94 REPRODUCTION OF PLANTS. 



72. In whatever manner a seed may be placed 

 in the ground, it invariably shoots forth its plu- 



the fact that in the observation of natural phenomena, 

 and the rational investigation of their causes, it is im- 

 possible to foresee or limit the beneficial results which 

 may follow, even where we have least reason to antici- 

 pate them, is afforded by the comparatively novel subject 

 of Photography. This, which at first appeared but an 

 ingenious application of a natural agency to the purposes 

 of art, is assuming, in the hands of some of our greatest 

 philosophers, the rank of a science, which promises to 

 lead to discoveries equally curious and important. The 

 true nature of that sunbeam, whose wonderful operation 

 can either call forth the vital energy of a plant, cause it 

 to perform its functions of growth and nutrition, yet 

 prove detrimental to its germination ; or delineate its 

 portrait with a fidelity and beauty unknown to the pencil 

 of man on the sensitive surface presented to it, has yet 

 to be fully ascertained ; but that it has other properties 

 than were supposed before the subject of Actino-Che- 

 mistry came under the investigation of Herschell and 

 others, seems already established ; and who shall assign a 

 limit to the possible results which may arise from a clearer 

 knowledge of the nature and operation of such an agent 

 in the universe. It may as yet seem to bear little on the 

 immediate subject of the present work, but it is impossible 

 to assert, that a further insight into the nature of a cause 

 whose effects on vegetation are so decided, may not prove 

 of great practical benefit ; and although its study is no 

 new branch of science in itself, yet the new aspect under 

 which it is now pursued may probably lead to unantici- 

 pated Truth. 



