24 THE PHYSIOGNOMY, ETC., OF THE PALMS. 



soft as to be casll}'- pierced witli a pin. The 

 use of this curious provision is to allow a passage 

 through the shell of the nut for the germinating 

 embryo, which, without this wise contrivance, 

 would be unable to pierce the hard case in 

 which it is confined. 



It would take up far too much room, as well 

 as be foreign to our piirposo, to enter into 

 details respecting the general anatomy and 

 physiology of the palms. The points now 

 noticed are those of the greatest interest, and of 

 most importance to the due illustration of the 

 facts which Ave shall have to state respecting the 

 several species. Those who desire further in- 

 formation on this topic will find it popularly 

 and ably treated in the " Popular Cyclopccdia of 

 Natural Science," the part on Vegetable Physi- 

 ology, b}' Dr. Carpenter; and with respect 1o 

 the palms, there is a most elaborate and scientific 

 memoir on their minute anatomy by Dr. Mohl, 

 in the gorgeous work of Martins, " Genera et 

 Species Falmariim" etc., although the dillicully 

 of gaining access to the Avork, and its being 

 written in Latin, will debar most from consult- 

 ing it. 



