192 EYE SPY 
extended tendril, but whose mission is to reverse 
the twist in opposite directions as soon as the tip 
has secured its contact, and thus permit the coil- 
ing process to proceed. In tendrils of exceeding 
length several of these reverse loops may be 
found at regular intervals, sometimes as many as 
six in a single tendril, but the coiling process usu- 
ally awaits this contact. Unsatisfied tendrils of 
the grape, for instance, will remain unchanged 
through the entire season, or until their sensitive 
touch has been lost. Others, like those of the 
passion -flower, will occasionally become discour- 
aged and curl up all by themselves, in which case, 
the other tip being free, the curl is perfect and 
continuous and without the reverse loop, which is 
now unnecessary. But the function of the tendril 
is to clasp and hold. Its growth is not complete 
until thus quickened by the new responsibility. 
Tendrils on duty become tough and sinewy in 
comparison to their idling neighbors. How firm 
and rigid are these swollen coils upon the grape- 
vine ! 
We do not gather "figs from thistles," but some 
equally incongruous botanical associates are some- 
times brought about through the insinuating and 
clambering methods of the tendril. Have we not 
all seen apple-trees bearing pumpkins or squashes 
or gourds, all originally carried thither in the form 
of great yellow blossoms or tender shoots ! The 
