MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. 207 



the process of digestion ( indeed, in some this is essential to germina- 

 tion ), and are disseminated in the excrement. 



Small seeds and those with gummy coats are carried on the feet of 

 beasts, and especially birds, far from the place of development. Dar- 

 win mentions the fact of having found two hundred and fifty-nine (259) 

 different kinds of seeds in the mud accumulated on the foot of a 

 pigeon. 



Seeds with spines and hooks are carried in the clothing — wool and 

 hair of animals. Wild and domestic animals, in rushing through the 

 fields and woods violently, throw seed from their ovaries. 



Animals in storing up nuts for food aid very materially in this 

 work. Examples might be almost endlessly multiplied showing the 

 varied and efficient means of dissemination. But time calls a halt. 

 Development and dissemination are but two standpoints from which 

 we could consider the seed. The mysteries of vitality, the nature of 

 protoplasm, cellular growth, the condition and process of germination, 

 to say nothing of philosophy arising from the evident selection of the 

 best and the rejection of that which is inferior, all these crowd upon 

 us rich in promises of interest. And each would make the more mani- 

 fest the wonderful adaptation in the workings of nature, and increase 

 in us the tendency to be silent in the presence of the manifestations 

 of that Creative Intelligence that lies behind all phenomena. 



E. A. SCHULTZE, 



Professor Carthage College. 



HORTICULTUEE AND ITS INFLUENCES. 



'Tis the night time for the vines and fruit-trees, and all are at rest. 

 The strawberry vine lays its humble head upon its bed of leaves, and 

 nestling close to its mother earth, sleeps. 



Yines of greater proportions bend their forms toward the cold 

 earth, and in unison with their more stately brothers, the standard fruit 

 , trees, silently nod their heads before the gentle breeze or winter blasts, 

 taking their rest — their annual sleep. 



Not so the thrifty wide-awake horticulturist. While the trees 

 and vines he has been pleased to plant are resting preparatory to bring- 

 ing forth their wealth of green leaves, beautiful bloom and luscious 

 fruits, he is ever alert to guard them against their enemies, to study 

 their habits and their needs, or to meet with his fellows to discuss 

 plans, methods and varieties, that success and pleasure may crown his 



