93 



called from its shape the boat, or keel ; itself 

 also protected under a penthouse formed by the 

 external petals. This structure is very artifi- 

 cial ; and what adds to the value of it, though 

 it may diminish the curiosity, very general. It 

 has also this further advantage, (and it is an ad- 

 vantage strictly mechanical,) that all the blos- 

 soms turn their backs to the wind, whenever the 

 gale blows strong enough to endanger the deli- 

 cate parts upon which the seed depends. "I have 

 observed this a hundred times (says Dr. Paley) 

 in a field of peas in blossom." It is an aptitude 

 which results from the figure of the flower, and 

 as we have said, is strictly mechanical ; as much 

 so, as the turning of a weather-board or tin cap 

 upon the top of a chimney. 



THE PEA, A COMPARISON. 



In May when vegetation thrives, 

 And nature cloth'd in luxury lives ; 

 The Pea In loveliest green array'd, 

 Genteelly rears its sprightly head. 

 While Sol's enlivening rays it shares, 

 And on each side an offspring bears. 

 The rains descending from above, 

 Its verdure, with its growth improve j 



