294 THE EEASON WHT. 



" The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life ; and he that winneth souls 

 is wise." PKOVEEBS xi. 



1171. Why are the leaf buds enclosed in scales which 

 fall off as the leaf opens ? 



Because the scales serve as a shelter to the tender structure of 

 the young leaf. The scales are rudimentary leaves, formed at the 

 end of the previous season, and which, being undeveloped then, serve 

 to guard the young leaves of the future year. 



In trees, especially those which are natives of colder climates, this point is 

 taken up earlier. Many of these trees (observe in particular the ash and the 

 horse-chestnut) produce the embryos of the leaves and flowers in one year, and 

 bring them to perfection the following. There is a winter therefore to be gotten 

 over. Now what we are to remark is, how nature has prepared for the trials 

 and severities of that season. These tender embryos are, in the first place 

 wrapped up with a compactness, which no art can imitate ; in which state they 

 compose what we call the bud. This is not all. The bud itself is enclosed in 

 scales ; which scales are formed from the remains of past leaves, and the rudi- 

 ments of future ones. Neither is this the whole. In the coldest climates, a 

 third preservative is added, by the bud having a coat of gum or resin, which, 

 being congealed, resists the strongest frosts. On the approach of warm weather 

 this gum is softened, and ceases to be an hinderance to the expansion of the 

 leaves and flowers. All this care is part of that system of provisions which has 

 for its object and consummation, the production and perfecting of the seeds. 

 Paley. 



1172. Why are the seeds of many plants enclosed in a 

 rich juice, or pulp ? 



Because the matter by which the seed is surrounded, as well as 

 being intended fix the nourishment and care of the seed, is 

 designed for the use of man and of animals, by whom the seed is 

 set free to take its place in the earth. 



By virtue of this process, so necessary, but so diversified, we have the seed, a.i 

 length, in stone-fruits and nuts, incased in a strong shell, the shell itself 

 enclosed in a pulp or husk, by which the seed within is, or hath been, fed ; or, 

 more generally (as in grapes, oranges, and the numerous kinds of berries), 

 plunged overhead in a glutinous syrup, contained within a skin or bladder ; at 

 other times (as in apples and pears) embedded in the heart of a firm fleshy 

 substance ; or (as in strawberries) pricked into the surface of a soft pulp. 



These and many more varieties exist in what we cull fruits. In pulse, and 

 grain, and grasses ; seeds (as in the pea tribe) regularly disposed in parchment 

 pods, which, though soft and membranous, completely exclude the wet even in 

 the heaviest rains; the pod also, not seldom, (as in the bean), lined with a fine 

 down; at other times (as in the senna) distended like a blown bladder; or we 

 have the seed enveloped in wool (as in the cotton-plant), lodged (as in pines) 

 between the hard and compact scales of a cone, or barricadoed (as in the 

 artichoke and thistle) with spikes and prickles ; in mushrooms, placed under a 

 pent-houao; in ferns, witUiu slits in the back part of the leaf; or (which in th* 



