ON THE DISSECTION OF FLOWERS. J 75 



rest, and how entirely the new wood or albumen x divides it 

 from the wood ; it is only to recollect tha* these are each of 

 them regular cylinders of different degrees, of thickness, 

 having their vessels closely applied on each <]\ as 



the mechanism appertaining to them, adhe^ve to every cir- 

 cle ; and it will be easily u- d now such delicate and 

 complicated machinery ean he each in its separate cylinder, 

 without interfering or distjmbing each other. 



I explained in my last leiief, that it was by this means, Uniformity of 

 and by a perfect knowledge of the dissection of plants, that nature * 

 I was able to trace the male and female in the cryptoga- 

 mian class. I have by the same analogy proved which are 

 the most important lines and vessels to the vegetable king- 

 dom. I did not set up to form a system ; it is dissection alone 

 that has created it for me; I trusted to the strict conformity 

 of nature, and never attempted to make one part agree with 

 the other, but drew the sketch exactly as nature presented 

 it to me. Yet on looking back, I find thej all agree; the 

 same conformity is maintained throughout. Is not this the 

 most convincing proof of the exactness and truth of every 

 part ? In my next I hope to give a view of the manner in 

 which the bads shoot in annuals from the stalk ; as it is 

 really so curious and beautiful, it is well worth a letter to 

 itself. I have also promised one on parasite plants, a very 

 amusing and also important subject : matter presses on me 

 so much at this time ofthe year, I cannot draw quick enough 

 to keep pace with it. 



I am, Sir, > 



Your obliged servant, 



AGNES IBBETSON. 



I shall add a few lines to mark the constant use of the 

 screw in all plants, it serves a double purpose : first, that of 

 covering and concealing the buds ; and next, the easily di- • 

 viding each circle to let them out when ripe. If such a 

 specimen as fig. 9 is taken, and the rind and bark stripped off", 

 it will appear as at fig. 10; with the wood separating into 

 threads to let the buds pass and to make a hollow way for 

 them. It appears to me, that there requires no other proof 



than 



