Why do not the leaves of the Cabbage remain wet, after being immersed
in water, and again taken out of it?

Because they are powdered with a slight layer of resinous matter,
similar to that which covers certain fruits, and, in particular, plums
and grapes. Their sea-green colour is also attributed to this resinous
layer.

Why is Quassia so called? Because it was named in honour of a negro,
Quassia, a drunken doctor, who discovered the virtue of the wood in
curing malignant fevers.

Why is the Ice plant so called?

Because its stem is covered with soft tubercles, or excrescences,
which have a crystalline appearance.

Why do the leaves of some trees fall very early?

Because they are articulated to the branch; that is, they do not unite
with it by the whole of their base, but are simply fixed to it by
a kind of contraction or articulation; as in the maple and horse
chestnut.

Why do leaves fall at the approach of winter?

Because a separation takes place, either in the foot-stalk, or more
usually at its base, and the dying part quits the vigorous one, which
is promoted by the weight of the leaf itself, or the action of the