OF THE FRUIT. 85 
164. In the fruit we see the end and 
aim of plant-life accomplished, accord- 
ing to the wise and good design of the 
great Creator. While it serves to re- 
produce and keep alive the plants upon 
the earth, it also serves as food for ani- 
mals and for man. 
165. It is curious to observe how dif: pig. o¢6. Drape arpa 
ferent are the parts of the fruit which Cherry. 
in different plants become food. Inthe 7%. 267. Tryma,—acorn 
is of Red Oak. 
Apple, we eat the calyx which here 
adheres to the ovary, and in ripening was thickened and en- 
larged by the nutritious substance. In the Strawberry, we 
eat the enlarged, pulpy 
torus, which bears, all 
over its surface, the little 
dry, seed-like fruit. In 
Peach, the luscious mor- 
sel is the outer coats of 
the ovary itself; and in 
the Orange, it is the in- 
ner coat. In the Nut, 
Fig. 268. Eterio,—a Blackberry. 
Pea, Wheat, and most Fig. 269. Capsule of Violet, open. 
plants, the nourishing 
matter is laid up in the seeds, while the carpels ripen into 
a dry fruit. 
166. The fruit consists of the seeds and the seed-vessels. 
The word pericarp means the same as seed-vessel. When 
164. Mention some of the uses of the fruit. 
165. Can you tell us what part of the Apple is eaten? What part of the 
Strawberry is the eatable part? What part of the Peach? the Orange? In 
what part is the nutritious matter deposited in the Pea? Wheat? Almond? 
