CHAPTER VI 



POINTS OF VIEW IN THE INTERPRETATION OF PLANT 



BEHAVIOR 



We have been concerned thus far mainly witli the acquisition of easily 

 observable facts and relations. We have seen how some of the resem- 

 blances and differences among plants may be used in distinguishing 

 and naming trees, in observing seasonal changes in plants, and in 

 studying the mixed plant populations of lawns and other local areas. 

 There is a further use of facts and observations that leads to a clearer 

 understanding and interpretation of the plant world. 



The how and why of natural phenomena have always challenged 

 thoughtful persons, and out of their observations and experiments have 

 come a vast store of information and a great improvement in economic 

 and social welfare, as well as more adequate explanations and more 

 discriminating philosophies of life. Numerous individuals have directed 

 their efforts toward the discoverv of important new facts and new rela- 

 tions among natural phenomena. Their discoveries have raised step bv 

 step the level of explanations and clarified our understanding of the 

 sequence of natural processes. Still others have from time to time applied 

 previous discoveries to the needs and betterment of society. Both types 

 of contributions have given us a valuable social heritage which we 

 should try to understand, perpetuate, and increase. 



When we attempt to interpret natural phenomena that lie within the 

 field of plant behavior we strive to use intelligently the contributions 

 of others. Considerable as our progress as individuals may be, we cannot 

 hope by our own observations to explain more than a small fraction of 

 the problems of plant behavior even though we devote a lifetime to it. 

 Our ability to utilize the discoveries of others, however, depends upon 

 our efforts to observe at first hand and to comprehend what we see. 



Older points of view. As far back as human records go, man has at- 

 tempted to account for himself and his surroundings. Primitive man 

 lived in most intimate contact with nature. Wishing to survive, he was 

 compelled to give attention to other animals, to light and darkness, to 



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