AND THE DISEASES OF PLANTS. 291 



are converted into petals ; hence the flower becomes dou- 

 ble. Thus we have double roses, double stocks, double 

 blossom cherry, &c. The process of this metamorphosis 

 is very plainly discernible in the double hyacinth and the 

 double tulip, where many of the stamens are completely 

 transformed into petals : others, while expanding for that 

 purpose, still partially retain their original form. As this 

 metamorphosis never occurs but when the anthers have 

 perished, it is probable that they are starved by the sta- 

 mens absorbing the whole of the nourishment. 



Emily. It is, I suppose, owing to the destruction of 

 the anthers, that double flowers bear no seed. But why 

 should such beautiful productions of Nature be stigmatised 

 by the name of monster? It is considering beauty as a 

 deformity. 



Mrs. B. However disagreeable are the ideas common- 

 ly annexed to the term monster, the word simply implies 

 a deviation from the common course of Nature. In the 

 animal kingdom, such a deviation almost always excites 

 disgust, and is associated with the idea of ugliness. Were 

 there consciousness in plants, they might very possibly 

 consider the unusual quantity of petals and the deficiency 

 of anthers as a deformity ; but we, who look upon a flow- 

 er merely to delight our sight with its form and color, as- 

 sociate the idea of beauty to this unnatural state. 



Another instance of degeneration is, when the petioles 

 or foot-stalks are transformed into leaves. The Acacia, for 

 instance, has six or eight pair of leaves, a number which 

 diminishes every year, till at length the foot-stalk is wholly 

 deprived of leaves ; but receiving all the nourishment 

 which was previously distributed to them, it expands, flat- 

 tens, and is itself finally converted into a blade, resem- 

 bling a leaf. 



Emily. Though the acacia is not a very common tree in 

 England, I have seen a great number on the Continent, but 

 never observed the species of metamorphosis you describe. 



Mrs. B. The acacia to which I allude is that of Ara- 

 bia, which produces gum arabic, and is known in Europe 

 only as a hot-house plant. It is the original and only 



1569. How is this accomplished and what is an instance! 1570. 

 From what arise flowers with double blossoms'? 1571. How do the 

 double hyacinth and double tulip illustrate this 1 1572. What is said 

 of the term monster! 1573. In the animal kingdom what is said of it! 

 1574. How does the case differ in the vegetable world! 1575. What 

 is another instance of this degeneration! 1576. What is said of the 

 Arabian, acacia! 



