GENERAL SUMMARY 



CONTENTS OP VOL. II. 



Physiognomy of 'Plants -p. 1 to p. 31. 



Universal profuse distribution of organic life on the declivities of the 

 highest mountains, on the ocean, and in the atmosphere. Sub- 

 terranean Flora. Siliceous-shelled Polygastrica in masses of polar 

 ice. Podurellse in tubular holes in the glaciers of the Alps ; the 

 glacier flea (Desoria glacialis). Small organic creatures in the 

 dust which falls like rain in the neighbourhood of the African 

 Desert 38 



History of the vegetable covering of the surface of the globe. Gra- 

 dual extension of vegetation over the bare rocky crust. Lichens, 

 mosses, and succulent plants. Causes of the present absence of 

 vegetation in particular districts 8 13 



Each zone has its peculiar character. All animal and vegetable forms 

 attached to fixed and always recurring types. Physiognomy of 

 Nature. Analysis of the general impression produced by the aspect 

 of a country or district. The several elements which make up this 

 impression ; outlines of the mountains, azure of the sky, and form 

 of the clouds : but principally determined by the vegetable covering. 

 Animal organisation far less influential on the landscape from defi- 

 ciency of mass. The power of locomotion of individuals, and 



