VEGETABLE PHYSIOLOGY. 13 



the purpose of a prop to the branched head, and of 

 course preserves the living- parts from being- laid 

 prostrate by the winds. 



Reproductive Organs. Plants reproduce them- 

 selves by seeds, and by what are called offsets or 

 suckers. The flowers precede and produce the for- 

 mer, and the vital membrane the latter. Herbs, and 

 many trees and shrubs, extend themselves by stolones; 

 some by the rooting* of their branches which happen 

 to touch the ground; and others there are which 

 eject roots from their lofty branches, enter the soil, 

 and thence throw up a new birth of stems. 



The foregoing is a brief sketch of the organisation; 

 but as all the principal organs will hereafter be 

 described, and figured if necessary, in the order of 

 their development, nothing farther need be added in 

 this place. 



