248 FLORA DOMESTICA. 



to the tenderness of their nursing : like them, by living 

 hardily, they may be fitted to bear the common chances of 

 life. In the plant, this nervous sensibility is encouraged 

 for its singularity ; it is pity there should not be the same 

 reason for encouraging it in the human species. 



If the roots shoot through the pot at the bottom, the 

 plant should be turned out, the roots be pared close, and 

 then replaced in the same pot, or a larger, if necessary ; 

 but they do not thrive so well in large pots. Great cau- 

 tion must be observed in watering them ; they must have 

 little water at a time, but must not be suffered to remain 

 quite dry. 



Many persons have endeavoured to ascertain the cause 

 of the sensibility of these plants, but it has never yet been 

 clearly explained. The degree varies in the different 

 kinds : some will only contract their leaves on being 

 touched ; others will bend and recede, as it were courte- 

 ously to acknowledge your approach ; as that which is 

 termed the Humble-plant. 



" that courteous tree 



Which bows to all who seek its canopy." 



T. Moore. 



" Looke as the Feeling-plant, which learned swaines 

 Relate to growe on the East Indian plaines, 

 Shrinkes up his dainty leaves if any sand 

 You throw thereon, or touch it with your hand." 



W. Browne 



The most irritable part of the plant is in the foot-stalk, 

 between the stem and the leaflet. During the night they 

 remain in the same state as when touched in the daytime; 

 yet, if touched then, will fold their leaves still closer. 



When any of the upper leaves are touched, if in falling 

 they touch those below them, these also will contract and 

 fall ; so that by touching one another, they will continue 

 to liiU for some ihne. Mimosas are very common in the 



