134 



FOOTNOTES FROM 



internal granular matter, in some cases like a continued 

 multiplication of the Roman numeral x, and in other 

 cases resembling a series of the letter v ; the spiral rings 

 after conjugating producing a dark coloured globule in 

 one of the filaments. The spiral, it may be remarked 

 is the first regular form which falls under the notice of 

 the unassisted vision, and unites in itself the two prin- 

 ciples of unity and variety. In the inner surface of the 

 cell it may be seen first of all ; and all the parts of the 

 plant subsequently added, whether microscopic or visible, 

 assume this form. So universal is the spiral tendency 



FIG. 18. ZTGNEMA DECIJIINUM. 



throughout the vegetable kingdom, that some botanists 

 have asserted it to be a general fact, that, beginning with 

 the cotyledons or seed-lobes, the whole of the appendages 

 of the axes of plants, leaves, calyx, corolla, stamens, 

 and carpels, form in their normal state an uninterrupted 

 spiral, governed by laws which are nearly constant. It 

 is very interesting to trace in the obscure and humble 

 organisms under consideration, the order and harmony 

 which are so characteristic of the highest works of 

 creation, which are in striking accordance with the 

 native principles of beauty implanted in the human mind, 



