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1793+ curious phenomena in natural history 241 - 
ON THE MOST STRIKING AND CURIOUS PHENOMENA 
OF NATURAL HISTORY. Byg ARcTICUs. 
Continued from p. 201. 
Botany 
Is the other subject I proposed as a source of amuse- 
ment to your readers ; and in fact, the order, ar- 
rangement and laws of the vegetable, are not lefs 
admirable than those of the animal, kingdom. Here 
the wonder and astonifhment of man is equally rais- 
ed, on seeing somethiwg like instinct, governing the 
movement of plants, which have their regular hours 
of sleeping and waking, like animated beings, with a 
certain degree of sensibility, and even predilection 
for particular objects, positions &c. How are we 
astonifhed likewise at the wonderful provision made 
for the dispersion of seeds, when we see that to 
alone in the course of a few years to such a degree of superiority a- 
bove others, that spirited farmers in his neighbourhood seeing the 
benefits that would accrue to them from pofsefsing a superior breed 
thus improved, as early as pofsible, hired the use of some of his rams 
for one season only, at great prices. I have been credibly informed 
that for one particular ram has been drawn .t the rate of ONE THOU; 
SAND POUNDS STERLING, in one season. Foreigners will, from hence, 
with astonifhment perceive the energy which the hope of gain inspires 
in a free nation, where personal property is entirely secured by the 
mild protection of the law impartially administered. This ought to 
be considered as a lecture in political economy of infinite importance. 
** He that hath ears to hear let him hear,” that his understanding 
may be enlightened } - 
VOL. XVile HH f 
