Scrub 



are drought, and those grazing animals of which the 

 goat has a bad pre-eminence. 



So it is not surprising to find that many useless South 

 Africans and Americans are very common weeds, and 

 widely spread ; there are, e.g., Prickly Pears, Mesem- 

 bryanthemums, Helichrysums, and Geraniums (that is, 

 Cape Pelargoniums), Aloes, Agaves, and the like. 



The general characters of scrub plants are quite clearly 

 influenced by the climate. The connection of thorns 

 with dry and sunny climates has already been considered. 



Gumminess and stickiness is an extremely useful 

 character, for not only are such plants unappetising 

 morsels, but the gum is an excellent covering for wounds 

 and cracks, and a safeguard against insects, of which 

 there are many in such countries. 



The subtropical scrub of Somaliland is the country of 

 gum, frankincense, and myrrh. To that mysterious land 

 of Punt, Queen Hatasu sent the first scientific exploring 

 expedition of which we have any record, a«^ which re- 

 turned with plenty of these fragrant drugs and essences, 

 which were in those days invaluable for mummies. 



But, in the Mediterranean countries, the strong scents 

 of rosemaries, basil, thyme, lavender, marjoram and 

 the like are of great interest. As we have seen else- 

 where,, strong sunshine and pure air intensifies these 

 perfumes, and it is in the Riviera that one finds the centre 

 of the perfume-industry. 



In the evil days that came upon the peasant pro- 

 prietors in the Phylloxera invasion, here and there 

 some courageous and energetic Frenchman (or woman, 

 for Frenchwomen understand business) started great 

 factories where roses, lilacs, parma violets, and the 

 *' cassie " (Acacia farnesiana) were required by the million. 

 Thousands of acres are under flowers, and some at 

 least of those peasants have again recovered prosperity. 



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