PHYSIOGNOMY OP PLANTS. 29 



ill that of the ramification), by Schinus Molle ; Myrtaceae ( 31 ), 

 (Metrosideros, Eucalyptus, Escalloniamyrtilloides); Melasto- 

 macese ( 32 ), and the Laurel form ( 33 ). 



It would be an enterprise worthy of a great artist to study 

 the aspect and character of all these vegetable groups, not 

 merely in hot-houses or in the descriptions of botanists, 

 but in their native grandeur in the tropical zone. How 

 interesting and instructive to the landscape painter ( 34 ) would 

 be a work which should present to the eye, first separately 

 and then in combination and contrast, the leading forms 

 which have been here enumerated ! ' How picturesque is 

 the aspect of tree-ferns spreading their delicate fronds above 

 the laurel-oaks of Mexico; or groups of plantains over- 

 shadowed by arborescent grasses (Guaduas and Bamboos) ! 

 It is the artist's privilege, having studied these groups, to 

 analyse them : and thus in his hands the grand and beautiful 

 form of nature which he would pourtray resolves itself, (if I 

 may venture on the expression) like the written works of 

 men,, into a few simple elements. 



It is under the burning rays of a tropical sun that vegetation 

 displays its most majestic forms. In the cold north the bark 

 of trees is covered with lichens and mosses, whilst between 

 the tropics the Cymbidium and fragrant Vanilla enliven the 

 trunks of the Anacardias, and of the gigantic fig trees. 

 The fresh verdure of the Pothos leaves, and of the Dracon- 

 tias, contrasts with the many-coloured flowers of the Orchidese. 

 Climbing Bauhinias, Passifloras, and yellow flowering Banis- 

 terias, twine round the trunks of the forest trees. Delicate 

 blossoms spring from the roots of the Theobroma, and from 



