ERRATUM. 



AT page 59 I have said that there are only three or four species of Mimosa 

 which are sensitive. This is a mistake, as the greater portion of the species in the 

 extensive genus Mimosa, as well as some species of several other genera of 

 Leguminosae, and also of Oxalidacese, possess this curious property. I cannot find, 

 however, that any one has suggested in what way the sensitiveness may have been 

 useful to the species which first acquired it. My guess at an explanation may 

 therefore induce botanists who are acquainted with the various species in a state 

 of nature, to suggest some better solution of the problem. 



