The anatomy of plants with an idea of a philosophical history of plants, and several other lectures, read before the royal society / by Nehemjah Grew ...

THE ANATOMY OF PLANTS, BEGUN. With a General Account of Vegetation, Founded thereupon.

CHAP. I. Of the Seed in its State of Vegetation.

BEING to speak of Plants; and, as far as Inspecti∣on, and consequent Reason, may conduct, to en∣quire into the visible Constitutions, and Uses of their several Parts: I choose that Method, which, to the best advantge, may suit with what we have to say hereon. And that is the Method of Nature her self, in her continued Series of Vegetations; proceeding from the Seed sown, to the formation of the Root, Trunk, Branch, Leaf, Flower, Fruit, and last of all, of the Seed also to be sown again; all which, we shall, in the same order, particularly speak of.

2. §. The Essential Constitutions of the said Parts are in all Plants the same: But for Observation, some are more convenient; in which I shall chiefly instance. And first of all, for the Seed, we choose the great Gar∣den-Bean.

3. §. If then we take a Bean and dissect it, we shall find it cloath∣ed with a doubled Vest or Coat. These Coats, while the Bean is yet green, are separable, and easily distinguished. Or in an old one, after it hath lay'n two or three days in a mellow Soil; or been soaked as long a time in Water: as in Tab. 1. When 'tis dry, they cleave so closely together, that the Eye not before instructed, will judge them but one; the inner Coat (which is of the most rare contexture) so far shrinking up, as to seem only the roughness of the outer, somewhat resembling Wafers under Maquaroons.

4. §. The Inner Coat, in its Natural State, is every where twice, and in some places, thrice as thick, as the Outer. Next to the Radi∣cle, which I shall presently describe, it is six or seven times thicker; and encompasses the Radicle round about, as in the same Figure ap∣pears.

5. §. At the thicker end of the Bean, in the outer Coat, a very small Foramen presents it self, even to the bare Eye. In Dissection 'tis found to terminate against the point of that Part which I call the Radicle. It is of that capacity, as to admit a small Virginal Wyer; and is most of all conspicuous in a green Bean. Especially, if a little magnified with a good Spectacle-Glass. This Foramen is not a hole ca∣sually made, or by the breaking off of the Stalk; but designedly form∣ed, for the uses hereafter mentioned. It may be observed not only in the great Garden-Bean, but likewise in the other kinds; in the French-Bean very plainly; in Pease, Lupines, Vetches, Lentiles, and other Pulse 'tis also found; and in many Seeds not reckoned of this kind∣red, as in that of Foenugreek, Medica Tornata, Goats-Rue, and others: In many of which, 'tis so very small, as scarcely, without the help of Glasses to be discovered; and in some, not without cutting off part of the Seed, which otherwise would intercept the sight hereof.

6. §. That this Foramen is truly permeable, even in old Setting-Beans, and the other Seeds above named, appears upon their being soaked for some time in Water. For then, taking them out, and crush∣ing them a little, many small bubles will alternately arise and break up∣on it.

7. §. Of all Seeds which have thick or hard Covers, it is also ob∣servable, That they have the same likewise Perforated, as above said, or in some other manner. And accordingly, although the Coats of such Seeds as are lodg'd in Shells or Stones, being thin, are not visibly per∣forated; yet the Stones and Shells themselves always are; as in Chap. 7. shall be seen how. To which Chapter, what is farther observable, ei∣ther as to the nature and number of the Covers of the Seed, I also refer.

8. §. The Coats of the Bean being stripp'd off, the proper Seed shews it self. The parts whereof it is composed, are three; sc. the Main Body, and two more, appendant to it; which we may call, the Three Organical Parts of the Bean.

9. §. The Main Body is not one entire piece, but always divided, lengthwise, into two halves or Lobes, which are both joyn'd together at the Basis of the Bean. These Lobes in dry Beans, are but difficultly separated or observ'd; but in young ones, especially boil'd, they easily slip asunder.

