[ 45 >] 
call ripe Seeds, they fall to the Earth, which is a 
natural Matrix for them. 
According to the above Suppofition, a ripe Seed, fall- 
ing to the Earth, is in the Condition of the Ovum of an 
Animal getting loofe from its Ovary, and dropping into 
the Uterus : And, to go on with the Analogy, the Juices 
of the Earth fwell and extend the VelTels of the 
Seed, as the Juices of the Uterus do thofe of the 
Ovum, till the Seminal Leaves unfold, and perform 
the Office of zEIacenta to the Infant included Plant ; 
which, imbibing fuitable and fufficient Moifture, gra- 
dually extends its Parts, fixes its own Root, fhoots 
above the Ground, and may be faid to be born. 
Others difapprove of this Hypothefis, and infill 
that no Animalcule can poffibly enter the Ovum 
animale, nor any Particle of the Farina get into the 
Embryo of a Seed : But, fay they, in Animals, either 
the fineflPart of the Semen is taken in by the Veffels 
of the Vagina and Uterus, circulated with the Fluids, 
and carried into the Ovaria, and even into the Ova, 
by the Veffels that run thither? or elfe, Fecundation 
is occafioned by a fubtile Spirit in the Semen mafeu- 
linum, which paffes the Uterus, enters the Ovaria, 
pervades the Female Ova, aduates and enlivens the 
feminal Matter in them contained, and produces all 
the various Symptoms of Conception: In Plants 
too, fay they, the fame is effected by penetrating 
Effluvia from the male Semen or Farina. 
This Account of animal and vegetable Generation 
is intended to introduce a Difeovery, which may 
poffibly fome way lead to a greater Certainry about 
it. 
M m m Amongft: 
