14 ON THE ORGANS OF PLANTS. 



ferent names. But we will not attempt to learn all at 

 once: but keep to those most generally applied to 

 plants in the First Sub-Class : many, in the other 

 divisions are the same, but in each we shall discover 

 some new forms and character. The most important 

 Organs, are the BOOT, STEM, LEAVES, CALYX, 

 PETALS, STAMENS, PISTIL, FRUIT and SEED. 



In Botany, the term Fruit, means that organ which 

 contains the seed, whether it be good for food, or 

 poisonous : whether it be dry, or soft ; small as the 

 Shepherd's Purse ; or large as a Melon. If it con- 

 tain the Seed, it is the Fruit ; often called a Seed- 

 vessel. Plate I. 4, II. 7. We have examined the 

 Embryo Plant: (composed of Radicle, Plumule and 

 Cotyledons) now sow some seed in sand and watch 

 the growth of that little plant, day by day. See how 

 the Radicle strikes down into the ground, (though the 

 seed may be set the wrong end upwards) and the 

 Plumule will lift its head above ground, for light and 

 air. With many seeds, the Cotyledons rise above 

 ground, and become green leaves ; but with many 

 Dicotyledons, they remain to give nourishment to the 

 root, and then wither away. 



Whilst your Young .Plants are growing, we will 

 collect some that are complete in every part, and ex- 



