SECRETIONS, 91 



propnate system of vessels, till it reaches the leaf, to 

 observe the new properties which it there acquires, 

 and the various substances into which it is converted, 

 at once yielding the flinty earth of the epidermis for its 

 own protection, and the grateful perfume of its flowers 

 for our delight ; to see it forming resin, a security from 

 moisture and decay, and gum, which is soluble and ea- 

 sily converted into the food of plants and animals ; 

 forming at one time, medicines to relieve, at another, 

 the poison to destroy ; to see it yielding the sweetest 

 as well as the most bitter draught, and contributing to 

 the formation of organs, which delight us with every 

 variety of colour, and beauty, and fragrance. 



