GRASSES. 1s 
them useful; while the inferior animals depend en 
tirely upon that provision which Nature has made for 
their supply. 
How beautifully do these facts illustrate those 
words of our Saviour: “Consider the ravens, for they 
neither sow nor reap, which neither have storehouse 
nor barn, and God feedeth them!” 
The cereal grasses, or corn plants, are very rapid 
in their growth, and in a surprisingly short time 
send up a tall hollow stem, divided by joints, where 
the leaves are inserted, one at each joint, on the alter- 
nate sides of the stem; each leaf embracing the stem 
like a sheath. 
Wheat stands at the head of the cereal grasses for 
its great productiveness and utility. There are seve- 
ral cultivated varieties of Wheat, the origin of all of 
which is involved in obscurity. No where has it been 
found in a wild state; at least, botanists have not 
been able to identify any of the wild species with 
those in cultivation. There is no doubt of its great 
antiquity, grains having frequently been found en- 
closed with the mummies of Egypt. Some of these 
having been sown, have produced plants similar to 
those now grown in the Levant. 
There is much to admire in a simple grain of wheat. 
It contains within itself a marvellous vegetative power, 
which, after having lain for centuries in the darkness 
and obscurity of an Egyptian tomb, is capable, if 
rightly managed, of being made to yield not only a 
new plant, with its abundant spike, but also plant 
after plant, and spike after spike, until the produce 
