244 Philosophy ok Botany. 



pation in the endearment with which they fill the human 

 hearts. It appears contrary to the demands of human reason- 

 ing that so much individuality should exist without some kind 

 of consciousness or subjective individuality. 



Especially in their higher and enduring arborescent forms 

 plants are typical of the attainment of the ideal endeavors of 

 man, to accomplish in the historical evolution of the race that 

 well-balanced social state in which the single citizen, in ac- 

 cordance with his abilities, may contribute to the general wel- 

 fare, and partake of the emoluments equally accessible to all. 

 Within their bodies the component cells and structures may 

 change, be altered, die, and be regenerated, the whole remain- 

 ing a personal perpetuity lasting for ages. This is beautifully 

 expressed in the Xenia of Goethe, when he says : 



Such du das Schoenste, das Hoechste ? 

 Die Pflanze kann es dich lehren! 

 Was sie willenlos ist, sei Du es willend, 

 Das ists. 



Do you ask what in beauty and goodness 



Ranks high beyond measure ? 

 Be taught by the plant ; what she does without choice 



You do it freely with pleasure. 



