142 
FURTHEP. OBSERVATIONS 
It is exceedingly difficult, however, to flop the bleeding 
of a recent wound, and efpeclally when the dlfcharge Is very 
rapid ; as In fuch a cafe, I have fometimes found all the above 
methods 
“ gree of melioration, the fap is delivered to the blea. From the blea it pafies, 
“ by anaftomofmg canals, to the vafcular feries. From thence to the wood, 
“ or flefh, where it receives its lafl: concoction. 
“ The nutritive particles, being feparated by the mechanifm of thefe numerous 
“ canals, are applied towards the fructification and increafe of tlie plant, while 
“ the watery and excrementitious parts are carried expeditioufly to the leaves, 
“ where they are perfpired oft in the form of vapour. It is evident, however, 
“ that, as water contairis but few particles that are fit for nourifiiment, it was 
“ necefiary that plants fhould have the power of imbibing a large portion of 
“ that fluid. For which reafon, the fun-flower, confidered bulk for bulk, 
“ takes in feventeen times more nourifiiment than a man, and, confequently, 
“ perfpires more. 
“ During the continuance of dry North-Eaft winds, the leaves of corn are ob- 
“ ferved to grow yellow, and the early-fet fruit frequently falls off. This is 
“ owing to the want of moifture in the atmofphere to fill the veffels of the 
“ leaves and top-branches, whereby the fruit is deprived of nourifiiment. Un- 
“ der fuch circumftances, it is probable that wall-fruit may be preferved by 
“ prudently watering the leaves and top-branches during the heat of the day. 
“ It is, however, a fingular happinefs, that the air is at no time perfeCily free 
“ from moifture. Bring a bottle of cold water into the warmeft room, and 
“ its furface will immediately be covered with a thick dew. An air abfolutely 
“ drv, would, in a few days, annihilate the vegetable creation. 
“ The air is juftly faid to contain the life of vegetables as well as animals. It 
“ is a comprellible and elaftic fluid, furrounding the face of the globe, and 
“reaching to a confiderable height above it. Vegetables do not grow in 
vacuo. 
