REMARKS ON FLOWERS. 129 



formed for the climates to which they are indigenous, and have not 

 that mutability of structure or of sap which would render them invul- 

 nerable to frost in a colder country, or to the incessant excitement of 

 a warmer one without deterioration. 



That many plants are now seen in the open air which were for- 

 merly in the greenhouse, or even in the stove, is well known ; but this 

 has not happened in consequence of any change in the constitution 

 of those plants, but merely from being misplaced on their first intro- 

 duction, for want of experience. Aucuba Japonica, one of our 

 hardiest shrubs, was once under my care in the warmest end of a 

 conservatory ! 



The effect of frost on tender vegetable bodies is mitigated by thaw- 

 ing it off with water before the sun shines upon them. This seems 

 to contradict what has been before stated, as to dryness being a safe- 

 guard to plants. But the cases are different ; perfect dryness is a 

 security against frost, but when plants are loaded with frozen dew, 

 and this allowed to be dissolved by the sun, a much more intense de- 

 gree of cold is generated during the solution of the icy particles by 

 the sun, than if they were suddenly dissolved by water. It is this 

 increased degree of cold which ruptures the delicate vessels of the 

 plants, and of course destroys them. 



Sometimes we see the stem of a tender shrub, as a heath, for in- 

 stance, rent in many pieces, whilst the youngest shoots remain un- 

 hurt. This is owing to the rigidity of the first, and the elastic texture 

 of the second ; the latter yields to the distending effects of the con- 

 cealed sap, and afterwards returns to a healthy state ; but the un- 

 yielding character of the old wood only renders it more destructable. 

 The foliage of the grasses indigenous to cold countries is only withered 

 by frost, but seldom destroyed, owing to the tenacity and elasticity of 

 its structure. 



ARTICLE IV. 



REMARKS ON FLOWERS. 



BY HISUEMANA. 



As contributions on floral matters are requested, I offer the following 

 remarks, if deemed worthy of notice : — 



I was gratified by the reminiscence of an early favourite flower, the 



