

GOETHE ON THE METAMORPHOSIS OF PLANTS. 21 
when after the ripening of the seed the capsule bursts asunder, each 
part then having the appearance of an open legume or pod. It is also 
shown by different species of the same genus; for instance, the cap- 
sules in Nigella orientalis consist of pods partially united and collected 
round an axis; while in N. Damascena their union is complete.* 
79. This resemblance to the leaf is most difficult to discern when 
nature produces the seed-vessel either in a soft and succulent, or in a 
hard and woody state; but it will not elude our observation when 
we have once learnt to trace it through all its transitions. It is suffi- 
cient here to indicate the general idea, and by a few examples to show 
nature's unity of design. The manifold varieties of the seed-vessel 
will afford us matter for future and deeper consideration. 
80. The connection of the seed-vessel with the preceding organs is 
also shown in the stigma ; which in many instances is situated immedi- 
ately upon the germen and is inseparably united with it, We have 
before pointed out the relation of the stigma to the leaf, and will here 
mention but one more instance ; namely, the Double Poppy, in which 
the stigmas are changed into coloured and delicate petals.T 
81. The last and greatest instance of expansion effected by the 
plant in the course of its growth, is seen in the fruit ; which is often 
great, nay monstrous, both in internal power and in outward form- 
Since, after fertilization, it generally increases in size, it would appear 
that, whilst the seed, now in a more perfected state, draws those juices 
from every part of the plant whieh its own growth demands, they be- 
come centred in the fruit; by which means its vessels are nourished, 
enlarged, and often swollen and expanded to the greatest extent. That 
refined gases have a great share in this, may be inferred from what has 
been previously stated ; the fact that the distended pods of the bladder- 
nut (Colutea arborescens) contain pure gas, has been established by ex- 
periments.t ! 
* Wolf. N. Comm. Acad. Petrop., op. cit., expresses precisely the same opinion 
as to the nature of the seed-vessel. 
T See Linn. *Prolepsis, § 9. In the ‘Gardeners’ Chronicle’ of August. 18th, 
1855, there is a figure of a Nymphea, in which, in addition to other singular changes, 
the stigmas are replaced by leaves. In Stigmatophyllon and many Malpighiacee, 
as well as in some other plants, the stigmas are very like leaves or petals (see Plate, 
es T by pure gas, oxygen is meant, the faet is very doubtful ; latterly, however, 
Matteucci has detected carbonic acid gas in these pods; but the presence of either of 
these gases would hardly afford any assistance towards explaiuing the enlargement of 
the seed-vessel. 




