WOOD- CRAFT. 



55 



slowly, so as to bring the tendrils into jontact with 

 some object around which they can clasp. Instinct 

 could not go further, even in a highly organised animal. 

 Of course these vegetative devices are variously 

 successful, just as the facilities for performing them 

 vary. But in all instances an end beneficial to 



Fig. 17. — Leaf of Pea, show- 

 ing gradual decrease in 

 size of leaflets (/) until 

 the tendrils (^) are formed 

 in their places. 



Fig. 18. — Tendrils of a Vine {t) 

 replacing leaves. 



the plant employing them is gained ; and in most the 

 climbing plants have beaten the tall, strong, woody 

 trees and shrubs in the contest for light, heat, and 

 gaseous food. They have conquered by sheer wit, 

 or the equivalent of it ; and there is little doubt if 

 animals had been similarly successful in their endeav- 

 ours to achieve a certain end, we should have spoken 

 of them as " clever." 



