178 PASQUE-FLOWER. 



which is computed to contain in its urn- 

 shaped seed-vessel, tliirty-two thousand seeds. 

 Those of the ciu'rant afford familiar objects 

 for the microscope ; the ligneous parts of 

 the future plant are readily discovered with 

 the aid of a magnifier. In those of the 

 white water-lily, or can, the Nymphsea of 

 ancient botanists, from being found in the 

 fabled haunts of water nymphs, the embryo 

 leaves are so clearly developed, that it is 

 even possible to discover to what kind ot 

 plant the seeds belong. In examining those 

 of the trembling grass, a perfect plant be- 

 came apparent, with its small branching root, 

 and tiny blades of grass. Seeds of the straw- 

 berry, in like manner, present the appear- 

 ance of strawberries in miniature. 

 " Lo ! on each seed, within its slender rind, 

 Life's golden threads in endless circles wind. 

 Maze within maze the lucid webs are roll'd, 

 And, as they burst, the Hving flame unfold. 



