162 



LETTERS TO MARCO 



XXIV 



the development of its future superstructure ; 

 but this spring it began to shoot up, and 

 flourished amazingly, delighting every one by 

 its vigorous growth, stately habit, and sym- 

 metrical arrangement. This plant is fond of 

 water, as its name, " Dipsacus," indicates, and 



Section of Water-cups of the Teasel. 



in its growth has an ingenious method of 

 supplying itself as it mounts up higher and 

 higher: each pair of leaves are united at their 

 bases and form a sort of cup, as shown in my 

 diagram ; in this quite a quantity of water is 

 retained water which either comes from the 

 rain, or in dry weather from the dew running 



