422 THE REPRODUCTIVE FUNCTIONS. 



blishment of those parts which are to give mechanical sup- 

 port to each organic system in proportion as it is formed; 

 while the foundations are also preparing for endowments of 

 a higher kind, by the early development of the organs of 

 the external senses, the functions of which so essentially mi- 

 nister to the future expansion of the intellectual faculties, 

 embracing a wide range of perceptions and of active powers. 

 Thus, in the early, as well as in all the subsequent periods 

 of life, the objects of nature vary as the respective necessi- 

 ties of the occasion change^ At first, all the energies of vi- 

 tality are directed to the raising of the fabric, and to the ex- 

 tension of those organs which are of greatest immediate 

 utility; but still having a prospective view to 'farther and 

 more important ends. For the accomplishment of this pri- 

 mary object, unremitting exertions are made, commensurate 

 with the magnitude of the design, and giving rise to a quick 

 succession of varied forms, both with regard to the shape of 

 each individual organ, and to the general aspect of the whole 

 assemblage. 



In the phenomena of their early evolution, Plants and 

 Animals present a striking contrast, corresponding to essen- 

 tial differences in the respective destinations of these two 

 orders of beings. The primary object of vegetable struc- 

 tures appears to be the establishment of the functions of nu- 

 trition; and we accordingly find that whenever the seed be- 

 gins to germinate, the first indication of development is the 

 appearance of the part called the plumula, which is a col- 

 lection of feathery fibres, bursting from the enveloping cap- 

 sule of the germ, and which, whatever may have been its 

 original position, proceeds immediately to extend itself ver- 

 tically upwards; while, at the same time, slender filaments, 

 or radicles, shoot out below to form the roots. Thus early 

 are means provided for the absorption and the aeration of 

 the nutrient matter, which is to constitute the materials for 

 the subsequent growth of the plant, and for the support and 

 protection of the organs by which these processes are to be 

 carried on. But animal vitality, being designed to minister 



