V 



1852.] THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. 15 



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^ seed is composed of the germ, and of provision both for its preserva-^M 

 'o tion and support in the first stages of growth. The embryo is one ofcj^ 

 the most brittle and tender substances, }et it is folded up in the most \ 

 perfect security within the integuments and the albumen of the seed. 

 So great is the conservative power, that seeds have been known to 

 germinate, when more than a thousand years old. The preservative 

 power prevents both decay, and untimely germinations. Before the 

 germ can assume the active state, the preserving power must be over- 

 come, and when it is no longer needed for that purpose, it subserves 

 another not less important. Namely, the support of the young plant, 

 before it can live by its own proper functions. All this is effected in 

 the seed itself, which is a perfect laboratory. 



I cannot close these remarks without noticing the large develop- 

 ment of beauty in plants, that ethereal presence which lends such a 

 charm to all material objects. Plants supply us with food, and this 

 indicates the goodness of God. But they minister to higher wants, 

 delighting the soul with their elegant forms, and their lovely colors. 

 Now this beauty which is so profusely lavished on the daughters of 

 Flora is far more than a rigid utilitarianism demands, and if we could 

 suppose mere mechanisms to be the result of chance, we must look 

 higher for the exquisite, artistic finish, which characterises all the 

 members of the vegetable kingdom, h is needless to specify cases — 

 the most important thing is to view the subject from the right point. 

 Then is every fact we acquire, and every law we discover a testimo- 

 ny to the great doctrine we have been considering. Habit has so 

 familiarized us with these beautiful objects, that many of us forget 

 to bestow a thought upon them. We eat our bread, wear our linen, 

 and sail the ocean in our majestic ships — without a recollection of 

 the growth of the corn, the flax or the oak. Let us be more mindful 

 in the summer that is opening upon us. May we draw from the 

 study the consoling inference, tliat "If God so clothe the grass," He 

 will not forget us, his rational creatures. Thus shall we rise irom 

 nature up to nature's God. J. M. 



The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. 



There is "something" going on in the pages of the Horticulturist 

 about our society, and societies in general. Several dangerous look- 

 ing shells have exploded, but as yet no body seems to be much hurt. 

 The war has already lasted three months, and to all appearance, "the 

 end is not yet." Now, with every respect for the gentlemen engaged 

 in this controversy, I do not see that there is much to found a differ- 

 Ci ence upon. One gentlemen, " a working gardener of Philadelphia," 

 (^ does not consider the society absolutely perfect, believes it might G 



