upper sides, with little globules of odoriferous gum, 
shining like the topaz; whilst their inferior surface 
is nicely clothed with a vegetable fabric like cotton, 
that inwdnter is closely applied to the tender shoots, 
as a protection against the inclemencies of the rigo- 
rous climate of Labrador, Greenland, and other si- 
milar situations, of which it is native. 
The young shoots themselves, are also covered with 
a similar material, and so evident a contrivance is 
rarely observed for the protection of a shrubby plant. 
Here are rigid leaves charged with resin, impervious 
to moisture, and defying the cold : these in winter, 
change their position, turn down, and clasp the shoot 
from which they issued; nor leave their charge till 
summer warmth is felt again. 
Philosophers have found difficulty in distinguish- 
ing instinct from reason. Locke would not admit the 
distinction. It can scarcely be denied that the loco- 
motion of this plant is to instinct, what instinct is to 
reason. Proud man, in his present imperfection, is 
but few removes from the weed he treads upon. 
TheLedum latifolium may be propagated by lay ers 
of the young wood, which will strike root, and they 
may be taken off in about two years. In taking off 
layers, or in transplanting, as much soil as can be 
conveniently taken about the roots, should be remov- 
ed with them. They are sometimes raised from seeds 
also. A mixture of peat and light loam, or if peat 
be wanting, rotten leaves and loam, will constitute a 
proper soil for the Ledum. An eastern aspect is 
preferable to any other. An exposed southern situa- 
tion should not be chosen, unless the soil can be kept 
perfectly moist during the summer. 
Hort. Kew. 2, v. 3, 48. 
