212 
in a small leaf which never expanded into such a 
form as mine, but remained the protector of that 
precious embryo, till it had sufficient strength to 
put forth roots into the soil, and to throw up other 
leaves into the air. Then it withered, and the roots 
drew in food from the earth, which circulated upward 
to the leaves that were fanned by the air. 
“ And when the sap had parted with some of its 
moisture, through the pores of the young leaves, 
that which was left, descended again to enrich the 
plant, and give it strength to put forth new ones. 
Wherever the descending liquid, now thick and 
nourishing, stopped in the joints of the stem and 
leaves, new buds were formed, part of which turned 
into stems, till gradually the tree grew to this great 
height. Every spring, when the warm days come, 
the roots, which then have many fibres, each with 
an opening in the end, receive the sap which rushes 
