OF THE FRUIT. 



85 



Fig. 267. Tryma,- 

 of Red Oak. 



164. In the fruit we see the end and 

 aim of plant-life accomplished, accord- 

 ing to the wise and good design of the 

 great Creator. While it serves to re- 

 produce and keep alive the plants upon 

 the earth, it also serves as food for ani- 

 mals and for man. 



165. It is cnrions to observe how dif- p^ gee. 

 ferent are the parts of the fruit which Cherry. 

 in different plants become food. In the 

 Apple, we eat the calyx which liere 

 adheres to the ovary, and in ripening was thickened and en- 

 larged by the nutritious substance. In the Strawberry, we 

 eat the enlarged, pulpy 

 torus, which bears, all 

 over its surface, the little 

 dry, seed-like fruit. In 

 Peach, the luscious mor- 

 sel is the outer coats of 

 the ovary itself; and in 

 the Orange, it is the in- 



ner coat. In the J^ut, 



Fig. 26S. Etserio,— a Blackberry. 

 Fig. 269. Capsule of Violet, open. 



Pea, Wheat, and most 



plants, the nourishing 



matter is laid up in the seeds, while the carpels ripen into 



a dry fruit. 



166. The fruit consists of the seeds and the seed-vessels. 

 The word pericarp means the same as seed-vessel. When 



164. Mention some of the uses of the fruit. 



1G5. Can you tell us what part of the Apple is eaten? What part of the 

 Strawberry is the eatable part ? What part of the Peach ? the Orange ? In 

 what part is the nutritious matter deposited in the Pea? Wheat ? Almond? 



