IT LIP. 119 



bulb when taken out of the ground, but the small 

 bulb that is formed under the husky coat, and 

 which is the one that succeeds the flowering bulh> 

 should not be removed or injured. 



The young physiologist cannot have a better 

 example given him of the harmony and unity of 

 the various parts of a plant in its process towards 

 performing its destined duties to nature,, which are 

 to propagate its species, than the Tulip presents ; 

 for the most indifferent observer must be struck 

 with the wonderful security with which the parts of 

 fructification are guarded from the night-air and 

 tempestuous weather by the petals, which form 

 themselves into the shape of an egg; and so closely 

 are they shut, that neither damp air nor wind can 

 enter, to retard the formation of the pollen, for 

 sooner shall the wind snap the stem than separate 

 the petals, although they regularly open to admit 

 the rays of the sun to mature the parts which are 

 necessary to the formation of the seed. In cold and 

 uncongenial seasons, the petals retain their concave 

 shape, and act as so many reflectors to assist the 

 ripening of the pollen ; whilst in dry and hot seasons 

 the petals curl backwards, so as to throw off the too 

 powerful rays of the sun, but continue to close 

 towards sunset, until the impregnation of the stigma 

 has taken place, after which the petals decay and 

 fall off, leaving the capsule to benefit by all the 



