A GREEN LEAF 83 



of energy-yielding starches, &c., out of the inert 

 elements of which carbon dioxide and water are 

 built up. 



This, I think, will justify me in pointing to a 

 green leaf as one of the most important of Nature's 

 works, for without it neither man nor any other 

 animal could exist. 



So, on the next occasion of a ramble in the 

 country, where the atmosphere is fresh and in- 

 vigorating, let us think for the moment, as we 

 gaze at the green verdure around, of the great 

 functions that it performs. It has been calculated 

 that fifty million tons of carbon dioxide are passed 

 into the atmosphere daily. Hence it follows that 

 fifty million tons of impure air must also be purified 

 by the green leaves : otherwise the natural equili- 

 brium would not be sustained, and animal life 

 would soon realise that something was amiss. 

 So, as we breathe the pure air into our lungs and 

 add vigour to our systems, surely we must acquire 

 an ever-increasing respect for the laws of Nature, 

 which fill the world with life through the scarcely 

 noticed agency of the insignificant " green leaf." 



