242 Field, Forest, and Wayside Flowers 



curled completely around the stick in the course of 

 twelve hours, and though, after twenty-four hours, 

 the stick was removed, the young stalk never sub- 

 sequently straightened itself. 



After the clasping leaf-stalk has made sure of 

 its hold, it is subjected to some remarkable alter- 

 ations. It literally " undergoes a change of heart," 

 so that, though the stalk in its days of youth 

 and freedom was flexible, and could be snapped 

 easily, the clasping coil is wonderfully tough. 



The purpose of this change evidently is to fit the 

 leaf-stem to give the branch firm and durable support. 



The ways of the tendril-bearing vines may be 

 readily studied by observation of two among them 

 which are familiar to all mankind the grapevine 

 and its graceful cousin, the Virginia creeper. Na- 

 ture ages ago set an example of thrift akin to that 

 which beats its swords into ploughshares when 

 cruel war is done. She is wont to adopt the same 

 organ in various ways, so that it can fulfil various 

 tasks in various conditions. Thus vine tendrils are 

 leaf-stalks, or flower-stalks, as the case may be, al- 

 tered over into fitness for their new work of clasp- 

 ing and clinging. Those of the great majority of 

 vines are transformed leaf-stalks, and now and then 

 betray their true nature by bearing at their ex- 



