SEEDS. 155 



We have now to notice how the substance or body 

 of the seed varies both in hardness and in shape. So 

 compare the peculiarly crumpled or folded seed of 

 the walnut with the other variously shaped but 

 smooth and even seeds which are before you. And 

 look at your nutmeg. Do you see how its substance 

 is mottled ? That is caused by a layer of the testa, 

 which grows in and out between the folded substance 

 or body of the seed. And its substance is very hard 

 also. In the pip of the apple or kernel of the nut, 

 on the other hand, it is softer. In the date seed, 

 however, whilst its testa is very fragile, its body or 

 substance is harder than in the nutmeg : so hard that 

 you may use knife or hammer upon it, and not easily 

 make much impression. Yet the little date plant 

 which it surrounds feeds and thrives upon it when the 

 date seeds are planted and begin to grow. 



Will you crack the Brazil nut ? How oily this 

 seed is. You can not only taste this, but, if you 

 squeeze a bit of it hard, you will see that it is so. And 

 if you can get one whole out of its shell, and cut it to a 

 point at one end, and light it, it will burn freely. It 

 is a complete little lamp wick and oil and lamp 

 together. 



Whilst it is burning, eat the wheat seed slowly. 

 Does it not remind you of flour and bread ? 



Very different again is the nutmeg. Scrape or 

 grate it a little, and notice how fragrant it is ; and 

 you know that some people are fond of it as a spice 

 or flavouring. 



