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23 
- The figure I now exhibit is an enlarged copy from Grew, 
and it will more clearly explain the remarks I have just 
made; and you here remark the beautiful arrangement by 
which the young plumule is protected in this tender state 
from the rough contact of the mould; you see that it is 
safely lodged between the seed-lobes, and is by them com- 
pletely defended. 
This next figure (also magnified from Grew) is a dissec- 
tion to show the ramification of the vessels in the seed-lobes, 
which convey the nutritive fluid, concocted in them, to the 
rootlet. It israther, however, to be considered as a plan 
formed from various dissections, than as what could be 
shown at one time ; but it is not the less true, as to the real 
structure. This ramification of vessels through the seed- 
lobes, Grew named the seminal root. 
The process I have now described, may, perhaps, to some 
of you, seem all that is necessary to be known respecting 
the germination of a seed; but let me impress upon your 
minds the conviction, that there is always something of im- 
portance in the phenomena presented by natural objects 
beyond what lies at the surface; and the process of germi- 
nation, however admirable and perfect it may appear, so far 
as I have described it, will afford still farther, to the physio- 
logical student, matter for the deepest reflection. What is 
this principle of life which lies dormant in the seed till put 
‘into action by being placed in the earth? Noman can 
tell ; we know nothing of the real nature of life, either in 
animals or plants. It is one of the many mysterious things 
ever before us, but which we only know so far as their 
phenomena are unfolded, but of whose ultimate or essen- 
tial nature we have no conception. One thing relating 
to it, however, must, I believe, be admitted, namely, that 
life can only proceed from life; and whatever the prin- 
