fcCTb If. VEGETATION 17 



PLANTS follow seed, and we find them proceed- 

 ing in a steady unceasing progression towards ma- 

 turity, to their destined end, i. e. production of the 

 like, from which they sprung (seed) to preserve the 

 species. And the economy of nature is so regular, 

 that a certain portion of time is invariably kept (al- 

 lowing for accidental circumstances) for this business. 

 So certainly does Nature pursue her end in all re- 

 spects, that the identical species is always preserved, 

 as to the distinguishing properties of each, though 

 the soils in which seeds are sown are so various. 

 Altogether under the same circumstances are pro- 

 duced sweet things arid bitter, the nourishing corn, 

 the salutary and the poisonous plant, though differ- 

 ing much in strength, in figure, and other particulars. 



The juices in the vessels of plants undergo (ac- 

 cording to their conformation) differentfermentations, 

 and thus become altered ; in which chemistry of 

 nature, its powers and results are wonderfully exact, 



Peculiar pores peculiar juice receive ; 

 To this deny, to that admittance give ; 

 Hence various trees their various fruits produce, 

 Some for delightful taste, and some for use ; 

 Hence sprouting plants enrich the plain and wood, 

 For physic some^ and some designed for food ; 

 Hence fragrant flow'rs with different colours dy*d, 

 On smiling meads unfold their gaudy pride. 



BLACKMORE. 



The ROOTS of plants are to keep them fixed irt 

 the earth, and to draw food from it ; which they do 

 (chiefly at least) by their ends which have been there- 

 fore called mouths : In general they affect an hori- 

 zontal growth, for the benefit of the sun and air, 

 and never descend above a certain depth from the 

 surface. 



By means of the root, nourishment proceeds 

 through the pipes and capillary conduits of plants > 



C 



