BIOGRAPHY OF THE PLANT. 101 



sliown in tlie Class Book, p. 23), having its axis nndevel(>pecL 

 its leaves in crowded circles, moulded into more delicate 

 forms and tinged with brighter colors, not only to adorn the 

 face of nature, but to prepare the way for fruit. 



209. The fourth stage of plant-life is the period of its fruit 

 bearing. The flowers have gradually faded and disappeared^ 

 but the pistil, having received the quickening pollen (see Class 

 Book of Botany, p. 148), remains in its place, holds fast all 

 the nourishing matter which continues to flow into it through 

 the flower-stem, grows, and finally ripens into the perfected 

 fruit and seed. 



210. The fifth and last stage in the biography of the plant 

 is its hibernation (winter's sleep), or its death. If the event 

 of flowering and fruit-bearing occur within the first or second 

 year of the life of the plant, it is generally followed by its 

 speedy death. In all other cases it is followed by a state of 

 needful repose, wherein it is commonly stripped of its leaves, 

 and gives few, if any, indications of life, until awaked, with 

 renewed vigor, in the following Spring. 



211. According to their different terms of life, we distin- 

 guish plants as annuals, biennials, and perennials. An an- 

 nual herh completes its whole history in one year. In the 

 Spring it germinates ; in Summer it grows, blooms, bears 

 fruit; and in Autumn its work and life are ended. The 

 Mustard, Maize, and Morning-glory are such. 



212. A hiemiial herh lives two years. During the first it 



208. Please state the nature of the flower. 



209. Please describe the fourth stage of plant-life. 



210. The fifth stage. 



211. In regard to their term of life, how are plants divided? Describe an 

 annual herb. 



212. A biennial herb. 



