96 BOTANY FOR BEGINNERS. [Ch. XV, 
plant of the compound family was introduced into Europe from 
America, by seeds wafted across the Atlantic Ocean. “ Seeds,” 
says Linneus, “embark upon the rivers which descend from 
the highest mountains of Lapland, and arrive at the middle of 
the plains, and the coasts of the seas. The ocean has thrown 
even upon the coasts of Norway, the nuts of the Mahogany, 
and the fruit of the cocoa nut tree, borne on its waves from the 
far distant tropical regions; and this wonderful voyage has been 
performed without injury to the vital energy of the seeds.” 
398. Animals also perform their part in the diffusion of seeds. 
Squirrels and other animals carry seeds and nuts into holes in 
the earth. The Indians believed that the squirrels planted all 
the timber in the country: there is no doubt but that they de 
much towards diffusing different kinds of nuts and seeds; as 
Chestnut, Oak, Walnut, &c. Animals contribute also to the 
distribution of seeds by conveying them in their wool, fur, or 
feathers. i 
399. The diffusion of seeds completes the cirele of vegeta-' 
tion, and closes the scene of vegetable life. The shrubs and 
trees lose their foliage—the withered herbs decompose, and re-' 
store to the earth the element which they have drawn from its! 
bosom. The earth, stripped of its beauty, seems sinking into old 
age ; but although unseen by us, and unmarked the processes of 
nature by too many among men, innumerable germs have been 
formed, which wait but the favourable warmth, to decorate with 
new brilliancy this terrestrial scene. 
400. So fruitful is nature, that a surface a thousand times 
more extended than that of our globe, would not be sufficient for 
the vegetables which the seeds of one single year would pro- 
duce, if all should be developed ;—but the destruction of seeds 
is very great, great quantities being eaten hy man and beast; or 
left to perish in unfavourable situations. - Those which are pre- 
served, constitute but a small proportion of the whole; they are 
either carried into the clefts of rocks, or buried beneath the 
ruins of vegetables; protected from the cold, they remain inac- 
tive during winter, and germinate as soon as the early warmth 
of spring is felt. oe 
401. At this season the botanist who considers with a curi 
398. Do animals assist in dispersing seeds ? ‘ 
399. What is remarked of the appearance of vegetation at the time 
of the diffusion of seeds ? 
400. Would the earth afford sufficient space for all the seeds which 
one year produces to vegetate ? 
401. What are the reflections of the botanist on beholding the plante 
which appear on the return of Spring ? 
