 

 of much seed ; while the latter, well supplied with 

 manure and moisture, is enabled to bring every germ to 

 maturity. 



Very strange effects are often produced upon plants 

 by the attacks of insects, whence the various kinds of 

 Galls derive their origin. These are occasioned by the 



