160 THE SCIENCE OF LIFE. 



dark-green leaves and whorl-like branches. (Fig. 59.) 

 In the tropical or equinoctial regions the mass of leafy 

 woods is marked by the prevalence of the Mallow-form, 

 with long-stalked and palmately-lobed leaves. The 

 giant Baobab, the barrel-like trunk of the Bombax, and 

 the purple-blossomed Hibiscus bush belong to this class. 

 The Australian Laurels and Myrtles are allied to the 

 northern Willows, yet their rigid leaves, shining as if 

 varnished, or covered with a silvery felt which mingles 

 with the shining green, give them a characteristic phys- 

 iognomy. 



Thus even a general observer may notice variety 

 enough to indicate that a free intelligence has arranged 

 these forms to minister mental enjoyment, as well as to 

 supply the needs of intelligent creatures. Archbishop 

 Trench has well said that the characters of nature which 

 every-where meet the eye " are not a common, but a sa- 

 cred writing they are hieroglyphics of God." 



