160 APPENDAGES OF THE STEM. 



their station and peculiar functions, declare at once 

 their respective offices. But what can we say of the 

 corolla and nectarium, those splendid appendages and 

 chief ornaments of plants ? Do they administer to 

 the perfection of the interior parts? They can hardly 

 be deemed defences, more especially as they are 

 not only unfitted for such office, by reason of their 

 extreme delicacy, but also because, in most cases, they 

 turn away from the only position in which they 

 might #ct as a guard to the interior parts. Here we 

 can only pause and admire ! But notwithstanding 

 our ignorance in this case, we may rest assured, that 

 these beautiful appendages are not superfluous, but 

 answer some useful purpose to the plant itself, or to 

 some other link in the chain of being. Do their 

 colours indicate their specific qualities for the use of 

 man ? Are their brilliant hues intended to lure 

 insects, in order that they may not only find food, 

 but also assist nature in the distribution of pollen* ? 

 Or are high colours given to plants as a decoration 

 only ? Such questions have not yet been satisfac- 

 torily answered, though we may safely conclude, that 

 both the distinguishing characteristics of colour and 

 scent are produced by the qualities of the plant, not- 

 withstanding the immediate causes of the various 



* There are some sorts of improved fruits, which, if their seed be 

 sowed, rarely produce progeny exactly like the parent, or like each 

 other. Is not this owing to the flowers being so constantly visited 

 l>y numerous tribes of bees ? Ex. the gooseberry. 



