RARE AND REMARKABLE PLANTS. 137 
dying, at the approach of cultivation, like the Red Indian 
ko} 
disappearing from his hunting-grounds before the advaneing 
footsteps of the white man. But if the destruction of the 
natural vegetation of a country be a mournful sight to a 
botanist, no less is the re-appearance of vegetation over 
the ruined habitation of man a melancholy and interesting 
spectacle to all. The ivy, the same plant that hangs and 
spreads itself over the wildest cliffs, covers and supports 
the ruined walls with its evergreen mantle. On the proud- 
est edifices of bygone days we see the lichens appearing : 
“ Those living stains which Nature’s hand alone, 
Profuse of life, pours forth upon the stone; 
For ever growing where the common eye 
Can but the bare and rocky bed descry. 
These allincrease, till in unnoticel years 
The stony tower as grey with age appears, 
With coats of vegetation thinly spread, 
Coat above coat, the living on the dead; 
T'hese then dissolve to dust, and make away 
For bolder foliage ; nursed by their decay, 
The long-enduring Ferns in time will all 
Die, and depose their dust upon the wall— 
Where the winged seed will rest, till many a lower 
Shows Flora’s triumph on the falling tower.” 
ÜRABBE. 
VOL. VI., 1855, PART II. Ss 
