Human Physiology. 7/5 



life and the intelligence which directs them. A plant is made, 

 lying folded up in its germ. A cluster of leaves is rolled up in 

 a bud, as are the wondrous petals of a flower, with all their 

 beauty of colours, exquisiteness of forms, and delicate odours. 

 What mechanism to fashion them, all folded as they are, packed 

 in the smallest space, protected by a warm, often a woolly 

 envelope, while the outer shell is neatly varnished for addi- 

 tional protection ! This has all been done months beforehand. 

 In spring the buds open, and the trees are covered with leaves 

 of tender green and a glory of flowers. 



Life in the vegetable kingdom wars with the material forces 

 that tend to dissolution. The plant grows and raises its sap 

 contrary to the force of gravitation, and resists the action of 

 oxygen and putrefactive agencies. Life resists heat and cold, 

 dryness and moisture. Plants dry up and are blown about by 

 the wind, but when they fall upon damp ground revive, and 

 throw out roots. Trees maintain a warmth above that of the 

 atmosphere, and flowers at maturity have a vital heat, sometimes 

 sensible to the touch. 



Some plants have peculiar contrivances for procuring food. 

 The pitcher plant has some of its leaves transformed into 

 beautifully-shaped pitchers, each with its well-fitted cover. The 

 inner surface secretes a sweet liquid which attracts insects. 

 When they enter this trap the door shuts down, and the 

 plant feeds upon the ammonia set free by their putrefaction. 

 So the Venus fly-trap closes upon the flies attracted by its 

 honey. 



The adaptations of vegetables to the wants and pleasures of 

 men and animals are evident. Grass feeds sheep, cattle, 

 horses; seeds and fruits are the natural food of man. Trees, 

 plants, and flowers clothe the earth with beauty, purify the air 

 and fill it with aromas not always perceptible to our blunted 

 senses, but which make the atmosphere of a fertile country very 

 different from that of a desert. Each tree and plant appears to 



