APRIL. 29 



be one of the former kind, at one extremity, uniting 

 the two halves, is a delicate hinge ; if, on the other 

 hand, the seed be like that of the wheat-grain, the 

 hinge-like body is embedded in the farinaceous matter. 

 The actual and growing part of the seed is this deli- 

 cate little point that we compare to a hinge. The 

 proper name for it is the " embryo ; " and though the 

 remaining portion is indispensable, from this alone are 

 developed the stem and ultimate foliage. The farina- 

 naceous matter is termed the " albumen," and is the 

 food of the embryo while germinating, all being con- 

 sumed during the processes of growth, so that when 

 the plant makes its appearance above ground, there is 

 nothing left below but an empty husk. Seeds that 

 consist of two distinct halves have their albumen 

 wrapped up in the substance of these two pieces ; and 

 then it usually happens that at the time of germina- 

 tion, the seed-leaves rise to the surface of the soil, 

 and spread themselves horizontally. Their primary 

 function, however, is precisely the same, as proved 

 by the experiment of breaking or tearing them off, 

 when the embryo almost immediately withers away. 

 The embryo of the seed is to the plant what infant 

 offspring is to the animal ; ' and this leads us to one of 

 the most beautiful considerations of their history. 

 Providence, in assigning duties, and conferring affec- 

 tions and tender sympathies, gives to the mother an 

 inexpressible love for her offspring, and impels her to 

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