380 SPOTTING OF LEAVES. 



of rain into so many little lenses, converging the 

 rays, and scorching or burning a hole at the 

 focus. This conjecture has been rather strength- 

 ened by observing, that upon certain sorts, the 

 hautboy, alpine, &c., the rain when it falls uniformly 

 wets the leaves, yet they do not become spotted ; 

 but the smooth leaves of others, roseberry, caledo- 

 nian, upon which it stands in drops, always become 

 marked and perforated : but whatever may be the 

 real cause of these spottings, if the foliage be touched, 

 by way of an experiment, with the point of a heated 

 wire, after a few days they will present an appear- 

 ance very similar to what is naturally effected. 



There seems to be a curious analogy in their 

 functions between the roots of plants and the mov- 

 ing parent of animated beings, a similar obligation 

 being required from them L both of providing for 

 those dependent on them, and both will exert their 

 energies in fulfilment of this ordained mandate : the 

 roots of plants wander up and down in every direc- 

 tion, seeking for sustenance ; and we frequently see 

 trees, growing on rocks, extending their roots, like 

 sensitive beings, searching for moisture ; if this is 

 not obtained sufficiently, a sickly foliage and im- 

 poverished growth point out the condition of the 

 plant. 



The notable exertions which vegetables occa- 

 sionally make to obtain nutriment may be instanced 

 by the following rude drawing of an ash, a 



