ihe Developement of the seminal Germ. 263 
even to the prejudice of theirown augmentation, by withdrawing 
them respectively from the sources of nourishment that are im- 
mediately contiguous to them, in order to reach sources that are 
more distant. But when nature has intended a different mode 
of developement, as in the case of the seeds of the misseltoe, it 
has also been able to command it, and to give even to the radicle 
the power of counteracting the force of gravitation, and of 
elongating by means of ascent. : | 
What, then, is this controuling and invincible energy that pre- 
sides over the process of germination, guiding the radicle infallibly 
to its fit and proper soil, whether in the earth or otherwise, as well 
as elevating the plumelet till it escapes into the air or other pro- 
per medium of developement? Is it not an attribute of the vital 
principle of the plant itself, impelling it irresistibly, though 
blindly, to the attainment of an end? The case seems loudly to 
demand the agency of such a cause, and points out plainly the 
exertion of an energy that cannot be regarded as being either ; 
merely chemical or mechanical. 
Perhaps we may be able to elicit some rays of information 
from a reference to the ceconomy of the animal kingdom in cases 
that are analogous. For if you ask the Zoologist why it is that 
the foal of an ass, from the moment it is protruded into life, never 
fails to discover the source from which its nourishment is to be 
derived, nor the organ proper for laying hold of-it: the reply will 
be, that it is because the Creator has wisely endowed it with a 
principle of action impelling it to the use of the natural means of 
self-preservation, and operating infallibly to the attainment of an. 
end, without any thing of intention on the part of the agent. | 
But if this principle, which has been denominated animal in- 
stinct, is admitted in the animal kingdom, why may not a simi- 
lar principle, to be denominated vegetable instinct, be admitted 
3 un 
