v ^ CONCERNING SECT* IJ* 



are, however, covered in the bud by some sheath, to 

 preserve them, while young, and yet too tender to 

 be exposed. 



The leaves of flowers protect and conceal the seed 

 of those that bear it, where nature secretly works to 

 the great end of propagation. The seed is the natural 

 offspring of the flower, and when this is once well 

 formed, the several parts of the flower dwindle and 

 disappear. So that while we are admiring the colour, 

 shape, and perfume of these delightful companions 

 of our walks, they are kindly engaged to provide the 

 means of perpetuating pleasure to us. 



The care which the AUTHOR of nature has taken 

 to preserve the seed of plants, by the flower leaves 

 which contain the embryo, as in a matrix, is admi- 

 rable ! The flowers themselves come not forth till 

 the season suits their particular temperament ; many 

 are hid till then under the coverture of the earth, 

 and those that dare to continue above ground all the 

 year, have yet their gems carefully locked up, and 

 thus their succession and their fruits are secured to 

 us, 



The flowers of plants have a remarkable property, 

 when they begin to unfold, and the seed is yet young 

 and tender ; they observe the course of the weather, 

 day and night, opening and shutting their flowers 

 accordingly. There is also a property of some flower 

 plants, twining round solid bodies, or fixing them- 

 selves to them by claspers, laying fast hold of what 

 may be in their way. Flowers have many admirable 

 properties and parts, that might be considered dis- 

 tinctly, if it were designed to speak of them bota* 

 mcally. 



From flowers (of which every month in the year 

 has its beauties) we eventually gratify the palate, by 

 a valuable nectar, and from many we immediately 

 reap agreeable odours ; but it is for their colour to 



