Because the Author of Nature has thus arranged its economy, in order that the wants of living creatures may be adequately provided for. Some vegetable productions arrive at their perfection in the spring; others in summer; and others in autumn. Among the latter are many that require to come slowly to maturity after they are gathered; by these the winter season is provided for, and a surplus of the winter stock goes to supply the natural deficiency of spring.
"O sing unto the Lord a new made song; for he hath done marvellous things."—Psalm xcviii.
1285. Why, when seeds are sown, and germination begins, does the leaf-germ seek the light, and the root-germ grow down into the earth?
Because the Creator has endowed every single seed with a vital instinct which governs its development. The rootlet could more easily grow upward than downward, because of the looser earth, and of the exciting influences of light and moisture. Yet it takes the contrary course, leaving the leaf-germ to come up to meet the sun-light, and to send down to the stem and roots, the matter needed for their growth.
Frequently, indeed, when seeds are thrown into the earth, their natural position is reversed, and when the germs first start from the seed, the root-germ is directed upward and the leaf-germ downward. What then occurs? They each turn, and, in doing so, frequently cross each other. Each goes to its particular duty—the duty that God appointed.