DECOMPOSITE ORGANS. CHAP. I. 



appearance is still more aptly exemplified in the 



decaying root of the Artichoke, the lace-like tex 



ture of which is peculiarly beautiful and delicate. 



And the If the stem of the common Bramble or Bur- 



e ' dock is taken and divided by a transverse section, 



it will be found to consist of an epidermis or bark, 



In which enclosing a cylindrical layer of pulp and inter- 



ofthe spersed fibre, approaching to the consistence of 



yetherba- wooc ^ and containing within it a firm and com- 



ceous. p act pi tn jhat occupies the centre. 



Such are some examples of plants exhibiting an 

 affinity to herbs on the one hand, in their external 

 aspect or habit ; and to trees, on the other, in their 

 internal structure and contexture ; forming the con- 

 necting link that introduces us to the anatomy of 

 plants that are purely woody, and known by the 

 designation of shrubs and trees. 



As in the 2. The Wood being Perfect. If the caudex 

 elder, of a tree or shrub, such as the Oak or Elder, 

 is taken and divided by a transverse section, it 

 will be found to be composed of three evidently 

 distinct parts an outer, an intermediate, and a 

 central part ; each exhibiting an aspect or structure 

 peculiar to itself. 



The outer portion of the caudex is the bark, 

 which in young subjects is of a flexible and leathery 

 texture, as well as easily detached from the interior 

 portion, at least in the spring. But in old subjects 

 it is often highly indurated, approaching in its 

 texture to wood, and frequently splitting into 



