^OLIAGE OF TREES AND PLANTS. 61 



thirst for information upon the causes and nature 

 of the things about us, as to render it an apparent 

 inherent principle of the mind, inducing it to gra- 

 titude and love. From information in all the works 

 of Providence arises, as a necessary consequence, 

 admiration, and an exalted sense of Supreme in- 

 telligence and goodness. Without the desire of 

 knowing the designs and processes of things, no 

 investigation would be bestowed, and we should 

 remain in ignorance of all but the bare facts and 

 gross perceptions of creation ; nor can it be ques- 

 tioned but that the more extensive our acquaintance 

 is with the objects of Providence, in such propor- 

 tions must our convictions be of his justice, wisdom, 

 and power. 



The great utility of foliage, and its agency in 

 accomplishing the requirements of the plant and 

 its products, are well known ; and we can form some 

 comprehension of the vast supply that is required 

 by a tree when we view its foliage, each leaf being 

 employed in receiving and transmitting gases from 

 the air in certain proportions to the plant : these 

 great operations having been effected during the sum- 

 mer months, and this agency of the leaves finished, 

 they fall to the ground, not as an useless incum- 

 brance, but to convey a large portion of fresh soil 

 peculiarly fitted for the nutriment of vegetation. 

 Should they remain in any quantity beneath the 

 tree, they appear to be injurious to the smaller 

 herbage, but they are more generally dispersed as 

 they part from the sprays by the gales of autumn, 



