134 LETTER IX. 



ness and thinness, and usually gay colours of these 

 parts, that Cockscombs and the like owe their glossi- 

 ness and beauty, and also the property they possess of 

 remaining for months without fading. The remain- 

 der of their organs are constructed upon the simplest 

 plan. A few anthers, usually five {Jig. 2.J, and an 

 ovary with two or three styles (fig. 4.), having but one 

 cell and one ovule, complete the apparatus by which 

 such a plant is increased. When the fruit is ripe, the 

 shell of the ovary becomes very thin, and bursts in the 

 middle by a horizontal opening {fig. 4. a.) ; the seed 

 {fig. 5.) is a little flat body, with a slender embryo 

 {fig. 6.), coiled round some mealy albumen. 



It is difficult to mention an order much more simply 

 constructed than this, and yet how perfectly are all 

 the parts adapted to the end for which they are 

 created. Even a provision for a beautiful appearance 

 is not neglected, for in order to compensate for their 

 smallness, we find the flowers developed in large 

 masses, and aided by multitudes of shining bracts 

 which contribute very essentially to their fine appear- 

 ance. 



With an assurance that these plants are all as 

 harmless as they are beautiful, 1 take my leave of you 

 till another day. 



