24 
The VEGETABLE SYSTEM. 
Plants are univerfal from 73 degrees to the Pole, we might be very 
reafonably led to doubt the propolition, that any one quarter of the 
Globe was altogether without thofe common to another. 
Why (hould it be thought Arange a Plant (hould travel by its 
Seeds from 73 degrees to 50. We know the great opportunities there 
are of conveyance by winds and fea ; we are fenfible that the quantity 
of Seeds produced by Plants is fo great, that if out of ten thoufand, one 
only (hall live, the Plant will be preferved, and propagate itfelf 
where that (hall fall. 
It is not needful we (hould fuppofe a fudden flight of the Seeds 
of any Plant of 23 degrees: let us confider the length of time there 
has been for this migration ; let us take into the confideration alfo, the 
nature of the Plant, and it will appear fo far from wonderful, that 
Moufe-Ear lhould be found both in Europe and America, that there 
will be required almofl: a miracle to prevent it. From Cumberland 
Ifle and Greenland, the courfe is almofl; due South ; and we very 
well know, there are not wanting North winds, in that part of the world, 
to forward it. The Plant Moufe-Ear, produces Seeds altogether innu- 
merable ; they are very minute, and they are winged with fuch a quan- 
tity of Down, that they will float in the air a long time, even in a 
calm. They may then be carried very far by winds; and the Plant is 
fo hardy, that no foil prevents its growth ; rocks, abfolute naked rocks, 
receive the Seed, and are often covered at vafl: heights, and in an 
amazing manner, by the Plant. What then prevents its propagating 
itfelf gradually Southward to a certain Latitude ; and from the Nor- 
thern Countries, fpreading itfelf, not only to Newfoundland, but 
thence alfo to Penfylvania, Virginia and Carolina ? 
Though it will grow in extreme cold, we know that is not ne- 
ceflary to it, becaufe it grows in England, and other parts of Eu- 
rope : nay it thrives better here; for in the very cold Countries jufl: 
mentioned, it never exceeds three inches in height, whereas with us, 
it will be five or fix. 
To 
