22 GERMINATION OF THE SEED. CHAP. 1. 



ruination of the seed, the radicle is always un- 

 folded the first, and the plumelet only in a sub- 

 sequent stage of the process.* It follows therefore 

 that the plumelet derives its nourishment from the 

 radicle, as the radicle from the cotyledons. 

 Which But this is by no means the most singular cir- 

 by descent, cumstance relative to the developement of the parts 

 in question. The constant and unerring uniformity 

 with which the radicle and plumelet respectively 

 exert themselves to gain the position and situation 

 best suited to the future developement of their 

 parts, is a phenomenon exhibiting more that is 

 calculated to excite the admiration of the phy- 

 tologist. 



Invinci- If a seed or nut of any kind is placed in the 

 proper soil, with the apex of the radicle pointing 

 downwards, the radicle as it elongates will descend 

 in a perpendicular direction, and fix itself in the 

 earth ; and the plumelet issuing from the opposite 

 extremity of the seed, will assume a vertical di- 

 rection and ascend into the air. This is the natural 

 order of the developement of the seminal germe ; 

 and from the relative situation of its respective 

 parts, the mode of its developement does not seem 

 to be at all surprising. But the circumstance ex- 

 citing our surprise is that the radicle and plumelet 

 will still continue to effect their developement in 

 the same manner, however differently the seed may 

 have been deposited in the soil : for if its posi- 

 * Grew's Anal, of Plants, book i. sect. 37. 



