56 PHENOMENA OF PLANT-LIFE. 



erally withers away, and drops to the ground. Ovules 

 that have not been fertilized, are often found side by 

 side with others that have grown into perfect seeds, 

 in the core of the apple, and in the pod of the com- 

 mon green pea supplied by the kitchen garden. To 

 promote this wonderful process, and to insure its 

 grand results, as far as possible, the most beautiful 

 contrivances are made use of. If the flower be pen- 

 dulous, the pistil is longer than the stamens, so that 

 the fertilizing pollen, in its fall by gravitation towards 

 the earth, shall be captured, and forced to accomplish 

 its proper design ; if the flower grow erect, the sta- 

 mens are the longer parts, again that by gravitation 

 their pollen may fall upon the crown of the pistil. 

 While the process of fertilization is going on, the 

 flower is apt to close at night ; and when rain begins 

 to fall, so that cold and wet may do no injury, the 

 petals frequently draw together as if it were sunset, 

 and form a natural pent-house over the centre. Let 

 the sun shine bright and warm, and the petals spread 

 out widely, forming mirrors and reflectors which cast 

 back the light and warmth upon the delicate appara- 

 tus in the centre. Every change in the condition of 

 the air and sky, is anticipated in the plan and the 

 economy of the several parts, so that every possible 

 advantage may be taken of what is favorable, and all 

 adverse conditions be promptly guarded against. 

 Many flowers, it is true, are so constructed as to be 



