24 PICTURE OF ORGANIZED NATURE. 



3. The Plantain-trees (for instance, the Figs of 

 Paradise, Musce), are, as to their luxuriant growth, 

 size of leaves, and colour, superior to the palms, but 

 much more confined to the Torrid Zone. 



4. The Order of the Reed (Cann<e), as well as that 

 of the Ananas (BromeMte), are likewise peculiar to 

 the Torrid and Warm Zones: this chiefly holds good 

 in the spicy plants, Ginger (Amomum), Costus, and 

 Curcuma. From observations hitherto made, their ex- 

 tent, from the Torrid to the Temperate Zones, cannot 

 be ascertained. The Flowering Reed (Canna indica 

 L.), in the middle part of Germany, also prospers, in 

 the summer, in the open air. 



5. The other Orders of the Monocotyledones are less 

 limited with regard to their extension. The most 

 beautiful, however, and particularly those which are 

 conspicuous for their magnificent flowers or spicy 

 properties, inhabit the warmer countries : they attain 

 their greatest number, and highest degree of perfec- 

 tion, in the Tropical regions. Several Monocotyle- 

 dones are diffused to a very great extent ; and parti- 

 cularly the Bee- Flowers (Orchidece), which commence 

 in the neighbourhood of the snow- line: for instance, 

 according to Wahlenberg, the Ophrys alpina occurs 

 in Lapland at SOO ft. below the snow-line. In the 

 Torrid Zone their frequency and beauty increase; 



