290 THE REASON WHY. 



' Can the rush grow up without mire ? can the flag grow without watr 



Whilst it is yet in his greenness, and not cut down, it withereth before 



any other herb." JOB viu. 



CHAPTER LIX. 



1155. Why, if we break the stem of a hyacinth, do we se6 

 a glutinous fluid exude ? 



Because, by breaking the stem, we rupture the vessels of the 

 plant, and cause the nutritive fluid to escape. The sap of the plant 

 is analagous to the Hood of man, and the vessels, to the arteries 

 and veins of the animal body. 



1156. Why, if we split the petal of a tulip, do we see cells 

 containing matter of various colours? 



Because, by splitting the petal of the flower, we disclose the 

 anatomy of its structure, and bring to view those cells, or organs, 

 of the vegetable body, by which the different colouring matters 

 are secreted. 



1157." Why, if we break a pea-shell across, do we discover 

 a transparent membrane which may be removed from the 

 green cells underneath ? 



Because we separate from the cellular, or fleshy part of the shell, 

 the membrane, which forms the epidermis, and answers to the 

 skin of the animal body. 



1158. Why, if we cut through a cabbage stump, do we find 

 an outer coat of woody fibre, and an inner substance of cellular 

 matter ? 



Because the woody fibre forms a kind of skeleton, which supports 

 the internal stricture of the plant, and gives form and character to 

 its organisation. The woody fibre of plants is analagous to the 

 bony structure of animal bodies. 



1159. W^hy, if we cut across the stem of a plant do we see 

 umerous tubes arranged in parallel lines ? 



Because we thereby bring to view the vessels formed by the 

 membranes and fibres of the vegetable body, for the transmission of 

 the fluids, by which the structure is sustained. 



Skeleton leaves, and seed vessels of plants, form exceedingly interesting 



