352 Transplantation of Coniferous Forest Trees. 



the localities or habitations of such plants may be, as those 

 from opposite latitudes or zones of a great distance, with a 

 similarity of soils. This is applicable also to seeds derived 

 from the parent stock of stunted growths, otherwise physi- 

 cally deteriorated constitutions of such plants growing on 

 mountains, in sheltered positions, shady ravines, or in soils or 

 positions presenting no similarity. It is well known to every 

 accurate observer, that powerful summer heats are capable of 

 causing trees and shrubs to endure the most rigorous winters; 

 which would militate decidedly against the opinion of some 

 as to the acclimation of plants from Southern to Northern lat- 

 itudes. Seeds contained in pericarps germinate sooner if 

 planted immediately after being separated from their natural 

 covering. I do not think that the mean annual temperature 

 of various countries in the temperate zones and tropical regions 

 affect the growth and nutrition of plants so much as has been 

 supposed. The habits and life of a plant may be changed. 

 and brought to exist on food not naturally suited to its consti- 

 tution by the care and cultivation of the same by man, who 

 is the most active agent in the dispersion of plants. Many 

 plants, as those the most useful to mankind, by slow and 

 gradual acclimation, become distributed over a vast region ; 

 as a proof of this position, we have only to point to the Indian 

 corn, rice, cotton, and sweet potato, growing in our own coun- 

 try. Again, — plants, whether herbaceous or perennial, as in 

 medical botany, may, by removal from opposite zones, become 

 stunted in their growth, with less luxuriance of appearance, 

 yet there will be a greater concentration of active properties, 

 than what is possessed in its original habitation. The designs 

 of our Creator are obvious in all of his works. Without care 

 or much protection by man, we see the delicate plant, Nas- 

 turtium peruvianum, or Indian cress, braving the different 

 climes, and lingering on the verge of our Northern winter. 

 This plant is a native of Peru ; its systematic name is Tropoe^o- 

 lum majus, from TQixmaiov, or Tropaion, a warlike shield or tro- 

 phy. " This fanciful but elegant name was chosen by Linnaeus 

 for this singular and striking genus, because he conceived the 

 shield-like leaves and the brilliant flowers, shaped like golden 

 helmets, pierced through and through, and stained with blood, 

 would justify such an allusion." It was first brought to 



