30. F. Very right, my dear. Now, in order to make those seeds grow, it is
necessary that the little flower of this plant and the seed of that should
be together, as they are in most others. But plants can not walk, like
animals. The wisdom of God, therefore, has provided a remedy for this.
When the little flower bursts open it throws out a fine powder, which you
saw rise like a cloud; this is conveyed by the air to the other plant, and
when it falls upon the seed of that plant it gives it power to grow, and
makes it a perfect seed, which, in its turn, when it falls to the ground,
will produce a new plant. Were it not for this fine powder, that seed
would never be perfect or complete.
31. A. That is very curious, indeed; and I see the use of the little cloud
and the flower; but the leaf that stung me, of what use can that be?
There, dear papa, I am afraid I puzzle you to tell me that.
32. P. Even these stings are made useful to man. The poor people in some
countries use them instead of blisters, when they are sick. Those leaves
which do not sting are used by some for food, and from the stalk others
get a stringy bark, which answers the purpose of flax. Thus you see that
even the despised nettle is not made in vain; and this lesson may serve to
teach you that we only need to understand the works of God to see that "in
goodness and wisdom he has made them all."
DEFINITIONS.--12. Mag'ni-fy-ing glass, an instrument used to make objects
appear larger. 17. En-chant'ment, magic art, witch-craft. 5. A-sun'der,
apart, into parts. 30. Rem'e-dy, that which removes an evil. Con-veyed',
carried. 32. String'y, full of strings.