Iv ON PLANT LIFE -155 
BEHAVIOUR OF LEAVES IN RAIN 
The behaviour of plants with reference to 
rain affords many points of much interest. 
The Germander Speedwell (Veronica) has two 
strong rows of hairs, the Chickweed (Stellaria) 
one, running down the stem and thus conduct- 
ing the rain tothe roots. Plants with a main 
~tap-root, like the Radish or the Beet, have 
leaves sloping inwards so as to conduct the 
rain towards the axis of the plant, and con- 
sequently to the roots ; while, on the contrary, 
where the roots are spreading the leaves slope 
outwards. 
In other cases the leaves hold the rain or 
dew drops. Every one who has been in the 
Alps must have noticed how the leaves of the 
Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla) form little cups 
containing each a sparkling drop of icy water. 
Kerner has suggested that owing to these cold 
drops, the cattle and sheep avoid the leaves. 
