4 
PLANTS. 
In the structure, and for the preservation, of this 
embryo plant, as much contrivance is shown, as in 
subjects of much more apparent importance. The 
animal, when first brought into the world, has its 
nourishment supplied by a different source indeed, 
but not by a contrivance more manifest than this ; 
for the young plant, before its roots are strong 
enough to draw a sufficient support from the earth, 
is nourished by the lobes ; which, like milk to the 
new-born animal, invigorate the tender stem till 
their services are no longer required. 
In the germination of seeds, a fact may be ob- 
served which will prove how careful Nature has 
been to provide against any failure in her opera- 
tions. If a seed is thrown into the ground — it mat- 
ters not of what species, or in what direction — the 
root will invariably strike downwards, and the bud 
find its way into the air. The late archdeacon of 
Carlisle, whose works are so deservedly admired, 
has the following passage to this effect in his Na- 
tural Theology : u When a grain of corn is cast 
into the ground, this is the change which takes 
place. From one end of the grain issues a green 
sprout ; from the other a number of white fibrous 
roots. How can this be explained ? — Why not 
sprouts from both ends ? Why not fibrous threads 
from both ends? To what is the difference to be re- 
ferred, but to design : to the different uses which 
the parts are hereafter to serve ; uses which dis- 
cover themselves in the sequel of the process ? The 
sprout, or plumule, struggles into the air, and be- 
