152 



tion is much more perfect than that of others. Therefore it stands as 

 an ultimate of the vegetable kingdom, comprehending the essences 

 of all below its high order of being. Its roots and trunk are very long 

 and slender, and it developes from the bottom of the trunk to the 

 shooting forth of the branches, calices corresponding to the petals of 

 the bud and its fruit. It is not high, but grows with exceeding spon- 

 taneity ; and it is fitted for the uses of the animal economy. It is 

 produced in one half of one of the years, at the equator — reproduced 

 twice in one of this planet's years. And this is the most useful 

 vegetable upon the surface of Saturn. 



" There are intermediate formations, from the lowest to the highest, 

 in the vegetable kingdom. But it would be impossible to classify 

 these intermediate species ; and the four generalizations give a distinct 

 conception of the vegetable developments of this plant ; the object 

 being only to establish progressive succession. And this being found- 

 ed in natural and invariable laws, analogy confirms this revealment." 

 — i. 176. 



The Vegetation of Jupiter. — " The vegetable productions of Jupiter 

 are more extensive than those of Saturn. Of the various species of 

 plants existing upon its surface, a detailed description is not necessary 

 to be given. But a general classification will be made of the promi- 

 nent kinds existing, in order that the perpetual ascension may be con- 

 ceived of as here preserved in order and harmony. There are on this 

 planet upward of three hundred thousand species of plants. But their 

 connexions with each other are so intimate, that they warrant but five 

 general classifications. 



" The first of these is an exceedingly large and bulky tree, whose 

 circumference varies in size according to the circumstances under 

 which it is produced. It is formed of the compositions existing in 

 the planet's materials; and being the strongest production of the 

 vegetable kingdom it is consequently the most imperfect. It has 

 heavy seams formed of complex fibres, which are fully developed 

 about the branches in thin ejected limbs, upon which exists a species 

 of fruit. This fruit is of a nature suitable to enter into the composi- 

 tion of the lower order of animals, but is exceedingly deleterious to the 

 higher classes. 



" The second species of plant differs from the other in height, bulk, 

 and general appearance. It is encompassed with a thick bark. The 

 productions of this tree are limited. It brings forth a kind of juice, 

 which flows freely from the cups existing upon its exterior. This is 

 useful, as it is very nourishing and invigorating to the animal economy. 



