THE FLOWER. 207 



wittingly, act a useful part in the economy of Nature, 

 which I shall presently explain to you. The nectar ex- 

 ists in almost all flowers, but is not always contained in 

 a distinct organ. 



Caroline. I have often sucked it from the tubular ori- 

 fice of the petals of the honeysuckle. 



Mrs. B. That flower produces a great quantity of 

 honey, and part of it lodges in the elongated tube whence 

 you suck it. 



The most important parts of-the flower are those delicate 

 organs which occupy the centre as the place of greatest 

 security. It is here that the seed, which is to propagate 

 the plant, is lodged. It is enveloped in a small leaf, which, 

 instead of expanding its beauties to the sun and air, like 

 its neighboring petals, folds itself more closely around the 

 little treasure it is to protect : the edges of the two oppo- 

 site halves of the leaf being thus brought in contact, they 

 unite and grow together, and the leaf assumes the form 

 of apod, or vessel, the shape of which varies according 

 to the manner in which the leaf was folded when it first 

 budded. 



Caroline. And will you not admit that plants have sen- 

 sibility, Mrs. B. , when you see them showing such signs 

 of maternal care for their offspring? 



Mrs. B. No, my dear. Were I sufficiently versed in 

 the physiology of plants, I should no doubt be able to 

 show you, that this tender care of the protecting leaf is 

 the natural result of physical law. 



Caroline. Then I am almost tempted to rejoice that 

 you are not learned enough to do so. I cannot help be- 

 ing vexed when I hear facts, so interesting to the feelings, 

 explained away by the dry results of mechanical or chem- 

 ical laws. 



Mrs. B. You are falling into an error very common 

 among half-learned and superficial observers. 



When you feel inclined to murmur at the dry results of 

 physical laws, let not your imagination rest there, but 

 raise your mind from these impassive agents, to their Om- 

 nipotent Author : you will then consider them as the un- 



1135. What is said of the honey suckle 1 1136. What are the most 

 important parts of flowers'? 1137 How is the seed preserved! 



1138. If sufficiently versed in the physiology of plants what does Mrs 

 B. say she should be able to do* 1139. What is the ovary"! 



