CLIMBERS. 93 



ing round their prop from left to right, or according 

 to the apparent motion of the sun, as the Honey- 

 suckle; and others, on the contrary, from right to 

 left, as the great Bind-weed. In some instances, as 

 in the black Bryony, the tendril twists itself a 

 certain number of times one way, and then takes a 

 contrary direction, probably for the purpose of se- 

 curing a more certain hold. 



The common Ivy, Hede'ra he'lix, is a climber; 

 and what are generally mistaken for the roots are 

 in reality tendrils, which grow in the form of small 

 fibres along the stem or branches, on the side next 

 the supporter ; insinuating themselves into the very 

 substance of it, if a vegetable, and fixing themselves 

 like real roots; or clinging even to naked walls: 

 for they are covered with hairs, which yield a gluey 

 substance, that fastens them to the smoothest 

 surfaces. 



EDWARD. 



Then Hops, I suppose, are climbers ? 



MOTHER. 



Yes ; and the poles are used to encourage their 

 growth, by giving support to the young branches- 

 In countries where wine is made, entire fields are 

 planted with vines, which are supported on poles, 

 just like the hops that you have seen in Kent and 

 Surrey. And now, while I recollect it, I will tell 

 you the distinctions between the terms Tree, Shrub* 



