116 



tloubt, is the use of the glossy varnish observable on the 

 superior surface*, ail which agrees with the almost spon- 

 taneous motions and directions of the leaves, and with 

 their symmetrical distribution round the stalks and 

 branches. 



5. The plant being inclosed in miniature within the 

 fruit or seed, is there encompassed with a quantity of 

 flour, which, after being diluted by the water that has 

 penetrated the inclosures, ferments, and furnisl cs the 

 germ with its first nourishment. Being moist fried by 

 the delicate milk, in proportion to its weakness, it grows 

 from day to day: in a short time its coverings become 

 incommodious ; it endeavours to divest itself of them, 

 and pushes forth a little root, which proceeds to seek 

 for more nourishing juices in the earth. The little 

 stalk appears in its turn : as it is destined to live in Uie 

 air, it pierces the earth, and darts perpendicularly into 

 the aerial fluid. Sometimes it carries along with it the 

 remains of the teguments that had enwrapped it in the 

 germ state; at other times, it is accompanied by two 

 leaves, which are very different from those of a mature 

 age : these are the seminal leaves, whose principal use 

 is, probably, to refine the sap. 



Though it is divested of its swaddling-clothes, if we 

 jnay so term them, the young plant is not at full liberty : 

 it is not in a condition to be exposed so early to the 

 impressions of the air and sun. All the parts remain, 

 for a short time, folded together, nearly as they were in 

 the seed; but the root, by extending and ramifying it- 

 self more and more, conveys to the vessels a consider- 

 able quantity of sap, which soon opens all the organs. 



At its first appearance the plant is almost gelatinous : 

 it assumes, by little and little, a greater degree of con- 

 sistence by the incorporation of the juices which flow to 

 it from all parts. That part of the stalk next the root 

 increases in bulk, extends itself, and hardens first of all : 

 as the hardening augments, the extension diminishes : 

 at length, it entirely ceases in this part, and continues 



