26 



DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ANIMALS AND PLANTS. 



length of the plant from the collar of the root to the terminal 

 flowers of the stem, and branches. This division comprehends 

 the most highly developed families of the vegetable series in 

 which the manifestations of life display themselves in their 

 fullest perfection. Here we meet with all the most vivacious 

 plants, all the large trees, and all those which manifest the 

 most marked irritability, as the sensitive plant, &c. &c. 



[ 75. In resume we observe in animals and plants certain 

 functions that are analogous, and contain organic traits that 

 are different in each kingdom. The following table will 

 enable the student to understand these analogies and dif- 

 ferences : 



IN THE YEGETABLE. 



1. The roots are external, 

 and are implanted in the earth, 

 and all the special vital organs 

 are situated externally. 



2. Nourishment surrounds 

 the vegetable, which it ab- 

 sorbs by the external organs 

 (the roots, leaves, &c.) 



3. The sap ascends and de- 

 scends by the agency of the 

 vessels, aided by absorption 

 and exhalation, through the 

 influence of light and heat. 



4. The leaves are the aerating 

 organs or lungs of plants, and 

 are usually of a green colour, 

 and situated externally. 



5. The vegetable absorbs 

 carbonic acid gas, retains the 

 carbon, and exhales the oxy- 

 gen through the influence of 

 the solar rays. 



IN THE ANIMAL. 



1 . The absorbent vessels or 

 internal roots penetrate the 

 membranes of the digestive 

 canal, and the vital organs are 

 concealed internally. 



2. The animal is compelled 

 to search for its pasture, or its 

 prey, and absorbs the juices by 

 internal organs. 



3 . The blood (whether white 

 or red) circulates by means of 

 one or more hearts, or by the 

 contractility of the vessels 

 themselves. 



4. The respiratory organs 

 of animals are sacs, tracheae, 

 branchiae or lungs, and are 

 usually placed internally, and 

 tinged of a red colour, from 

 the blood that circulates 

 through them. 



5. The animal absorbs the 

 oxygen of the atmosphere, or 

 that contained in the water, 

 and exhales carbonic acid. 



