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144 the Indian corn, the fruit comes where the blossom has never been : otherwise, almost all fruits are preceded by blossoms. The fig comes 10 perfection without a flower. In melons, cucumbers, and some others the fruit is seen before the flower. Pup. How is the fruit preserved ? . Tut. By the shell or rind; but it is not the same in ali. In melons and cucumbers this is very thick, in others very thin. Those lying near the ground have thick rinds, or they would otherwise he destroyed by insects: while grapes could not be easily pressed, if their skin or rind was like that of the melon. Pup. And where are the seeds of these fruits to be found 3 Tut. As they are very precious for the propagating of their respective species, they are piaced within the fruit, in a safe repository. Some in a hard stone, others within glazed walls. Pup. lt is surprising that inamy species of trees amisl plants are not lost, considering what little care is taket, to preserve them, and to plaat 13ie se ds. Tut. Mark the wisdom of God in providing again: this: plants are disseminated many ways without the help of man. Some seeds are carried along by rivers, runtling streau's, torrents, &c. and planted at vast distances frann the place of the inother plants Others are so formed as to be dispersed by the wind, and scattered in a soil adapted to their growth and hourishment. Birds, squirrels, and other animals, swallow many seeds whole; and these, not being injured by passing through the stomach, take root and grow where they happen to fall. Moles, ants, worms, &c. by ploughing up the