10. §. Some very few Seeds are divided, not into two Lobes, but into more; as that of Cresses into Six. And some are not at all divi∣ded, but entire; as the Grains of Corn. Excepting which few, all other Seeds, even the smallest, are divided, like as the Bean, into just two Lobes. Whereof, though in most Seeds, because of their minuteness, we cannot by dissection be inform'd; yet otherwise, we easily may, as in this Chapter shall be seen.

11. §. At the Basis of the Bean, the two other Organical Parts stand appendent; by mediation whereof, the two Lobes meet and join together. The greater of these two Parts stands without the two Lobes, and upon divesting the Bean of its Coats, is immediately visible. 'Tis of a white colour, and more glossie than the Main Body, especi∣ally when the Bean is young. In the Bean, and many other Seeds, 'tis situated somewhat above the thicker end, as you hold the Bean in its most proper posture for growth. In Oak Kernels, which we call A∣corns, Apple-Kernels, Almonds, Almonds, and many other Seeds, it stands pro∣minent just from the end; the Basis and the End being in these the same, but in the Bean divers.

12. §. This Part is found not only in the Bean, and the Seeds above mentioned; but in all others: being that, which upon the Ve∣getation of the Seed, becomes the Root of the Plant; which therefore may be called the Radicle: by which, I mean the Materials, abating the Formality, of a Root. In Corn, it is that Part, which Malsters, up∣on its shooting forth, call the Come. 'Tis not easie to be observed, sa∣ving in some few Seeds, amongst which, that of the Bean is the most fair and ample of all I have seen. But that of some other Seeds, is, in proportion, greater; as of Foenugreek, which is full as big as one of its Lobes.

13. §. The lesser of the two said Appendents lies occult beeween the two Lobes of the Bean, by separation whereof only it is to be seen. 'Tis enclos'd in two small Cavities, form'd in the Lobes for its reception. Its colour comes near to that of the Radicle; and it is founded upon the Basis thereof, having a quite contrary production, sc. towards the Cone of the Bean; as being that very Part, which, in process, becomes the Body or Trunk of the Plant. In Corn, it is that Part, which after the Radicle is sprouted forth, or come, shoots towards the smaller end of the Grain; and by many Malsters, is called the Acrospire.

14. §, This Part is not, like the Radicle, an entire Body, but di∣vided, at its loose end, into divers pieces, all very closely couched to∣gether, as Feathers in a Bunch; for which reason it may be called the Plume. They are so close, that only two or three of the outmost are at first seen: but upon a nice and curious separation of these, the more interiours still may be discovered. In the Bean, this may be done: but in very few other Seeds; because of the extreme smallness of the Plume. Now as the Plume is that Part which becomes the Trunk of the Plant, so these pieces are so many true, and already formed, though not dis∣play'd Leaves, intended for the said Trunk, and foulded up in the same plicature, wherein upon the sprouting of the Bean, they afterwards ap∣pear. In a French Bean, and especially in the larger white Kind, or in the great Indian Phaseolus, the two outmost are very fair and elegant. In the great Garden-Bean two extraordinary small Plumes often, if not always, stand one on either side the great one now describ'd: From

which, in that they differ in nothing save in their size, I therefore on∣ly here just take notice of them. And these three Parts, sc. the Main Body, the Radicle, and the Plume, are concurrent to the making up of a Seed; and no more than these

15. §. Having thus taken a view of the Organical Parts of the Bean, and other Seeds; let us next examine the Similary, sc. those whereof the Organical are compos'd: a distinct observation of which, for a clear understanding of the Vegetation of the Seed, and of the whole Plant arising thence is requisite: To obtain which, we must proceed in our Anatomy.

16. §. Dissecting a Bean then, the first Part occurring is its Cuticle. The Eye and first Thoughts, suggest it to be only a more dense and glossy Superficies; but better enquiry discovers it a real Cuticle. 'Tis so exquisitely thin, and for the most part, so firmly continuous with the Body of the Bean, that it cannot, except in some small Rag, be di∣stinctly seen, which, by carrying your Knife aslant into the Bean, and then very gently bearing upward what you have cut, will separate, and shew it self transparent. This Cuticle is not only spread upon the Con∣vex of the Lobes, but also on their Flats, where they are contiguous, extending it self likewise upon both the Radicle and Plume, and so over the whole Bean.

