RECEPTACLES FOR SECRETION. 77 



are very beautifully partitioned off from the surrounding tissue, 

 by a peculiar disposition of the cells. 

 A good illustration of these, is found 

 in the rind of the orange and lemon ; 

 the odour and flavour of which, are 

 derived from the minute drops of 

 volatile oil, stored up in a vast num- 

 ber of these little cavities. The tur- 

 pentine of resinous woods is collected 

 in large channels of the same descrip. 



tlOn. CELLULAR TISSUE. 



99. It is scarcely possible to observe the number of different 

 forms (of which many have been left unnoticed) resulting from 

 the varied combinations of the simple elements membrane and 

 fibre, each of them probably having its peculiar function in the 

 Vegetable economy, without being struck with the simplicity of 

 the plan, by which Creative Design has effected so many 

 marvels, as well as with the extreme beauty and regularity of 

 the structures, which are thus produced. The comparison of 

 such specimens of Nature's workmanship, as the meanest Plant 

 affords, with the most elaborate results of human skill and 

 ingenuity, serves only to put to shame the boasted superiority of 

 Man; for whilst every additional power which is applied to 

 magnify the latter, serves but to exaggerate their defects, and 

 to display new imperfections, the application of such to organized 

 tissues, has only the effect of disclosing new beauties, and of 

 bringing to light the concealed intricacies of their structure. 



We shall next pass on to consider the structure of the com- 

 pound organs of the Vegetable fabric, and their several purposes 

 and uses. 



