314. In the forms of uses of the vegetable kingdom the image of creation appears in this that from their first things they proceed to their ultimates, and from ultimates to their firsts. Their first things are seeds, their ultimates are stalks clothed with bark, and by means of the bark which is the ultimate of the stalks, they tend to seeds which, as was said, are their first things. The stalks clothed with layers of bark represent the globe clothed with earths out of which come the creation and formation of all uses. Many people are aware that vegetable growths take place by the pushing upwards of sheaths, rinds, and barks by means of the coverings of the roots being continued around the stems and branches to the beginnings of fruits, and so on through fruits to seeds. An image of creation appears in forms of uses in the progress of their formations from firsts to ultimates and from ultimates to firsts; also in the whole progression there is the end of producing fruit and seeds, which are uses. It is clear from the foregoing statement that the progression of the creation of the universe was from its First, which is the Lord encircled by the Sun to ultimates which are earths, and from these through uses to its First, that is, the Lord. Moreover, the ends of the whole creation were uses. * per libros, philyras et tunicas-These words all refer to layers of tissue derived from trees (mainly the linden) which were used as writing or wrapping material.