17. §. This Part, though it be so far common with the Coats of the Bean, as to be like those, an Integument; yet are we in a quite dif∣ferent Notion to conceive of it: For whereas the Coats, upon setting the Bean, do only administer the Sap, and, as being superseded from their Office, then die; as shall be seen: this, on the contrary, with the Organical Parts of the Bean, is nourished, augmented, and by a real Vege∣tation co-extended.

18. §. Next to the Cuticle, we come to the Parenchyma it self; the Part throughout which the Inner Body, whereof we shall speak anon, is disseminated; for which reason I call it the Parenchyma. Not that we are so meanly to conceive of it, as if (according to the stricter sense of that word,) it were a meer concreted Juyce. For it is a Body very curiously organiz'd, consisting of an infinite number of extreme small Bladders; as in Tab. 1. is apparent. The Surface hereof is some∣what dense, but inwardly, 'tis of a laxer Contexture. If you view it in a Microscope, or with a very good Spectacle-Glass, it hath some si∣militude to the Pith, while sappy in the Roots and Trunks of Plants; and that for good reason, as in Ch. 2. shall be seen. This is best seen in green Beans.

19. §. This Part would seem by its colour to be peculiar to the Lobes of the Bean; but as is the Cuticle, so is this also, common both to the Radicle and Plume; that is, the Parenchyma or Pulp of the Bean, as to its essential substance, is the same in all three. The reason why the colour of the Plume, and especially of the Radicle, which are white, is so different from that of the Lobes, which are green, may chiefly de∣pend upon their being more compact and dense, and thence their dif∣ferent Tinctures. And therefore the Lobes themselves, which are green while the Bean is young; yet when it is old and dry, become whitish too. And in many other Seeds, as Acorns, Almonds, the Kernels of Ap∣ples, Plums, Nuts, &c. the Lobes, even fresh and young, are pure white as the Radicle it self.

20. §. But although the Parenchyma be common, as is said, to all the Organical Parts; yet in very differing proportions. In the Plume, where it is proportionably least, it maketh about three Fifths of the whole Plume; in the Radicle, it maketh above five Sevenths of the whole Radicle; and in each Lobe, is so far over-proportionate, as to make at least nine Tenths of the whole Lobe.

21. §. By what hath been said, that the Parenchyma or Pulp is not the only constituting Part, besides the Cuticle, is imply'd: there be∣ing another Body, of an essentially different substance, embosom'd here∣in: which may be found not only in the Radicle and Plume, but also in the Lobes themselves, and so in the whole Bean.

22. §. This Inner Body appears very plain and conspicuous in cutting the Radicle athwart, and so proceeding by degrees towards the Plume, through both which it runneth in a large and strait Trunk. In the Lobes, being it is there in so very small proportion, 'tis difficult∣ly seen, especially towards their Verges. Yet if with a sharp Knife you smoothly cut the Lobes of the Bean athwart, divers small Specks, of a different colour from that of the Parenchyma, standing therein all along in a Line, may be observ'd; which Specks are the Terminations of the Branches of this Inner Body.

23. §. For this Inner body, as it is existent in every Organical Part of the Bean; so is it, with respect to each Part, most regularly di∣stributed. In a good part of the Radicle 'tis one entire Trunk; to∣wards the Basis thereof, 'tis divided into three main Branches; the mid∣dlemost runneth directly into the Plume; the other two on either side it, after a little space, pass into the Lobes; where the said Branches dividing themselves into other smaller; and those into more, and smal∣ler again, are terminated towards the Verges of each Lobe; in which manner the said Inner Body being distributed it becomes in each Lobe a true and perfect Root.

24. §. Of this Seminal Root, as now we'll call it, from the Descrip∣tion here given, it is further observable; That the two main Branch∣es hereof; in which the several Ramifications in each Lobe are all uni∣ted, are not committed into the Seminal Trunk of the Plume, nor yet stand at right angles with That and the Radicle, and so with equal re∣spect towards them both: but being produced through part of the Pa∣renchyma of the Radicle, are at last united therein to the main Trunk, and make acute Angles therewith: as may be seen in the same. f. 14.

