99 



plants proceeds within a capsule, exposed to^ 

 gether with the rest of the flower to the open 

 air, is here carried on, and during the whole 

 winter, within the heart, as we may say, of the 

 earth, that is, out of the usual effects of frost* 

 But then a new difficulty presents itself : seeds, 

 though perfected, are known not to vegetate at 

 this depth in the earth. The seeds, therefore, 

 though so safely lodged, would, after all, be 

 lost to the purpose for which all seeds are in- 

 tended. Lest this should be the case, a second 

 admirable provision is made to raise them above 

 the surface when they are perfected, and to sow 

 them at a proper distance : viz. the germ grows 

 up in the spring, upon a fruit-stalk accom- 

 panied with leaves. The seeds now, in common 

 with those of other plants, have the benefit of 

 the summer, and are sown upon the surface 

 The order of vegetation externally is this : the 

 plant produces its flowers in September ; its 

 leaves and fruit in the spring following." 



SINGULAR PLANT. 



The inhabitants of St. Lucie have discovered 

 a most singular plant. In a cavern of that isle, 



F 2 



