260 



is the figure of the mould that grows upon bread in a damp cellar. 

 It consists of a single stem made up of cells placed one upon the 

 other, and a single globular spore-case at tlie top. The spores 

 ^ are liberated when ripe and are blown to the four quarters 

 lg '*?°' of the world by the wind. Wherever they alight, circum- 

 j) stances being favorable, — as bread in a damp cellar,— 

 they grow and become mould again. Compare this, which 

 is one of the lowest of the Fungi, with a stamen (Fig. 

 120) growing in one of the most perfect of flowers. It 

 has its filament (stem) supporting a case or sack (the 

 anther) filled with pollen-grains (which I compare with the 

 spores of the fungi) and which, when fully mature are 

 liberated and scattered about by the wind, or are carried 

 by insects. Under favorable circumstances (falling upon the 

 stigma) they also grow and become new plants. 



These examples are sufficient for the present purpose ; they 

 show clearly the existence of this important law in the vegetable, 

 as well as in the animal kingdom. Many similar analogies might 

 be found throughout the whole course of vegetable life, were it 

 desirable to pursue the subject. We have here one more link be- 

 tween the two great kingdoms of organized nature, and another 

 proof of the unity of design of the Creator. 



ON THE PHYSICAL AND GEOLOGICAL CHARACTER- 

 ISTICS OF THE GREAT DISMAL SWAMP, AND 

 THE EASTERN COUNTIES OF VIRGINIA. 



in North Carolina, is about forty miles long and from fifteen to 

 twenty-five miles wide. The earliest account of a passage through 

 the swamp is by Col. Byrd, who surveyed the state boundary line 

 in 1728. Until this time, Col. Byrd wrote in his journal "this 

 dreadful swamp was ever judged impassable." 



About 17o5 a Scotchman named Drummond, discovered the 

 pond now bearing his name, and which has since been immortal- 

 ized by Moore as the "Lake of the Dismal Swamp." 



