92 LEGUMINOS2E. 



leguminous plants. We have observed their wonderful struc- 

 ture, the stamens and pistil, the fruit-bearing parts protected 

 by two petals united and shaped like a keel ; two more petals, 

 placed one on each side of the keel, called wings, which further 

 protect the delicate parts ; and above all a standard petal, 

 broad and sheltering, which, by a little twist of the footstalk 

 always turns to the wind, and beneath the bitter blast bends 

 and covers the rest of the flower, preserving the germ of 

 future life. 



Thus, this tribe alone would reveal to us the tender care and 

 great wisdom of our Creator and Father. The mess of pottage, 

 for which the impatient Esau sold his birthright, was made of 

 a member of this tribe the Lentil (Ervum lens) ; and the food 

 which nourished the four faithful Jews in the court of Nebu- 

 chadnezzar, and made their countenances fair and flourishing, 

 was Pulse, another plant of this family. Thus the leguminous 

 order convey both warning and example ; warning against an 

 inordinate and impatient desire, and example of the blessings 

 of self-denial and moderation, when practised from a holy 

 motive and consecrated by a pure aim. 



