into Motion. In fine, 'tis evident and matter of Fact, that Heat does operate upon, and move the Water, in order to its carrying on the Work of Vegetation: But how 'tis agitated it self, and where the Motion first begins, this is no fit Place to enquire.
That the Concourse of Heat in this Work is really necessary, appears, not only from the Experiments before us, but from all Nature; from our Fields and Forests, our Gardens and our Orchards. We see in Autumn, as the Sun's Power grows gradually less and less, so its Effects on Plants is remitted, and their Vegetation slackens by little and little. Its Failure is first discernible in Trees. These are raised highest above the Earth; and require a more intense Heat to elevate the Water, charged with their Nourishment, to the Tops and Extremities of them. So that for want of fresh Support and Nutriment, they shed their Leaves, unless secur'd by a very firm and hardy Constitution indeed, as our ever-Greens are. Next the Shrubs part with theirs; and then the Herbs and lower Tribes; the Heat being at length not sufficient to supply even these, though so near the Earth, the Fund of their Nourishment. As the Heat returns the succeeding Spring, they all recruit again; and are furnish'd with fresh Supplies and Verdure: But first, those which are lowest and nearest the Earth, Herbs, and they that require a lesser degree of Heat to raise the Water with its Earthy Charge into them: Then the Shrubs and higher Vegetables in their Turns; and lastly, the Trees. As the Heat increases, it grows too powerful, and hurries the Matter with too great Rapidity thorough the finer and more tender Plants: These therefore go off, and decay; and others that are more hardy and vigorous, and require a greater share of Heat, succeed in their Order. By which Mechanism, provident Nature furnishes us with a very various and differing Entertainment; and what is best suited to each Season, all the