Meaning: The quote, "Nature generally struggles against this treatment for a while, until her powers seem in a great measure exhausted, when she quietly yields to the power of the art," by Robert Fortune, a Scottish botanist and plant collector, reflects the complex relationship between nature and human intervention. This quote captures the essence of the tension between the natural world and the influence of human activities, particularly in the context of horticulture and agriculture.

Robert Fortune, who lived in the 19th century, was known for his extensive travels to East Asia, particularly China, where he studied and collected various plant species. His experiences and observations led him to develop a deep understanding of the intricate dynamics between nature and human intervention. In this quote, Fortune seems to acknowledge the resilience of nature in the face of human manipulation, as well as the eventual submission of nature to the mastery of human art and technology.

The first part of the quote, "Nature generally struggles against this treatment for a while, until her powers seem in a great measure exhausted," suggests that nature initially resists and reacts to human intervention. This resistance may manifest in various forms, such as plants adapting to adverse conditions or displaying resilience against human attempts to control their growth and development. This resistance reflects the inherent strength and adaptability of the natural world, as it seeks to maintain its own equilibrium in the face of external pressures.

The phrase "her powers seem in a great measure exhausted" implies that nature's resistance is not infinite and can be worn down by persistent human efforts. Despite the initial struggle, nature may eventually reach a point where its inherent powers or defenses appear to be depleted. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for the resilience of nature being tested and gradually overcome by the relentless advances of human technological and agricultural practices.

The second part of the quote, "when she quietly yields to the power of the art," suggests that nature eventually succumbs to the influence of human art, knowledge, and technology. This yielding may represent the eventual acceptance or adaptation of nature to the changes imposed by human intervention. It reflects the idea that nature, despite its resilience, is not impervious to the transformative impact of human innovation and expertise.

In the context of horticulture and agriculture, this quote can be interpreted as a reflection of the process of cultivation and domestication of plants. It acknowledges the initial resistance of wild plants to human cultivation and the subsequent transformation brought about by human knowledge and intervention. It also speaks to the idea that through the application of art and technology, humans can exert control and influence over the natural world, shaping it to meet their needs and desires.

Overall, Robert Fortune's quote encapsulates the intricate and dynamic relationship between nature and human intervention. It acknowledges the initial resistance of nature to human manipulation, as well as the eventual submission of nature to the power of human art and technology. It prompts contemplation on the ethical and environmental implications of human activities that seek to harness and modify the natural world for various purposes.