J96 PLANTS. 



The same providence attends the plant in the 

 different stages of its growth. The provisions for 

 supporting the plant, and giving it the benefit of sun 

 and rain are a manifest display of purpose and 

 wisdom. The stems are made strong and erect for 

 this purpose, with one large class of exceptions, such 

 as the honey-suckle, grape vine, &c. These are fur- 

 nished with a substitute viz. the tendrils, by which 

 they are enabled to climb up. One might be chal- 

 lenged to imagine a clearer instance of design than 

 this ; thus there is not one tree or shrub or herb 

 which is able to stand alone, that is furnished with 

 a tendril. " We may make only so simple a com- 

 parison as that between a pea and a bean. Why 

 does the pea put forth tendrils, the bean not ; but be- 

 cause the stalk of the pea cannot support itself with- 

 out them, the stalk of the bean can ; we may add 

 also a circumstance not to be overlooked, that, in 

 the pea tribe these clasps to do not make their ap- 

 pearance till they are wanted ; till the plant has 

 grown to a height to stand in need of support* " 



Plants are generally more or less improved from 

 their natural state, by cultivation. Some acquire new 

 fragrance and beauty. In others, the fruit is render- 

 ed more wholesome, delicious and abundant. The 

 rose, by being transplanted from its native fields, has 

 been changed from a single flower into one of the 

 most magnificent ornaments of our gardens. The 

 apple, pear, &c. on the contrary, have been improv- 

 ed principally in the fruit. In this singular differ- 

 ence in the effects of cultivation in different plants, 



