THE LIW OF EMBRYONIC DEVELOPMEIirT, 



113 



Here (Fig. 5) is a figure of the monlcl that grows upon bread in 

 ^, a clamp cellar. It consists of a single stem , made up 

 of cells placed one upon another, and a single globu- 

 lar spore-case at the top.^The spores are liberated when 

 ripe, and blown to the four quarters of the world, 

 by the wind. Wherever they alight, (circumstances 

 being favorable, as bread in a damp cellar,) they 

 grow and become mould^^again. 



Compare this, which is one of the lowest of the 

 fungi, with a stamen (Fig, 6) growing in one of the most perfect 

 of flowers. It has its filament (stem) supporting a case or sack (the 

 anther) filled with pollen-grains, (which I compare with the 

 spores of the'fungi,) and which, when fully mature, are liber- 

 ated and scattered about b}^ the wind, or are carried by in- 

 sects. Under favorable circumstances (falling upon the stig^ 

 ma) they also grow and become new plants. 



These examples are sufficientTor the present purpose; they 

 show clearly the existence of this important law in the vege- 

 table as well as in the animal kingdom. 



Many similar analogies might be found throughout the whole 

 course of vegetable life, had we time to pursue the subject. 



We have here one more connectiug link between the two great 

 kingdoms of organized nature; and another proof of the unity of 

 desisn of the Creator. 



Fig. 5. Mucor, (mould.) 



-W A S 