25. §. This Seminal Root being so tender, cannot be perfectly ex∣carnated, (as may the Vessels in the Parts of an Animal) by the most accurate Hand. Yet by dissection begun and continu'd, as is above declared, its whole frame and distribution may be easily observ'd. Again, if you take the Lobe of a Bean, and lengthwise pare off its Parenchyma by degrees, and in extreme thin slices, many Branches of the Seminal Root, (which by the other way of Dissection were only noted by so many Specks) both as they are fewer about the Basis of the Bean, and more numerous towards its Verges, in some good distinction and entire∣ness will appear. For this you must have new Beans: or else soaked in Water, or buryed for some time.

26. §. As the Inner Body is branched out in the Lobes, so is it in the Plume: For if you cut the Plume athwart, and from the Basis pro∣ceed along the Body thereof, you'll therein find, first, one large Trunk

or Branch, and after four or five very small Specks round about it, which are the terminations of so many lesser Branches therewith di∣stributed to the several parts of the Plume. The distribution of the Inner Body, as it is continuous throughout all the Organical Parts of the Bean, is represented, Tab. 1. f. 14.

27. §. This Inner Body is, by dissection, best observable in the Bean and great Lupine. In other larger Pulse it shews likewise some obscure Marks of it self. But in no other Seeds, which I have observed, though of the greatest size: as of Apples, Plums, Nuts, &c. is there any clear appearance hereof, upon dissection, saving in the Radicle and Plume; the reason of which is partly from its being, in most Seeds, so extraordinary little; partly from its Colour, which in most Seeds, is the same with that of the Parenchyma it self, and so not distinguisha∣ble from it.

28. §. Yet in a Gourd-Seed, the whole Seminal Root, not only its Main Branches, but also the Sub-divisions and Inosculations of the lesser ones, are without any dissection, upon the separation of the Lobes, on their contiguous Flats immediately apparent.

And as to the existence of this Seminal Root, what Dissection can∣not attain, yet an ocular inspection in hundreds of other Seeds, even the smallest, will demonstrate; as in this Chapter shall be seen how.

29. §. In the mean time, let us only take notice; That when we say, every Plant hath its Root, we reckon short. For every Plant hath really two, though not contemporary, yet successive Roots; its Ori∣ginal or Seminal-Root within the Lobes or Main Body of its Seed; and its Plant-Root, which the Radicle becometh in its growth: the Paren∣chyma of the Seed, being in some resemblance, that to the Seminal Root at first, which the Mould is to the Plant-Root afterwards; and the Seminal Root being that to the Plant-Root, which the Plant-Root is to the Trunk. For our better understanding whereof, having taken a view of the several Parts of a Bean, as far as Dissection conducts; we will next briefly enquire into the Use of the said Parts, and in what manner they are the Fountain of Vegetation, and concurrent to the being of the future Plant.

30. §. THE GENERAL Cause of the growth of a Bean, or other Seed, is Fermentation. That is, the Bean lying in the Mould, and a moderate access of some moisture, partly dissimilar, and partly conge∣nerous, being made, a gentle Fermentation thence ariseth. By which, the Bean swelling, and the Sap still encreasing, and the Bean continu∣ing still to swell, the work thus proceeds: as is the usual way of ex∣plicating. But that there is simply a Fermentation, and so a sufficient supply of Sap is not enough: but that this Fermentation, and the Sap wherein 'tis made, should be under a various Government, by divers Parts thereto subservient, is also requisite; and as the various prepa∣ration of the Aliment in an Animal, equally necessary: the particular process of the Work according whereto, we find none undertaking to declare.

