"Say not ye, There are four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest."—John iv.
From the conformation of fruits alone, one might be led, even without experience, to suppose, that part of this provision was destined for the utilities of animals. As limited to the plant, the provision itself seems to go beyond its object. The flesh of an apple, the pulp of an orange, the meat of a plum, the fatness of the olive, appear to be more than sufficient for the nourishing of the seed or kernel. The event shows, that this redundancy, if it be one, ministers to the support and gratification of animal natures; and when we observe a provision to be more than sufficient for one purpose, yet wanted for another purpose, it is not unfair to conclude that both purposes were contemplated together.—Paley.
1173. Why have climbing plants tough curly tendrils?
Because, having no woody stalks of their own to support them, they require to take hold of surrounding objects, and raise themselves from the ground by climbing. Their spiral tendrils are, therefore, so many hands, assisting them to rise from the earth.
1174. Why does the pea put forth tendrils, and the bean not?
Because the bean has in its stalk sufficient woody fibre to support itself, but the pea has not. We do not know a single tree or shrub having a firm strong stem sufficient for its support which is also supplied with tendrils.
1175. Why do the ears of wheat stand up by day, and turn down by night?
Because, when the ear is becoming ripe, the cold dew falling into the ear, might induce blight; the ears therefore turn down to the earth, and receive warmth by radiation.
1176. Why have grasses, corn, canes, &c., joints, or knots in their stalks?