283 HARMONIES OF VEGETATION. 



any relative agreement with the point of proportion; for 

 instead of large animals being attached to large vege- 

 tables, they are united by contrast, the class of trees 

 associating with small animals, and that of herbs with 

 the great quadrupeds. By this arrangement, Nature 

 has given protection to the feeble, and convenience to 

 the powerful. 



Th's law is so general, that in every country where there is no 

 great variety of herbage, the quadrupeds which 'live upon them are 

 few in number ; and that wherever the species of trees are nume- 

 rous, those of the smaller animals are likewise multiplied. This is 

 particularly the case in various parts of America, among others. 

 Guiana and Brazil are noted for their trees, and it is well known 

 that those countries have, in fact, few indigenous quadrupeds, but 

 that on the contrary, there arc an infinite variety of birds and in- 

 sects. 



21. If we cast a glance on the relations of grasses to 

 quadrupeds, we shall find that, notwithstanding their 

 apparent contrast, a multitude of real correspondencies 

 exists between them. 



The moderate elevation of grasses places them within reach of 

 quadrupeds, whose heads are in an horizontal position, and fre- 

 quently inclined towards the ground. Their loose leaves seem 

 formed to be laid hold of by broad and fleshy lips, their delicate 

 stems to be easily cut by incisive teeth, and their farinaceous seeds 

 to be easily bruised by the grinders. Besides, their softness and 

 elasticity afford an excellent litter fur ponderous bodies. 



22. If, on the other hand, we examine the confor- 

 mities which exists between trees and birds, we shall 

 see how justly the natural agreement has been estimated. 



The branches of trees are easily grasped by the four claws o f 

 most birds, which are disposed in such a manner that there are three 



