THE AMAZON VALLEY. 
443 
greater variety of forms, than in the temperate zones. 
Among this great variety occur, as we might reasonably 
expect, the most striking and brilliant flowers, and the 
most remarkable forms of stem and foliage. But there 
is no evidence to show that the proportion of species bear- 
ing brightly coloured, compared to those bearing incon- 
spicuous flowers, is any greater in the tropics, than in 
the temperate regions ; and with regard to individuals — 
which is, after all, what produces the effects of vegeta- 
tion — it seems probable that there is a greater mass of 
brilliant colouring and picturesque beauty, produced by 
plants in the temperate, than in the tropical regions. 
There are several reasons which lead us to this con- 
clusion. In the tropics, a greater proportion of the sur- 
face is covered either with dense forests or with barren 
deserts, neither of which can exhibit many flowers. So- 
cial plants are less common in the tropics, and thus 
masses of colour are less frequently produced. Indi- 
vidual objects may be more brilliant and striking, but 
the general effect will not be so great, as that of a smaller 
number of less conspicuous plants, grouped together in 
masses of various colours, so strikingly displayed in the 
meadows and groves of the temperate regions. 
The changing hues of autumn, and the tender green 
of spring, are particular beauties which are not seen in 
tropical regions, and which are quite unsurpassed by 
anything that exists there. The wide expanse of green 
meadows and rich pastures is also wanting; and, how- 
ever much individual objects may please and astonish, 
the effect of the distant landscape is decidedly superior 
in the temperate parts of the world. 
