CHAP, ix.] LITTLE HOPE. 361 



invasion and occupancy of solitary wilds been going on 

 with such rapid progression as at the present moment, 

 and that with every prospect of an accelerated, instead 

 of a retarded, rate of advancement. It is not with 

 gigantic and valuable birds only that the exterminating 

 process is carried on by the first marauders into an un- 

 occupied country; plants also, that are in great demand, 

 are threatened with the same fate. " Dr. Weddell 

 entirely confirms the statement that there is so little 

 proportion between the consumption and the supply of 

 the Peruvian barks, that the most valuable sorts are 

 threatened with rapid destruction. Nor does there 

 appear to be any probability that this calamity, for such 

 it must surely be considered, can be arrested, unless the 

 best species are introduced into European colonies 

 suited to their cultivation. This is fortunately not un- 

 likely to be accomplished, for the finest of all, the Cali- 

 saya, has been raised in England from seed communi- 

 cated by Dr. Weddell through his friend Mr. Pentland ; 

 and there is reason to believe that these gentlemen 

 have also placed seeds in the hands of the East India 

 Company, in many parts of whose vast territories the 

 plant is certain to find a suitable soil and climate."* So 

 that even plants may find a refuge in domestication, as 

 well as birds and beasts, that will submit to such pro- 

 tection. 



Some naturalists may think that these dismal pro- 

 phecies respecting the poor Emeu, and other things, 

 are a little too Cassandra-like ; but, since 



" old Experience doth attain 

 To something like prophetic strain," 



* Gardener's Chronicle, Jan. 6, 1850. 



