1856.] Effects of Frost on Dormant Vegetation. 183 



*'^\lt (Effects of ixn^i oil pormaut Vegetation." 



[The article by " Annakdale," under tlie above titb iu our last number has 

 been the means of calling out several able communications, from correspondents 

 of distinction in both scientific and practical Agriculture and Horticulture. This 

 is as we desired ; and, indeed, as we expected ; for, it seems scarcely possible to 

 present a subject of greater interest than this, where the phenomena are so 

 familiar, and the facts so abundant, and which, at the same time, presents so 

 many points of view, in both its scientific and practical application. And these 

 considerations Avill, as we think, be sufficient reason for giving our readers a 

 succession of articles on this topic. — Eds.] 



Glancing over the various climes and countries of our glohe, we dis- 

 cover two classes of plants which may be said to meet at the freezing 

 point. One class, natives of the tropics, is invariably doomed to destruc- 

 tion when exposed to a temperature below the freezing point ; while the 

 plants composing the other class have the power to endure cold, to even 

 extreme degrees. We find that a wise Creator has furnished every zone 

 with such vegetables as will find support in its soil, and endure the 

 vicissitudes of its seasons. Suitable soil and appropriate temperature 

 of the climate are the chief conditions to which the vital action of the 

 plant is subject. The divine spirit of life within the plant is, as to its 

 essence, entirely unknown to us. We see its effects and wonderful work- 

 ings, but science will never be able to discover its source ; for this reason 

 it has never explained why this vital power of some plants is speedily 

 extinguished by frost, while in others it remains unhurt, if in a dor- 

 mant state, through intense and long continued cold. It is true, 

 howcvc-r, that we may know the mechanical alterations that occur in the 

 tissues of the plant, causing its destruction ; but the mystery still 

 remains unsolved, and the question, Why does it occur in one plant, 

 and not in another ? is yet unanswered. 



In like manner, it is fully understood that some of what are called 

 " hardy plants " are often destroyed by a degree of cold which does not 

 in anywise disturb other individuals, in the same spot and of the same 

 species, size, and age. This phenomenon is explained by the specific 

 nature of the tissues of the plant. ]\lr. DecondoUe says, on this subject, 

 1st. " all other things being ef|ual, the power of each plant, and of each part 

 of the plant, to resist extremes of temperature, is in inverse ratio to the 

 quantity of water it contains. 2d. The power of each plant to resist 

 extremes of temperature, is directly in proportion to the viscidity of its 

 fluids, od. The power in plants to resist cold, is in direct ratio to the 



