THE STRUCTURE OF FLOWERS. 57 



incapable of self-defence. These, however, are gener- 

 ally of a form that is already a sufficient security, or, 

 they are so poised upon the stalk that the wind sways 

 them round, and instead of closing, they are able to 

 turn away their faces. So beautiful and ingenious 

 are the expedients that allure our interest at every 

 step ! All this, moreover, is a part of the vesture of 

 the " grass of the field ; " for the apparel of the little 

 things of nature, whether it be lily or speedwell, prim- 

 rose or golden loose-strife, that we contemplate, con- 

 sists not only in the substance ; it lies as much in 

 their methods of life, and in the innumerable designs 

 for their prosperity which we behold thus effectuated, 

 and " if God so clothe " them with all tenderness of 

 care, ah me ! may the teaching not be lost ! 



