198 LIFE AND WORK OF SIR JAGADIS C. BOSE 



This type is exemplified by the leaflet of Cassia alata. A 

 rapid movement of closure of leaflets is initiated in this 

 plant at 5 P.M., when the light is undergoing a rapid 

 diminution. The movement of closure is completed by 

 9 P.M., and the leaflets remain closed till 5 A.M. next 

 morning, after which they begin to open; the opening is 

 completed by 9 A.M., and the leaflets remain open till the 

 afternoon. The plant is so extremely sensitive to light that 

 any slight fluctuation is immediately followed by responsive 

 movement. Thus the transitory passage of a cloud is 

 marked in the record by a short-lived closure movement. 



Of the vast number of daily movements, perhaps the 

 largest proportion is due to a characteristic physiological 

 reaction which had so long remained undiscovered. Bose 

 spent many years in an attempt to trace the unknown 

 cause till his perseverance was crowned with success. This 

 discovery was due to a fortunate incident. When present 

 by the invitation of the good people of Faridpur to their 

 celebration of the yearly Mela (mentioned above as 

 established half a century ago by his father), they told him 

 of a wondrous ' Praying Palm ' growing in their neighbour- 

 hood. First then the natural history phenomenon, so far 

 as generally observed and interpreted : 



Perhaps no phenomenon is so remarkable and shrouded with 

 greater mystery as the performances of a particular Date Palm 

 near Faridpur in Bengal. In the evening, while the temple bells 

 ring, calling upon people to prayer, this tree bows down as if to 

 prostrate itself. It erects its head again in the morning, and 

 this process is repeated every day of the year. This extra- 

 ordinary phenomenon has been regarded as miraculous, and 

 pilgrims have been attracted in large numbers. It is alleged 

 that offerings made to the tree have been the means of effecting 

 marvellous cures. It is not necessary to pronounce any opinion 

 on the subject ; these cures may be taken to be as genuine as 

 other faith-cures now prevalent in the West. 



This particular Date Palm, Phoenix dactylifera, is a full-grown 

 rigid tree, its trunk being 5 metres in length and 25 cm. in 

 diameter. It must have been displaced by storm from the 



