16 THE BUILDING UP OF THE 



countless numbers of leaves which are developed through 

 succeeding years, and by whose united labors a goodly 

 tree is at last constructed, capable of withstanding the 

 storms of the atmosphere, as the submarine structures 

 reared by the coral insect resist the surges of the oceaa. ^ 



It is therefore important to study carefully the organi- 

 zation and life-processes of the first true aerial leaf, or 

 vegetable unit ; for as its simple repetition constitutes the 

 growth of the first year — which again must be regarded as 

 a vegetable unit of a somewhat higher, more complex cha- 

 racter, by simple repetition of which the entire tree itself 

 is ultimately produced ; so it is plain that a thorough know- 

 ledge of the physiology and organization of this first true 

 aerial leaf must furnish a key not only to the growth of 

 the first year, but of succeeding years, of which the tree is 

 the solid and enduring monument. 



Nothing is apparently more insignificant and feeble than 

 our beech-tree at this period of its life. Look at the young, 

 delicate leaf and stem of the phyton, or first plant, which 

 does not even raise above the green blades of grass by 

 which it is surrounded, thrown as it were on the charity 

 of Nature ! It has lost its nursing-leaves and is left to pro- 

 vide for itself, surrounded by innumerable dangers. It is 

 at first a struggle for life against fearful odds. It may be 

 eaten by cattle, or be crushed by a careless footstep ; want 

 of rain or too much moisture in the soil, excessively hot or 

 severely cold weather, may permanently injure its structure 

 and bring its life to an early and premature close. 



But if the seed was planted in a good soil, and the con- 

 ditions continue favorable, an impulsive energy vnll very 

 soon be called forth which shall carry it over every obstacle. 

 Yea, verily, it shall extract nutriment from the very tem- 

 pest which would hurl it to destruction, and render its 

 enemy subservient to the advancement of its upward and 

 onward progress. 



See how beautifully Providence has adapted the organi- 

 zation of the two extremities of the phyton, or first plant, 



