14 



THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. 



36 



<^ 



[May 



U\ fittings and joinings to the exact adaptations in the humblest plant — nfj 

 how stiff and inelegant the outlines of his works, compared with the ^ 

 perfect symmetry in every plant. The position assumed by the plants \ 

 of the embryo in germination, is one of the most convincing proofs of 

 skilful contrivance to be found in nature. Why does the radicle al- 

 ways seek the soil, and the plumula as invariably ascend into the at- 

 mosphere 1 Does gravity explain the phenomenal If it will account 

 for the downward direction of the root, how can it account for the 

 stem ascending into the atmosphere 1 Shall we with some, place it 

 among the vital phenomena of vegetation! What is that but saying 

 that the plant is so created, that its parts observe these respective di- 

 rections ; and what could so arrange this but Infinite wisdom and pow- 

 erl This fully accounts for the phenomena, and we know of nothing 

 else that can. 



Again look at the functions of the leaves, observe their perfect 

 pneumatic structure, how nicely adapted to the various degrees of 

 heat, light and moisture, to which they are exposed — when the sit- 

 uation is unfavorable to respiration, the leaves are fitted with this 

 epidermis, and large active stomates, but when the situation naturally 

 favors it, to too high a degree, it is counteracted by a thick leathery 

 skin, and small stomates. In the case of leaves growing under water, 

 the stomates are entirely absent. Why 1 simply because they could 

 be of no use there. 



In the clothing of buds we find evidence of sti iking adaptations. 

 In trees natives of cold climates, the buds are formed during the sum- 

 mer, but they are not to be developed till the following spring. 

 These buds are of the highest importance for they contain the rudi- 

 ments of branches, leaves, flowers, fruit and seeds ; they are very 

 tender, now how are they to be preserved during the severities of 

 winter 1 In this way nature has provided for them,— they are cover- 

 ed with scales adapted in number and thickness to the exposure of 

 different species. The arrangement and packing of these scales is so 

 perfect that art cannot imitate it. And this is not all, in some, as the 

 horse-chestnut the whole is covered with a coat of gum, which 

 forms a very powerful protection. The whole process of reproduc- 

 tion, offers many illustrations of the existence and care of the Creator. 

 Look at the end — the perfection of the seed, observe it is indicated in 

 every part of the process. The stamens and pistils are placed near 

 each other, that the fertilising influence of the pollen may not be 

 thwarted, and they are both matured at the same time for the same 

 purpose. There is beautiful contrivance in the relative position of 

 these organs, they are long or short, erect or drooping, and all for 



A the one purpose of conveying the pollen to the ovules. 



The constitution of the seed is one of the finest examples. 



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