324 APPLICATION OF PRINCIPLES. 



thermometer rises frequently above 90°, the refresh- 

 ing sea breeze is then interrupted, and frequent calms 

 announce the approach of the great periodical rains. 

 Fiery clouds are seen in the atmosphere, and the 

 mountains appear less distant to the spectator than at 

 other seasons of the year. The rain falls in torrents 

 about the beginning of October, the rivers oveifiow 

 their banks, and a great portion of the low grounds is 

 submerged. The rain that fell in Barbadoes in the 

 year 1754 is said to have exceeded 87 inches. The 

 moisture of the atmosphere is so great, that iron and 

 other metals easily oxidated are covered with rust. 

 This humidity continues under a burning sun ; the 

 inhabitants (say some writers) live in a vapour bath." 

 {Malte Brun's Geography, vol. v. p. 569, Engl, ed.) 



It is evident, from what has been said, that the 

 natural resting of plants from growth is a most 

 important phenomenon, of universal occurrence, and 

 that it takes place equally in the hottest and the 

 coldest regions. It is, therefore, a condition neces- 

 sary to the well-being of a plant, not to be overlooked 

 under any circumstances whatever ; and there cannot 

 be any really good gardening where this is not at- 

 tended to in the management of plants under glass. 

 Eest is effected in one of two ways ; either by a very 

 considerable lowering of temperature, or by a degree 

 of dryness under which vegetation cannot be sustained. 



The way in which the physical powers of vegeta- 

 tion are affected by this has been already explained 

 (114) ; and, in practice, it is found a point of the utmost 

 consequence. The early fruit-gardener draws his 



