DIVISION OF VEGETABLE ORGANS. 
49 
not a rational conclusion that we should add to this original 
stock of knowledge, by a continued observation of objects ad- 
dressed to our senses ? After the years of infancy are past, and 
we begin to study books, and to attain u-liat is called learning ; 
should we then, neglecting sensible objects, seek only to gain 
ideas from the learned ? 
Having now enabled you to understand the method of analys- 
ing plants, we shall proceed to consider more fully the different 
organs of plants, with the uses of each in the vegetable economy. 
In plants, as well as animals, each part or organ, is intimately 
connected with the whole ; and the vegetable, as well as the an- 
imal being depends for its existence on certain laws of organi- 
zation. 
We shall consider the vegetable organs under two classes ; 
the first including such organs as promote the growth of the 
plant ; the second such as perfect the seed, and thus provide for 
the reproduction of the species. 
1st. The Root, or descending part. 
2d. The Stem, whiph elevates and sustains the 
branches. 
3d. The Leaves, which are the lungs of plants, 
inhaling nutritious gases, and exhaling such as 
are not needed for the growth of the plant. 
4th. The appendages , as leafets, tendrils, thorns, 
&c. 
Organs which 
promote the ^ 
growth of the 
plant. 
Ogams which 
perfect 
the seed. 
' 1st. The Calyx, or outer part of the flower. 
2d. The Corolla , or coloured blossoms within 
the Calyx, or enclosing the stamens. 
3d. The Stamens, organs surrounding the cen- 
tral one. 
J 4th. The Pistil, central organ. 
5th. The Pericarp, covering of the seed. 
6th. The Seed, the essential part which contains 
the rudiments of a new plant. 
7th. The Receptacle, or base of the flower, being 
the end of the flower stem. 
Vegetable as well as animal existence depends on certain laws of organi- 
zation Two kinds of organs of vegetables — The first set of organs — The 
second set — 
5 
