Tropical Nature, and Other EssaysSometimes referred to as 'the grand old man of science', Alfred Russel Wallace (1823-1913) was a naturalist, evolutionary theorist, and friend of Charles Darwin. In this study of tropical flora and fauna, he takes the reader on a tour of the equatorial forest belt - the almost continuous band of forest that stretches around the world between the tropics. There, chameleon-like caterpillars alter the colours of their cocoons, parasitical trees override their hosts with spectacular aerial root systems, and some of the most pressing questions of Victorian evolutionary science arise: how do animals and plants come to be brightly coloured? Can their adaptations provide clues about past geological eras? And was Darwin wholly correct in his theory of sexual selection? First published in 1878, Wallace's book is a skilfully written reflection of contemporary naturalism, still highly readable and relevant to students in the history of science. |
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Page 22
All nature seems refreshed and strengthened by the coolness and moisture of the
past night ; new leaves and buds unfold almost before the eye , and fresh shoots
may often be observed to have grown many inches since the preceding day .
All nature seems refreshed and strengthened by the coolness and moisture of the
past night ; new leaves and buds unfold almost before the eye , and fresh shoots
may often be observed to have grown many inches since the preceding day .
Page 25
The leaves , which were so moist and fresh in early morning , now became lax
and drooping , and flowers shed their petals . On most days in June and July a
heavy shower would fall some time in the afternoon , producing a most welcome
...
The leaves , which were so moist and fresh in early morning , now became lax
and drooping , and flowers shed their petals . On most days in June and July a
heavy shower would fall some time in the afternoon , producing a most welcome
...
Page 26
Meantime all nature is refreshed ; but heaps of flower - petals and fallen leaves
are seen under the trees . Towards evening life revives again , and the ringing
uproar is resumed from bush and tree . The following morning the sun again rises
in ...
Meantime all nature is refreshed ; but heaps of flower - petals and fallen leaves
are seen under the trees . Towards evening life revives again , and the ringing
uproar is resumed from bush and tree . The following morning the sun again rises
in ...
Page 33
First , we have many trees with large , thick , and glossy leaves , like those of the
cherry - laurel or the magnolia , but even larger , smoother , and more
symmetrical . The leaves of the Asiatic caoutchouc - tree ( Ficus elastica ) , so
often ...
First , we have many trees with large , thick , and glossy leaves , like those of the
cherry - laurel or the magnolia , but even larger , smoother , and more
symmetrical . The leaves of the Asiatic caoutchouc - tree ( Ficus elastica ) , so
often ...
Page 34
... of small trees , from six to ten feet high , of dwarf palms , of tree - ferns , and of
gigantic herbaceous ferns . Coming to the surface of the ground itself we find
much variety . Sometimes it is completely bare , a mass of decaying leaves and ...
... of small trees , from six to ten feet high , of dwarf palms , of tree - ferns , and of
gigantic herbaceous ferns . Coming to the surface of the ground itself we find
much variety . Sometimes it is completely bare , a mass of decaying leaves and ...
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abundant adapted Africa allied America animals ants appear attract beautiful become believe birds blue butterflies causes changes character characteristic climate closely colour comparatively completely consider considerable conspicuous continent curious Darwin direct distinct distribution effect equally equatorial evidence existence extensive extreme fact families feet female fertilization flowers foliage forests fruits genera give greater green ground groups habits heat humming-birds important increase inhabit insects islands kinds known land larger leaves less light living male marked mass means nature North objects observed occur organic ornaments peculiar perhaps period plants possess present probably produced proportion protection rarely rays region relation remains remarkable resemble seems seen selection sometimes South species structure surface temperate temperature theory tints trees tropical types usually variation varied variety various vegetation whole wings yellow zone
Bibliographic information
| Title | Tropical Nature, and Other Essays Marilee E. Thomas and Robert C. Thomas Science and Related Subjects Collection |
| Author | Alfred Russel Wallace |
| Publisher | Macmillan and Company, 1878 |
| Original from | the University of Michigan |
| Digitized | 23 veeb. 2009 |
| Length | 356 pages |
| Export Citation | BiBTeX EndNote RefMan |