M4 



On Moss Roses. 



and green appearance, as if the gum-resin contained in them, 

 and which is so abundant in the generality of Moss Roses, 

 were more diluted and aqueous. 



The moisture which is common to shady situations, may 

 serve so far to increase the volume of natural fluids in or- 

 dinary Moss Roses as finally to destroy their mossy invest- 

 ment, by over excitation of the living powers. Their juices 

 are usually viscid, and of a medium quantity. To the support 

 of these properties, neither a particularly dry soil nor a high 

 temperature appears favourable. 



The climate of England seems more genial than any other, 

 to the healthy growth of Moss Roses ; for it is well known, 

 that in the south of Europe, they are neither so successfully 

 cultivated nor maintain so permanently a genuine mossy 

 character, as in this country ; and under a tropical sun, they 

 fail altogether. This latter circumstance may probably be 

 accounted for by the fact, that vegetable, like animal bodies, 

 in a state of growth, are endued with an elastic property, 

 ultimately resulting from series of reticulated tubes, the 

 destruction of which, whether partially or wholly, is fatal to 

 the offices of life. The total absence, therefore, of moss 

 on Roses which grow in tropical climates may be occasioned 

 by an insufficient supply of moisture, owing to the violent 

 heats of those regions, promoting a rigidity of fibre, and a 

 consequent prevention of the determination of resinous 

 matter to the surface of the plant. 



