188 



LETTERS ON TREES. 



kinds of cell — the ''sperm-ceir' and the ''germ-cell" — 

 is essential to its constitution, I readily allow. But 

 were I to hazard a conjecture on a subject so obscure, 

 I would say that it is essential only in reference to the 

 objects intended by nature to be accomplished through 

 the seed — not to the reproductive process itself. And 

 I would say also, that the true original of that process 

 is a si7igle cell, and this a ''sperm-cell;" — and that 

 the primary seat or 7iidits of this cell is a bud^ the 

 latter containing every thing (" germ-cells " included) 

 that is needed for the evolution of that primordial 

 cell. According to this view, the notions of our 

 grandfathers and of the old patriarchs were literally 

 true. Physiologically, as well as by our laws and 

 the common consent of mankind, the child peculiarly 

 represents the father. And St Paul was as sound in 

 his physiology as in his logic when he argued that 

 " Levi, who receiveth tithes, paid tithes in Abraham," 

 — because, although at the time unbegotten, " he was 

 yet in the loins of his father when Melchesedec met 

 him," and received of him " a tenth part of all." — 

 I am, &c. 



