HARMONIES OF VEGETATION. 



HARMONIES OF VEGETABLE LIFE. 



1. Having in the preceding parts of the work, ex- 

 plained the nominal and natural division of plants into 

 distinct organs, we will endeavour in the commence- 

 ment of this division, to show how beautifully they are 

 respectively adapted to perform the offices apparently 

 destined them by nature, to continue and support the 

 vegetable. We shall therefore have to consider their 

 germination, food, nourishment, functions, vitality and 

 propagation. 



GERMINATION OF THE SEED. 



2. To trace the growth and general evolution of 

 plants, we must begin with the germination of the seed, 

 or that process by which it is converted into a plant. 

 This is universally the first part of the process of vege- 

 tation. 



