Qn 
371 [ Price. 
scope, that tells nothing of their inherent properties or proportions, can- 
not determine the base of plants to be the same, when their qualities as 
medicines, coloring material, or nourishing food, or poisons, are infinitely 
varied and the opposite of each other. 
This physical basis of life that is thus extended so broadly, Huxley, in 
a measure, defines, by saying, ‘‘that as all protoplesm is proteinaceous, 
or, as the white, or albumen of an egg is one of the commonest examples 
of a nearly pure proteine matter, we may say that all living matter is 
more or less albuminoid.’? Well, that may be, if sufficient latitude be 
allowed to the words ‘‘more or less,’’ and yet all be as different as the 
things above enumerated, with many other things of contrary elements 
constituting their ‘living matter,’’ for all that is not albumen must then 
be something else, and be part of the living matter that came with the 
albumen, or protoplasm, into the composition of the living being or thing. 
And this lets the theory fall to the ground. A partial similitude will not 
necessarily constitute identity. The theory demands too much when it 
requires identity of elements of growth in plants and animals of what- 
soever kind. 
The plant unsentient, without mind or will of its own, is said, by 
naturalists, to affect its habitat, that is, to choose where it likes to grow. 
This but means that it flourishes where circumstances most favor its 
growth, and does not elsewhere. In its life inhere wonderful mysteries 
that we can only refer to something above it, as we have for the life and 
instinct of animate beings. Its seeds are boundlessly strewn; but which 
shall grow and flourish, will depend upon their relative power and mastery 
over competing plants. This contest and its results we readily understand. 
But how the fibres of the roots have their gift to select from the soil only 
those particles of nourishment which suits the plant’s growth ; how the 
plant can convert silt into flowers ; how it can send the vital current, against 
the law of gravitation, to the topmost branches of the oak and pine, sur- 
passes our comprehension. We say, in part explanation of the latter, 
that the resin and sap pass upwards by capillary attraction, as we see 
water rise a limited distance in very small tubes, or through a sponge, or 
among the hairs of our shaving brush. This, in part, may suffice, but 
there must be help from vital action, as certainly there seems to be where 
life is employed in the fresh growth of annual plants, and the new 
branches of trees. The vital force must do the work, as when that is 
quiescent nothing is done. Asin all animate nature we can only continue 
to look upon all vegetable life as a continuing, insoluble mystery ; but of the 
highest beneficence. Trees and plants, ever true to the life and duty assigned 
them, will furnish to man, beast, fish, reptile, bird and insect, the food 
they require ; and to man the medicines, gums, dye-stufis, and spices he 
wants ; and also the blossoms, flowers, and scenery he loves and enjoys 
with an ever-refining enjoyment. In truth, directly or indirectly, all the 
animate life on land, or in air or sea, is supported by the seemingly self- 
sustaining life of the vegetable kingdom. The latter is created that the 
» former may live ; and all, that human souls may crown the creation. Yet 
