SENSIBILITY, INTELLIGENCE, IN- 

 STINCT, AND MIND. 



(Read before the Cincinnati Society of Natural History, Dec., 1879.) 



Vegetable structures are known to be destitute of 

 nerves, yet certain well known plants exhibit sensi- 

 tiveness or irritability. The delicate Mimosa displays 

 an impressibility to touch which is quite remarkable. 

 If one of its leaves be rudely handled, its associates 

 close around the sufferer as if moved by sympathy ; 

 and the leaves of the entire plant fold about the 

 branches and stock as if they felt the rude shock. 



The Fly-trap of Venus possesses bivalved leaves 

 which join at their bases with a hinge, and have their 

 edges set with prickles. Within the trap a sweet 

 juice is exuded. This attracts flies and other honey- 

 loving insects. In the deeper recesses of the snare 

 are three sensitive bristles, which, when touched by 

 any part of an unwary intruder, excite the jaw-like 

 leaves, and cause them to entrap whatever victim may 

 be within the closing folds. And any effort to escape 

 on the part of the prey is attended by a still firmer 

 grip on the part of the plant. After the struggles of 

 captives are over, the innocent leaves open again and 

 wait for another opportunity to manifest their merci- 

 less powers. 



The Pitcher-plant is endowed with similar pur- 

 poses and activities. One variety raises its head like 

 a cobra, and spreads a hood over the similitude of 



(80) 



