i64 FREAKS OF PLANT LIFE. 



kind."^ Subsequently to the publication of this notice, 

 Mr. Loomis furnished the following additional par- 

 ticulars. " Four other fronds starting from two 

 different roots exhibit motion, but in less degree 

 than the one first noticed. These are not new fronds, 

 but old ones which were fully developed as to size 

 when taken up, but have fruited since transplanting. 

 It seems to me that the motion is confined not only 

 to the fruitful fronds, but to the period of fructifica- 

 tion, since these four fronds have been subjected to- 

 the same conditions as the first, but have exhibited 

 motion only since the fruiting began. The stimulus 

 of artificial light is sufficient to excite motion in the 

 fronds for a few minutes, but after the lapse of five 

 or six minutes the motion ceases, and is not resumed. 

 I have noticed that the end ol the frond does not 

 describe a straight line, but it nioves in a long and 

 very narrow ellipse with the hands of a watch. The 

 motion is more vigorous and through a larger arc 

 in the middle of the day."- Interest attaches to this 

 narrative on account of the very iaw instances of 

 spontaneous movement as yet recorded in the higher 

 cryptogams ; and it would be well if it stimulated 

 closer observation of the ferns and their allies. 



There is one other point which comes within the 

 limits of this chapter, and may be referred to here 



' " Botanical Gazette," i8So, p. 27. " " Ibid.," p. 43. 



