128 



VIGNETTES FROM NATURE. 



Stalk at the south pole, then in the loose- 

 strifes this capsule may be figured as dividing 

 into several segments along the meridians 

 from the north pole downwards ; while in 

 the pimpernels it may be figured as dividing 

 into two hemispheres at the equator. It is 

 just the difference between letting an orange 

 burst open along the natural partitions, or 

 cutting it across the middle at right angles to 

 the partitions. Now, if you look closely at 

 the ripe capsules of the woodland loosestrife, 

 you will see that it splits asunder into 

 separate valves ; and, therefore, according 

 to this rule, it is a true lysimachia : while if 

 you look closely at the ripe capsules of the 

 pimpernel, you will see that the top lifts off 

 bodily in a hemisphere or cup, displaying the 

 seeds within as an uncovered sphere ; and 

 therefore, on the same principle, it is a true 

 anagallis. So far as this reasoning goes, it is 

 perfectly just and accurate. 



But now, again, if we inquire into the 

 development and history of the two plants, 



