2 
PLANTS. 
lodged in the earth. This covering so defends 
them from injury, that they may be handled very 
roughly without the smallest prejudice to their fu- 
ture growth. Some of these seeds, as the kernels 
of apples and pears, are placed in the very heart of 
the fruit. Others grow in shells, such as peas and 
beans. A third sort, besides their enclosure in the 
substance of the fruits, are shut up in thick shells 
of wood ; of this species are almonds, apricots, 
peaches, plums, &c. Several, besides their wooden 
shell, have a bitter rind, which is the case of 
walnuts ; or a covering jagged with prickles to pre- 
serve the seed from all injury till they have com- 
pleted their maturity : chestnuts belong to this last 
class. 
We must here remark a wonderful effort of Na- 
ture for the dispersion of the seeds after they have 
arrived at maturity. While shut up in their re- 
spective capsules, they can be of no service, since 
the very covering which defends them from injury 
will prevent their vegetating. But this difficulty, 
great as in many instances it appears, is removed 
by the power of Nature; and nuts and shells, which 
bid defiance to our teeth, will gradually divide and 
make way for the little tender sprout which proceeds 
from the kernel. 
Progress of Vegetation. 
The common garden bean is usually chosen to 
exemplify the progress of vegetation, and the sub- 
