128 THE CHRISTIAN NATURALIST. 



provided that it should be divided into several partitions, 

 that each part should be strengthened by a knot ; and 

 that from each knot should proceed a covering that 

 shall preserve the division above it. By the great 

 strength which lies in these bands, the stem is preserved 

 from breaking, when under the impression of the winds 

 blowing from any quarter. Thus the growth of this 

 important vegetable takes place. The cane-like part 

 not appearing till all danger from the winter's cold is 

 past; and when summer sheds its balmy influence. 

 Providence intrusts the most precious part, and for 

 which the other parts are all disposed, to discover itself. 

 It is curious to observe the various compartments which 

 are provided for every individual of the grains composing 

 the ear; the distribution is equal, that every one of the 

 little family may have its proper nourishment. Each 

 has a membrane between it and the stalk, and a two* 

 fold one outward, peculiarly to defend it where the 

 greatest hazard lies ; and all are inclosed, as with a 



are hollow tubes ; their most solid parts, which frequently con- 

 gist of a thin layer of silex, occupying the surface of the cylin- 

 der. Of all the possible modes of disposing a given quantity of 

 materials in the construction of a column, it is mathematically 

 demonstrable that this is the most effective for obtaining the 

 greatest possible degree of strength. 



