Scrub 
are drought, and those grazing animals of which the 
goat has a bad pre-eminence. 
So it is not surprising to find that many useless South 
Africans and Americans are very common weeds, and 
widely spread; there are, eg., Prickly Pears, Mesem- 
bryanthemums, Helichrysums, and Geraniums (that is, 
Cape Pelargoniums), Aloes, Agaves, and the like. 
The general characters of scrub plants are quite clearly 
influenced by the climate. The connection of thorns 
with dry and sunny climates has already been considered. 
Gumminess and stickiness is an extremely useful 
character, for not only are such plants unappetising 
morsels, but the gum is an excellent covering for wounds 
and cracks, and a safeguard against insects, of which 
there are many in such countries. 
The subtropical scrub of Somaliland is the country of 
gum, frankincense,and myrrh. To that mysterious land 
of Punt, Queen Hatasu sent the first scientific exploring 
expedition of which we have any record, and which re- 
turned with plenty of these fragrant drugs and essences, 
which were in those days invaluable for mummies. 
But, in the Mediterranean countries, the strong scents 
of rosemaries, basil, thyme, lavender, marjoram and 
the like are of great interest. As we have seen else- 
where, strong sunshine and pure air intensifies these 
perfumes, and it is in the Riviera that one finds the centre 
of the perfume-industry. 
In the evil days that came upon the peasant pro- 
prietors in the Phylloxera invasion, here and there 
some courageous and energetic Frenchman (or woman, 
for Frenchwomen understand business) started great 
factories where roses, lilacs, parma violets, and the 
“ cassie ” (Acacia farnesiana) were required by the million. 
Thousands of acres are under flowers, and some at 
least of those peasants have again recovered prosperity. 
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