16 INTRODUCTION. 



having the leaves crowded together by the non-development of 

 the axis, moulded into more delicate forms and tinged with more 

 brilliant hues, not only to adorn the face of nature, but to fulfil 

 the important office of reproduction. 



38. Lastly comes fruit-bearing, the fourth stage of plant life, 

 for which the flower has prepared the way. The work and bloom 

 of the flower are soon accomplished, its deciduous parts fall, and 

 the remaining energies of the plant are directed to the develop- 

 ment of the pistil into the perfect fruit. 



Review. 31. First stage of plant life. Contents of a seed. 32. Second stage. Tendency 

 of the radicle. Of the plumule. 33. Structure of the first bud. How does it grow? 

 34. What it develops? Other buds. Whence the branches arise. 36. Origin of the 

 flower. 37. What then is its nature ? 38. Fourth stage. 



CHAPTER IV. 



TERM OK PERIOD OF PLANT LIFE. 



39. Flowering and fruit-bearing is an exhausting process. If 

 it occur within the first or second year of the life of the plant, 

 it generally proves the fatal event. In all other cases it is 

 either immediately preceded or followed by a state of needful 

 repose. Now if flowering be prevented by nipping the buds, 

 the tender annual may become perennial, as in the florist's Tree- 

 mignonette. 



40. We distinguish plants, as to their term of life, into the an- 

 nual ( ), the biennial ( (D ), and the perennial (2). An annual 

 ( (D ) herb is a plant whose entire life is limited to a single season. 

 It germinates from the seed in Spring, attains its growth, blos- 

 soms, bears fruit, and dies in Autumn; as the Flax, Corn, 

 Morning-glory. 



41. A biennial herb (d)) is a plant which germinates and vege- 

 tates, bearing leaves only the first season, blossoms, bears fruit, 

 and dies the second ; as the Beet and Turnip. Wheat, Rye, etc., 

 are annual plants ; but when sown in Autumn they have the habit 

 of biennials, in consequence of the prevention of flowering by 

 the sudden cold. 



