GOETHE ON THE METAMORPHOSIS OF PLANTS. 19 
72. Nature not unfrequently affords us instances in which, by a 
retrogressive movement, the style and stigmas are reconverted into 
petals. It is, for example, by such a transformation, that Ranunculus 
Asiaticus becomes double; the anthers being often found unchanged, 
immediately beneath the corolla. Some other remarkable instances 
will be mentioned by-and-by.* 
73. We must here repeat the observations, before asserted, that the 
style and stamens are to be referred to the same period of growth; and 
that they hereby afford a fresh illustration of the argument, by which 
‚we endeavoured to prove a process of alternate expansion and contrac- 
tion. From the seed to the topmost stem-leaf we observed the work of 
expansion going forward ; we next saw the calyx produced by means of 
contraction, the petals by expansion, and again the stamens and pistils 
by contraction. Presently we shall have to observe the highest degree 
of expansion in the fruit, and the utmost contraction in the seed. In 
these six steps unwearied nature completes her never-ending work of 
reproduction, by means of the male and female organs. 
X. Of the Fruit. 
74. We shall soon perceive that the fruit is of like origin with the 
previous organs, and subject to the same laws. We here speak more 
particularly of those seed-vessels which enclose so-called covered (angio- 
spermous) seeds ; or, more correctly, which are formed for the develop- 
ment of a larger or smaller number of fertilized seeds within them. It 
will be easy to show that these seed-vessels may be explained by the 
nature and organization of those parts of the plant which we have already 
considered. 
75. Here again retrogressive Metamorphosis reminds us of Nature’s 
law. In Pinks, for example, the very irregularity of which makes them 
such familiar and favourite flowers, it not unfrequently happens that the 
capsule assumes the appearance of sepals, and the styles shorten. The 
capsule of the Pink has even been transformed into a true and perfect 
calyx; little remnants of the styles and stigmas remaining attached 
to the tips of the divisions, whilst in the centre of this second calyx, 
a more or less perfect corolla was developed instead of seed. + 
* Liun., Prolepsis, $ ix., mention is made of some flowers of Carduus heterophyllus 
and C. talaricus in which “the style had grown into two green leaflets ; the calyx 
and corolla were also leaf-like in these flowers.” 
+ See Braun, * Rejuvenescence,’ Henfrey's translation for Ray Society, 1853, p. 60. 
t See § 105. A 
Cc 
