436 



SILENCE IN THE FORESTS. 



which prevails on a battle-field before the dread voices of the cannon 

 speak of death and carnage, but, unlike that hush, it is never inter- 

 rupted. Morning comes with its cold gray lights, noon .with its 

 warmth and radiance and splendour, night with its orbed noon and 

 pearly dews, but the hush still reigns undisturbed, and it seems to 

 the traveller as it' it would never be broken but by the sounds which 

 shall proclaim the end of all things ! 



It is rather by the varied characteristics of the species which 



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]. Blechnum Brasilieuse. :>. Alscphila horrida. 3. Panicum plicatum. 



4. Maranta. 5. Caladiura violaceuni. 



compose it, by their fantastic structures and useful properties, than 

 by its gigantic outcomes, that the wild flora of these forest-regions 

 appeals to our admiration. We are struck at first by the infinite 

 variety, richness, and elegance of the vegetable forms. Especially do 

 we pause in wonder before those glorious Tree-Ferns which I take to 