31. §. Let us look upon a Bean then, as a piece of Work so fram'd and set together, as to declare a Design for the production of a Plant; which, upon its lying in some convenient Soil, is thus effected. First of all, the Bean being enfoulded round in its Coats, the Sap wherewith it is fed, must of necessity pass through these: By which means, it is

not only in a proportionate quantity, and by degrees; but also in a purer body; and possibly not without some Vegetable Tincture, trans∣mitted to the Bean. Whereas, were the Bean naked, the Sap must needs be, as over-copious, so but crude and immature, as not being fil∣tred through so fine a Cotton as the Coats be. And as they have the use of a Filtre to the transient Sap; so of a Vessel to that which is still deposited within them; being alike accommodated to the securer Fer∣mentation hereof, as Bottles or Barrels are to Beer, or any other Fermen∣tative Liquor.

32. §. And as the Fermentation is promoted by some Aperture in the Vessel; so have we the Foramen in the upper Coat also contrived. That if there should be need of some more Aiery Particles to excite the Fermentation; through this, they may obtain their Entry. Or, on the contrary, should there be any such Particles or Steams, as might damp the genuine proceeding thereof, through this again, they may have easie issue. Or if, by being over copious, they should become too high a Ferment; and so precipitate those soft and slow degrees, as are necessary to a due Vegetation. The said Aperture being that, as a com∣mon Pasport, here to the Sap, which what we call the Bung-hole of the Barrel, is to the new tunn'd Liquor.

33. §. And the Radicle being designed to shoot forth first, as pre∣sently shall be shew'd how; therefore is it distinctly surrounded with the Inner and more succulent Coat. That being thereby suppled on every side, its eruption may be the better promoted.

34. §. The Sap being passed through the Coats, it next enters the Body of the Bean; yet not indiscriminately neither; but, being filtred through the Outer Coat, and fermented in the Body of the Inner, is by mediation of the Cuticle, again more finely filtr'd, and so entereth the Parenchyma it self under a fourth Government.

35. §. Through which Part the Sap passing towards the Seminal Root, as through that which is of a more spatious content; besides the benefit it hath of a farther percolation,' it will also find room enough for a more free and active fermenting and maturation herein. And be∣ing moreover, part of the true Body of the Bean, and so with its pro∣per Seminalities or Tinctures copiously repleat; the Sap will not only find room, but also matter enough, by whose Energy its Fermentation will still be more advanced,

36. § And the Sap being duly prepared here, it next passeth into all the Branches of the Seminal Root, and so under a fifth Government. Wherein how delicate 'tis now become, we may conceive by the pro∣portion betwixt the Parenchyma and this Seminal Root; so much only of the best digested Sap being discharged from the whole Stock in that, as this will receive. And this, moreover, as the Parenchyma, with its proper Seminalities being endowed; the Sap for the supply of the Ra∣dicle, and of the young Root from thence, is duly prepared therein, and with its highest Tincture and Impregnation at last enriched.

37. §. The Sap being thus prepared in the Lobes of the Bean, 'tis thence discharg'd; and either into the Plume, or the Radicle, must forth∣with issue. And since the Plume is a dependent on the Radicle; the Sap therefore ought first to be dispenced to this: which accordingly, is ever found to shoot forth before the Plume: and sometimes an inch or two in length. Now because the primitive course of the Sap into

the Radicle, is thus requisite; therefore, by the frame of the Parts of the Bean is it also made necessary. The two main Branches of the Se∣minal Root, being produced, as is before observed, not into the Plume, but the Radicle. Now the Sap being brought as far as the Seminal Root, in either Lobe; and according to the conduct thereof continu∣ing still to move: it must needs immediately issue into the same Part, whereinto the main Branches themselves do; that is, into the Radicle. By which Sap, thus bringing the several Tinctures of the Parts afore∣said with it, being now fed; it is no longer a meer Radicle, but is made also Seminal, and so becomes a perfect Root.

38. §. The Plume, all this while, lyes close and still. For the sake of which, chiefly it is, that the Bean and other Seeds are divided into Lobes, viz. That it might be warmly and safely lodged up between them, and so secur'd from the Injuries so tender a Part would sustain from the Mould; whereto, had the Main Body been entire, it must, upon the cleaving of the Coats, have lay'n contiguous.

