FLORAL EMBLEMS. 61 



not seem to depend upon any external cause, 

 and is not occasioned by any touch, irritation, 

 or movement in the air ; or is affected by the 

 sun's rays, for the plant is fond of shade, and 

 the leaves revolve well on rainy days, and 

 during the night ; but when exposed to too 

 much wind or sun, it is quiet. One leaflet is 

 frequently revolved, whilst the others on the 

 same petiole are quiescent ; sometimes about 

 half the leaflets are in motion at the same time, 

 and at others the whole plant is agitated as if 

 it had a soul ill at rest. 



