i96 REMARKABLE OCCURRE.\XES 



One of the most ingenious observations of Linnaeus in physical 

 botany was his new theory of the origin of the blossoms. He con- 

 sidered them as a sudden display, happening all at once, of the leaves 

 and the gems of plants, (Prokpsis Plantarum), as the anticipation of a 

 growth of five years. The lateral or side-leaves, spring, according to 

 this theory, from those parts which would have produced the or- 

 dinary leaves in the following year, the calyx from the leaves of the 

 third, the petals from the leaves of the fourth, the stamina from the 

 leaves of the fifth, and the pistilla from the leaves of the sixth year. 

 Thus this developement, according to the fabric of nature, would only 

 be effefted after a lapse of six years, were it not accelerated by the 

 covers of the marrow of the plants, which contain too little of the ali- 

 mentary juice to be able to follow its extension, and to prevent the 

 thriving of the flower or blossom. 



To these may we add many other observations upon the distinft parts 

 and properties of plants. Thus Linn^us, for instance, demonstrated, 

 how accurately flowers perform the service of a time piece, in which 

 the hour of the day can be precisely ascertained; he composed a 

 calendar for the period when the plants thrive their blossom, (Calen- 

 darium Florce) and pointed out from this calendar in what manner the 

 time best calculated for certain labours of rural oeconomy may be 

 chosen, he presented the different sorts of the natural emigrations of 

 plants, (Colonice Plantayum), &c. 



All these, and many other remarks and subjefls which he left to the 

 discussion of his pupils .in the academical disputations, were collefled 

 and published by him under the title of Amoenitates Academicce. The 

 first part of this colleQion made its appearance in the year 1749, and 



the 