39. §. But the Radicle being thus impreguated and shot into a Root; 'tis now time for the Plume to rouze out of its Cloysters, and germinate too: In order whereto, 'tis now fed from the Root, with laudable and sufficient Aliment. For as the Supplies and Motion of Sap were first made from the Lobes, towards the Root: so the Root being well shot into the Mould, and now receiving a new and more copious Sap from thence; the motion hereof must needs be stronger, and by degrees proceed in a contrary course, sc. from the Root to∣ward the Plume: and, by the coutinuation of the Seminal Root, is di∣rectly conducted thereinto; by which being fed, it gradually enlarges and displays it self.

40. §. The course of the Sap thus turned, it issues, I say, in a direct Line from the Root into the Plume: but collaterally, into the Lobes also; sc. by those two aforesaid Branches which are obliquely transmitted from the Radicle into either Lobe. By which Branches the said Sap being disbursed back into all the Seminal Root, and from thence, likewise into the Parenchyma of the Lobes, they are both thus fed, and for some time augmenting themselves, really grow: as in Lu∣pines is evident.

41. §. Yet is not this common to all Seeds. Some rot under∣ground; as Corn; being of a laxer and less Oleous Substance, differing herein from most other Seeds; and being not divided into Lobes, but one entire thick Body. And some, although they continue firm, and are divided into Lobes, yet rise not; as the great Garden Bean. In which, therefore, it is observable, That the two Main Branches of the Lobes, in comparison with that which runs into the Plume, are but mean; and so insufficient to the feeding and vegetation of the Lobes; the Plume, on the contrary, growing so lusty, as to mount up without them.

42. §. Excepting a few of these Two Kinds, all other Seeds what∣soever, (which I have observed) besides that they continue firm; upon the Vegetation of the Plume, do mount also upwards, and advance above the Ground together with it; as all Seeds which spring up with one or more Dissimilar Leaves: These Dissimilar Leaves, for the most part Two, which first spring up, and are of a different shape from those that follow, being the very Lobes of the Seed, divided, expanded, and thus advanced.

43. §. The Impediments of our apprehension hereof are the Co∣lour, Size and Shape of the Dissimilar Leaves. Notwithstanding, that they are nothing else but the Main Body of the Seed, how I came first to conceive, and afterwards to know it, was thus. First, I ob∣served in general, that the Dissimilar Leaves, were never jagg'd, but even edg'd: And seeing the even verges of the Lobes of the Seed here∣to respondent, I was apt to think, that those which were so like, might prove the same. Next descending to particular Seeds, I observed, first, of the Lupine; that, as to its Colour, advancing above the Ground, (as it useth to do) it was always changed into a perfect Green. And why might not the same by parity of Reason be inferred of other Seeds? That, as to its size, it grew but little bigger than when first set. Whence, as I discern'd (the Augmentation being but little) we here had only the two Lobes: So, (as some augmentation there was) I inferr'd the like might be, and that, in farther degrees, in other Seeds.

44. §. Next of the Cucumber-Seed, That, as to its Colour, often appearing above ground, in its primitive white, from white it turns to yellow, and from yellow to green; the proper colour of a Leaf. That, as to its size, though at its first arise, the Lobes were little bigger than upon setting; yet afterwards, as they chang'd their Colour, so their di∣mensions also, growing to a three-four-five-fold amplitude above their primitive size. But whereas the Lobes of the Seed, are in proportion, narrow, short and thick: how then come the Dissimilar Leaves, to be so exceeding broad, or long, and thin? The Question answers it self: For the Dissimilar Leaves, for that very reason are so thin, because so very broad or long; as we see many things, how much they are ex∣tended in length or breadth, so much they lose in depth, or grow more thin; which is that which here befalls the now effoliated Lobes. For being once dis-imprisoned from their Coats, and the course of the Sap into them, now more and more encreased; they must needs very consi∣derably amplisie themselves: and from the manner wherein the Semi∣nal Root is branched in them, that amplification cannot be in thick∣ness, but in length or breadth. In both which, in some Dissimilar Leaves, 'tis very remarkable; especially in length, as in those of Let∣tice, Thorn-Apple, and others; whose Seeds, although very small, yet the Lobes of those Seeds growing up into Dissimilar Leaves, are extended an Inch, and sometimes more, in length. Though he that shall attempt to get a clear sight of the Lobes of Thorn-Apple, and some others, by Dissecti∣on, will find it no easie Task; yet is that which may be obtained; and in the Last Book shall be shew'd. From all which, and the ob∣servation of other Seeds, I at last found, that the Dissimilar Leaves of a young Plant, are nothing else but the Lobes or Main Body of its Seed. So that, as the Lobes did at first feed and impregnate the Ra∣dicle into a perfect Root; so the Root, being perfected, doth again feed, and by degrees amplifie each Lobe into a perfect Leaf.

45. §. The Original of the Dissimilar Leaves thus known, we un∣derstand, why some Plants have none; because the Seed either riseth not, as Garden-Beans, Corn, &c. Or upon rising, the Lobes are little alter'd, as Lupines, Pease, &c. Why, though the proper Leaves are often indented round; the Dissimilar like the Lobes are even-edg'd. Why, though the proper Leaves are often hairy, yet these are ever smooth. Why some have more Dissimilar Leaves than two, as Cresses,

which have six, as the Ingenious Mr. Sharrock also observes. The reason whereof is, because the Main Body is not divided into Two, but Six, di∣stinct Lobes, as I have often counted. Why Radishes seem at first to have four, which yet after appear plainly two: because the Lobes of the Seed, have both a little Indenture, and are both plaited, one over the other. To which, other Instances might be added.

46. The use of the Dissimilar Leaves is, first, for the protection of the Plume; which being but young, and so but soft and tender, is provided with these, as a double Guard, one on either side of it. For this reason it is, that the Plume, in Corn, is trussed up within a mem∣branous Sheath: and that of a Bean, cooped up betwixt a pair of Sur∣foyls: But where the Lobes rise, there the Plume hath neither of them, being both needless.

47. §. Again, since the Plume, being yet tender, may be in∣jur'd not only by the Aer, but also for want of Sap, the supplies from the Root being yet but slow and sparing; that the said Plume there∣fore, by the Dissimilar Leaves, may have the advantage likewise of some refreshment from Dew or Rain. For these having their Basis a little beneath that of the Plume, and expanding themselves on all sides of it, they often stand after Rain, like a Vessel of Water, con∣tinually soaking and suppling it, lest its new access into the Ayr, should shrivel it.

48. §. Moreover, that since the Dissimilar Leaves by their Basis intercept the Root and Plume, the greater and grosser part of the Sap, may be, by the way, deposited into those; and so the purest pro∣ceed into the yet but young and delicate Plume, as its fittest Ali∣ment.

49. §. Lastly, we have here a demonstration of the being of the Seminal Root: which, since through the colour or smalness of the Seed, it could not by Dissection be observ'd, except in some few; Nature hath here provided us a way of viewing it in ••he now effoliated Lobes, not of one or two Seeds, but of hundreds; the Semi∣nal Root visibly branching it self towards the Cone or Verges of the said Lobes, or now Dissimilar Leaves.

Notes

• Tab. 1. f. 2.
• Tab. 1. f. 2.
• Tab. 1. f. 1-a
• Tab. 1. f. 2, 3.
• Tab. 1. f. 4. f. 5.
• Tab. 1. f. 2. & 3—a
• Tab. 1. f. 6—c
• Tab. 1. f. 7—c
• Tab. 1. f▪ 3—b
• Tab. 1. f. 8—b
• Tab. 1. f. 9.
• Tab. 1. f. 10, 11, & 12.
• Tab. 1. f. 13.
• Tab. 1. f. 14.
• Tab. 1. f. 14.
• Tab. 1. f. 11-c
• Tab. 1. f. 15-c
• An Account of the Vege∣tation of the Seed.
• Tab. 1. f. 14.
• Tab. 1. f. 14.
• Tab. 2. f. 1.
• Tab. 2. f. 2.
• Tab. 2. f. 3.
• Hist. of the Prop. of Vege.
• Tab. 3.