A majestic uniformity is the character of European woods, which often consist of only one species of tree; but in thetropical forests an immense variety of families strive for existence, and even in a small space one tree scarcely ever resembles its neighbour. Even at a distance this difference becomes apparent in the irregular outlines of the forest, as here a dome-shaped crown, there a pointed pyramid, rises above the broad flat masses of green, in ever-varying succession. On approaching, differences of colour are added to irregularities of form; for while our forests are destitute of the ornament of flowers, many tropical trees have large blossoms, mixing in thick bunches with the leaves, and often entirely overpowering the verdure of the foliage by their gaudy tints. Thus splendid white, yellow, and red-coloured crowns are mingled with those of darker or more humble hue. When at length, on entering the forest, the single leaves become distinguishable, even the last traces of harmony disappear. Here they are delicately feathered, there lobed: here narrow, there broad: here pointed, there obtuse: here lustrous and fleshy, as if in the full luxuriance of youth; there dark and arid, as if decayed with age. As the wind plays with the foliage, it appears now silvery, now dark green-now of a lively, now of a sombre hue.
Variety of vegetation is characteristic of all tropical countries, but nowhere are the varieties so wonderfully brought together as on the Mexican plateaux. There the vegetation rises in successive zones from the base of the mountains to heights unparalleled in any other part of the world. It is literally true that the inhabitants, without leaving their native land, may view the vegetable forms of every country on the globe, and pluck nearly every fruit that is found between the Equator and the Arctic Circle.
WORDS
arboreous, produced on trees. assailants, pursuers. astonished, surprised. benumbed, stupefied. congenial, suitable. constellations, star-groups. desolate, barren. distinguishable, recognizable. diversified, varied.
dormant, sleeping. elevation, altitude. enervating, weakening. facilitate, make easy. ferocious, fierce. formidable, terrible. gigantic, colossal. inundation, flood. irregularities, diversities.
lobed, having rounded divisions.
lustrous, shining. luxuriant, abundant. magnificent, grand. majestic, grand.
mammalian, of the order of suck-givers.
marvellous, wonderful. misfortune, accident. mitigating, moderating. obtuse, having a broad point. penetrates, pierces. perceptible, apparent. perpetual, everlasting.
prehensile, adapted for seizing.
primeval, original. proboscis, trunk. proximity, nearness. rivalling, emulating. savannas, meadows. solitary, lonely. stupendous, enormous. superabundance, excess. tumult, comiuotion. undoubtedly, certainly. uniformity, sameness. uninterrupted, unbroken. verdure, greenness.
NOTES
① Lucern-meadows, meadows covered with lucern , a leguminous (pea-like) plant cultivated by farmers for fodder.
② Cactus, a well known tropical plant, having a thick fleshy stem, generally covered withspines and destitute of leaves. Several kinds bear beautiful flowers. The cochineal insect, highly valued for the dye which is made of it, feeds on a species of cactus, (Pl. cacti, or cactuses.)③ Agave, the American aloe, a handsome flowering plant. Its flower stem is often twentyor thirty feet in height. It rises from the centre of the plant like a flag pole, and the flowersform a circle, like the lights of a candelabra, around its upper end.
④ How marvellous the contrast.-In general, within the Tropics, the eastern coasts and the eastern slopes of mountains are better watered than lands with a western exposure. This is owing to the influence of the trade winds; the most striking example of which is afforded by South America. The Atlantic trades cross that continent as east winds laden with moisture; but so completely are they drained of their moisture by the cooling Influences of the Andes,that while the eastern gorges of these mountains are clothed with perpetual verdure, their western slopes are almost uniformly and constantly arid.
⑤ The rainy season.-Tropical countries have either one or two "rainy seasons" inthe year; those in the vicinity of the Tropics have one, those near the Equator have two,depending on the influence of the Sun⑥ Bush-ropes, vegetable-cables; the tendrils and fibres of creeping plants twisted togetherlike ropes and extended like festoons from tree to tree.
⑦ Macaw, a large and strong bird of the parrot family, distinguished by having a tail longer than its body, and a bill hooked at the point.
QUESTIONS
Of what are the tropical regions suggestive? Wherein do they differ from the north temperate zone? What effect has this on their climate? Mention another cause of the varieties of tropical climate. Give examples of its operation. In what do these diversities produce corresponding variety? What are the great physical features of tropical America? What constitute the Puna? For what are these regions chiefly remarkable? What is the nature of the Peruvian sea-bord What contrast do the two sides of the Andes present? To what is this due? To what height does the Amazon rise after the rainy season? What changes are observed after It has fallen again? Where is the beauty of tropical vegetation seen to greatest advantage? Mention birds that are seen there. What mammals are most numerous in these forests? What is the monkey"s fifth hand? What does it enable him to do? What is the most formidable beast of prey in the Brazilian forests? What do the storms of the Amazon recall to memory? Mention some of their striking features. Wherein do tropical woods chiefly differ from European ones? What produces their differences of colour? Where is variety of vegetation most strikingly exhibited? How is this variety illustrated?
