LESSON VI.

ASSIMILATION (concluded)—SUBSTANCES
MADE IN THE GREEN FACTORIES.

We have talked much in our last two lessons about the sub-
stances taken in by plants, and the unwearying activity of
the green leaves in preparing these “raw materials” and
manufacturing out of them all that is required for the plant’s
daily growth and future needs. We peeped into some of the
store-houses, and saw that they were full of nutriment; and
perhaps it occurred to you to wonder if it would be pleasant
to be asked to dinner by the plant, and supplied with food
from its hospitable store !

I think the answer to that question must entirely depend
on the plant which invited you. An invitation from some
would mean nothing less than sudden death to you! From
others you might safely accept hospitality. You see it will
be wise to learn something of the nature and properties of
different plants before tasting any part of them

Some of them are busy preparing substances which
become most valuable medicines when properly and carefully
used; but often these are deadly poisons if taken ignorantly
and without precautions as to quantity, ete,

‘To chew the leaves of the foxglove or the purple monks-
hood would be exceedingly dangerous and very probably
fatal, yet most valuable medicines are obtained from these
two plants. Bitter quinine and bark, nasty rhubarb, castor
oil (useful But not agreeable), senna for our “black draught,”
ipecacuanha for our coughs, laudanum to soothe our pain—