PERSONALITY OF PLANTS 
this action is not always purely instinctive is 
indicated by the response of certain carniverous 
plants to light. Having learned that success in 
capturing their prey depends upon a static po- 
sition of their leaves, they make no effort to 
adjust their parts to strong or concentrated 
light. This is clearly a case of intelligent oa 
ment to environment. 
It is interesting to note that the plant cells 
which are sensitive to light often become tired 
or partially blinded just lke the retina of an 
animal eye. Darwin found that plants kept in 
darkness were much more responsive to light 
than those which dwelt habitually in the sun- 
shine. 
Many plants are wonderful weather prophets 
and keepers of time. Their reactions to the 
coming of night, showers, heat, cold and other 
natural phenomena show much wisdom. That 
plants require the rest which accompanies 
sleep is indicated by the weakened and degen- 
erate condition of individuals which are some- 
times forced to exceptionally rapid develop- 
ment by continual exposure to electric light. 
A human faculty which few people associate 
[189] 
