PLANTS SLEEP. 129 
way to the far-distant forest home ; the lowing of 
home-wending kine, with the clear whistle of the 
ruddy cowherd, comes in wave-like flows through 
the air; and the watch-dog, shaking himself after 
his afternoon’s half-slumber, announces that he 
has commenced his sentinel duties by a periodical 
yelp. It is the approach-time of rest. But what 
of the Tree ? 
We have already said, that at this time the 
leaves rest for the night from their duties of 
decomposing carbonic acid. But a more singular, 
because more apparent phenomenon, will be found 
in taking notice of the general aspect of the tree, 
and of vegetation in general at this time: they 
have the very aspect of repose. The field of 
corn, with its legions of waving stalks, carries all 
the appearance of its countless blades being 
asleep. The leaves hang flaccid and drooping, 
and every ear bends its head as if in gentle slum- 
ber. Looking at the tree, a less sensible evi- 
dence may perhaps be found in this case; but 
even here the leaves are less erect and stiff, and 
the flowers, more sensitive than they, are all 
shut up, the petals folding over one another, 
and the tender flower-stalk gently drooping to- 
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