INSTINCT OF SOME SUPERIOR ANIMALS. 201 



thing connected with the animal and vegetable 

 creation. With respect to the vegetable creation, 

 I may tell you that if potatoes are put in a cellar 

 and the least ray of light admitted, the shoots of 

 that vegetable will move in a direct line to that 

 light. Again, if the root of a plant is uncovered, 

 without exposing it to too much heat, and a wet 

 sponge is placed near it, but in the opposite 

 direction from that in which the root is proceed- 

 ing, you will see the root turn towards the 

 sponge, as if wanting to imbibe its moisture. 



Lastly, place an upright pole near an unsup- 

 ported vine which is growing in an opposite 

 direction to the pole, it will quickly alter its 

 course, and stop not until it has fixed itself to 

 the pole. These facts may excite our astonish- 

 ment, but they should, at the same time, produce 

 in us feelings of gratitude, and, I may add, of 

 confidence towards that benign Being who sup- 

 ports us as well as the humble vine, and showers 

 down His blessings upon us. 



