214 
with the functions of both. After some days he will remark, that the radicle 
will raise itself to the surface of the earth, and the plumula will sink down 
into it. He will not be surprised at this direction, so prejudicial to the life 
of the plant: he will impute it to the position he gave to these seeds when 
he sowed them. He will pursue his observations, and will soon see the 
radicle fold back on itself, in order to gain the inside of the earth, and the 
plumula bend backwards in like manner, in order to raise itself into the air. 
This change of direction will appear to him very remarkable, and he will 
begin to suspect that the organized being he has been studying is endued 
with some discernment. Nevertheless, being too wise to pronounce his 
opinion on these first indications, he will suspend his judgment, and pursue 
his inquiries. 
The plants, whose coming up our natural philosopher has been observ¬ 
ing, received their birth near a covert. Being favoured by this situation, 
and cultivated with care, they made a considerable progress in a short time. 
The earth, which encompasses them at some distance, is of two very oppo¬ 
site qualities. That part on the right side of the plants is moist, rich, and 
spongy; that on the left is dry, hard, and gravelly. Our observer remarks* 
that the roots, after having begun to extend themselves pretty equally on 
both sides, changed their course, and directed themselves entirely towards 
that part of the soil which is fat and moist. They even lengthened to such 
a degree, as made him apprehensive they would intercept the nourishment 
from the neighbouring plants. To prevent this inconvenience, he contrives 
to make a ditch, which separates the plants he is observing from those they 
threaten to famish, and thus thinks he has provided against all events. But 
these plants, which he flatters himself to have so easily mastered, elude his 
prudence: they cause their roots to pass under the ditch, and conduct them 
to the other side. 
Surprised at this, he uncovers one of these roots, but without exposing 
it to the heat: he holds a sponge towards it filled with water. The root 
soon inclines itself towards this sponge- He several times shifts the place 
of the latter; the root follows it, and conforms to all its positions. 
I hus the integuments of the seed, having fulfilled their destined office 
of protection, burst and decay. The young root, or rostel, is the first part 
of the infant plant that comes forth, and by an unerring law of Nature is 
sent downwards to seek out nourishment, as well as fix the plant to the 
ground. 
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