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FURTHER OBSERVATIONS 



very fine, and mixed with soft soap to the consist- 

 ence of paste, has proved more efficacious. 



a large portion of that fluid. For which reason, the sun-flower, 

 considered bulk for bulk, takes in seventeen times more nou- 

 rishment than a man, and, consequently, perspires more. 



" During the continuance of dry north-east winds, the leaves 

 of corn are observed to grow yellow, and the early-set fruit fre- 

 quently falls off. This is owing to the want of moisture in the 

 atmosphere to fill the vessels of the leaves and top branches, 

 whereby the fruit is deprived of nourishment. Under such 

 circumstances, it is probable that wall-fruit may be preserved 

 by prudently watering the leaves and top-branches during the 

 heat of the day. It is, however, a singular happiness, that the 

 air is at no time perfectly free from moisture. Bring a bottle 

 of cold water into the warmest room, and its surface will im- 

 mediately be covered with a thick dew. An air absolutely dry 

 would, in a few days, annihilate the vegetable creation. 



" The air is justly said to contain the life of vegetables as 

 well as animals. It is'a compressible and elastic fluid, surround- 

 ing the face of the globe, and reaching to a considerable height 

 above it. Vegetables do not grow in [vacuo, and animals die 

 when deprived of air. It has two states, being either elastic or 

 fixed. Dr. Hales observes, that in its elastic and active state, 

 it conduces to the invigorating the juices of vegetables ; and, in 

 its fixed and inert state, gives union, weight, and firmness to all 

 natural bodies. By his experiments we are informed, that fixed 

 air constitutes near one-third part of the solid contents of the 

 heart of oak. It is found to bear the same proportion in peas, 

 beans, and other vegetable substances. Heat and fermentation 

 , render it elastic. It is again capable of being absorbed and 

 fixed. Was the whole air of the universe brought at once into 

 an elastic and repulsive state, every thing would suffer a sudden 

 dissolution. Was it entirely fixed, then all things would be re- 

 duced to an inert lump. Almighty Providence has provided 

 against these extremes, and in the most wonderful manner pre- 



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