OF THE ROOT. 57 



take firm hold, and the trees they support seem, undauntedly, 

 to brave the violence of storms and tempests. Spindle roots 

 abound in rich, soft grounds, which they can easily penetrate. 

 Damp and loose soils are rendered fit for the use of man, by 

 being bound together by creeping and fibrous roots. We find 

 here, as in every part of nature, proofs of a wise Creator, who 

 makes nought, 



" In vain, or not for admirable ends." , 



We have now described those roots which grow by being 

 fixed in the earth. But besides these, there are plants which 

 are not fixed, but float about in the water ; some grow upon 

 other plants, and some seem to derive sustenance from air alone. 



Of the first kind, or aquatic roots, is the Lemna or duckmeat, 

 which grows in stagnant water, having thread-like roots, not 

 confined to any fixed place. The water-star grass,* previous 

 to its blossoming, floats about, and is nourished by its suspended 

 fibres ; after flowering, it sinks to the bottom, its roots become 

 fixed and its seeds ripen. These seeds germinating, a new race 

 of plants appear, which rise to the surface of the water, blossom 

 and sink to the earth, producing in turn their successors. Some 

 of the Cryptogamous plants, particularly of the genus Fucus, 

 exist in a wandering manner, often forming islands of conside- 

 rable size. In the Gulf of Florida, the Fucus natans is very 

 abundant ; this, by voyagers, is often called gulf- weed, and is 

 sometimes found in masses extending many miles, and, 



" Sailing on ocean's foam, 



Wher'er the surge may sweep, the tempest's breath prevail." 



How strikingly analagous this poor weed to many a human 

 being, blown about on the ocean of life, by every breath of 

 passion or caprice ! Who would not rather, like the mountain 

 oak, meet the storms of life firmly rooted in virtuous principles, 

 than to be floated along even by the breath of pleasure, without 

 end or aim, forgetful of the past and careless of the future ? 

 To the virtuous, afflictions serve but to strengthen them in 

 goodness; so, 



" Yonder oaks ! superior to the power 



Of all the warring winds of heaven do rise, 



And from the stormy promontory tower; 



While each assailing blast increase of strength supplies." 



We find roots which grow on other plants, appearing to de- 

 rive sustenance from their juices. These are called parasites ; 

 this term is often applied to persons who are willing to live in 

 dependence upon others ; and so despicable does this trait of 

 character appear, that we almost conceive it a kind of mean- 



* Callitriche aquatica. 

 Aquatic roots Parasitic plants. 



