_Botany._

The number of different species of plants which have been described is
about 50,000; but botanists are generally agreed that probably as many
still remain undescribed; and, that the number of vegetable species on
the surface of the earth ought not to be estimated under 100,000. We may
be struck at the amount of this number; but our astonishment abates when
we find that our own island, which is but a mere misty speck, compared
with those broad zones of sunshine, "where the flowers ever brighten,"
contains about 1,500 native flowering plants. Of those which have been
described, about 8,000, or nearly one-sixth, belong to the first of
the two classes, and of these nearly 2,000 are grasses. In cold and
temperate climates the species of this most interesting and important
family are comparatively diminutive in size. In our climate, for
instance, the grasses are somewhat remarkable among vegetables for their
humble stature, and their inconspicuous appearance; while in the warmer
regions of the earth, the bamboos and canes, which are species of the
same family, emulate trees in height and beauty. But what our species
want in individual magnitude, is far more than compensated by the
comparative vastness of the number of individuals. In tropical climates,
one plant may be seen here, and another there, which, in their size,
astonish an European, when he is told that they belong to the family of
the grasses; but there he would search in vain for those swards of
grass, and green meadows, with which almost the whole aspect of his own
climate is verdant. He might find one plant stately enough to shade him
from the torrid sun, and to harbour among its boughs many a tropical
bird with its bright metallic plumage; but he could not find a lea
covered with lowing herds, or with bleating flocks, on the soft sward of