16 THE BUILDING UP OF THE 



ceeding years, and by whose united labors a goodly tree is 

 at last constructed, capable of withstanding the storms of 

 the atmosphere, as the submarine structures reared by the 

 coral insect resist the surges of the ocean. 



It is therefore important to study carefully the organi- 

 zation and life-processes of the first true aerial leaf, or 

 vegetable unit ; for as its simple repetition constitutes the 

 growth of the first year which again must be regarded as a 

 vegetable unit of a somewhat higher, more complex charac- 

 ter, by simple repetition of which the entire tree itself is 

 ultimately produced ; so it is plain that a thorough knowledge 

 of the physiology and organization of this first true aerial 

 leaf must furnish a key not only to the growth of the first 

 year, but of succeeding years, of which the tree is the solid 

 and enduring monument. 



Nothing is apparently more insignificant and feeble than 

 our beech-tree at this period of its life. Look at the young, 

 delicate leaf and stem of the phyton, or first plant, which 

 does not even rise above the green blades of grass by which 

 it is surrounded, thrown as it were on the charity of Nature ! 

 It has lost its nursing leaves and is left to provide for itself, 

 surrounded by innumerable dangers. It is at first a struggle 

 for life against fearful odds. It may be eaten by cattle, or 

 be crushed by a careless footstep; want of rain or too much 

 moisture in the soil, excessively hot or severely cold weather, 

 may permanently injure its structure and bring its life to an 

 early and premature close. 



But if the seed was planted in a good soil, and the con- 

 ditions continue favorable, an impulsive energy will very 

 soon be called forth which shall carry it over every obstacle. 

 Yea, verily, it shall extract nutriment from the very tem- 

 pest which would hurl it to destruction, and render its enemy 

 subservient to the advancement of its upward and onward 

 progress. 



See how beautifully Providence has adapted the organi- 

 zation of the two extremities of the phyton, or first plant, 

 to the earth and atmosphere, the two sources from whence it 

 must for the future draw its supplies of food. Its little root 



