BIOGRAPHY OF THE PLANT, 101 
shown in the Class Book, p. 23), having its axis undeveloped, 
its leaves in crowded circles, moulded into more delicate 
forms and tinged with brighter colors, not only to adorn the 
face of nature, but to prepare the way for fruit. 
209. The fourth stage of plant-life is the period of its fruit 
bearing. The flowers have gradually faded and disappeared, 
but the pistil, having received the quickening pollen (see Class 
-Book of Botany, p. 148), remains in its place, holds fast all 
the nourishing matter which continues to flow into it through 
the flower-stem, grows, and finally ripens into the perfected 
fruit and seed. 
210. The fifth and last stage in the biography of the plant 
is its Acbernation (winter’s sleep), or its death. If the event 
of flowering and fruit-bearing occur within the first or second 
year of the life of the plant, it is generally followed by its 
speedy death. In all other cases it is followed by a state of 
needful repose, wherein it is commonly stripped of its leaves, 
and gives few, if any, indications of life, until awaked, with 
renewed vigor, in the following Spring. 
211. According to their different terms of life, we distin- 
guish plants as annuals, biennials, and perennials. An an- 
nual herb completes its whole history in one year. In the 
Spring it germinates; in Summer it grows, blooms, bears 
fruit; and in Autumn its work and life are ended. The 
Mustard, Maize, and Morning-glory are such. 
212. A biennial herb lives two years. During the first it 
208. Please state the nature of the flower. 
209. Please describe the fourth stage of plant-life. 
210. The fifth stage. 
211. In regard to their term of life, how are plants divided? Describe az 
annual herb. 
212. A biennial herb. 
