238 



CHAPTER OF VARIETIES. 



is correct. I would rather suggest that the foot is merely laid flat upon 

 the level surface of the glass, while in the advancing position, and kept 

 there by the atmospheric pressure ; just as two plates of glass, or two 

 scraped bullets are kept together, the contract being completed by what 

 Dr. P. calls a viscous liquor (oily, I should think, as mucus would dry 

 and harden, and so annoy the creature) ; and that when the foot is 

 directly under the body, the tendo Achillis (so to speak) begins to 

 act, curling up the posterior edge of the cushion, and so removing the 

 pressure. — T. 



Peculiarities of plants. — All succulent plants, such as annuals, 

 will be found to have the leaves erect. This I consider to be a wise 

 contrivance of Providence, to supply them with the quantity of mois- 

 ture they require, which is more than the roots can furnish ; as dews 

 and light rain, which may be imbibed by the leaves, will scarcely ever 

 be in sufficient quantity to penetrate to the roots, 



On the other hand, all woody plants, such as trees and shrubs, ex- 

 cept the willow, and some others, which require much water, have 

 their leaves pendent. This is to act as so many drains, or gutters, to 

 carry off the superfluity of moisture ; and it will be found, that as the 

 wood is more or less solid, the stem is rugged and channeled, to carry 

 off the wet to the root. 



The bloom, or fine dust, discovered on plumbs, raspberries, grapes, 

 and some other fruits, and on the leaves of cabbages, is evidently in* 

 tended to shoot off the water, which, were it not for this contrivance, 

 would enter the porous skin, and rot the fruit, or plant. The down of 

 the peach appears intended for the same purpose E. G. Ballard. 



Islington, 



The globe amaranthus. — In this flower, which is what is 

 called everlasting, the parts of fructification are inclosed in a thick 

 down, like cotton wool, and the pericarp is provided with a thick and 

 hard skin, impervious to moisture. This curious provision is essential, 

 as from the varnished and parchment-like character of the calyx, it 

 would act as a cup at its base, to retain the moisture, were it not 

 absorbed by the down just mentioned. The pericarp is also further 

 protected by a thick and impervious capsule.— E. G. Ballard. 



Islington. 



