THE SENSES OF PLANTS. 291 



together, close the pores, and shrink, as it were, 

 in abhorrence. Orchids can hardly endure a sea 

 breeze, and never flourish unless protected from it. 

 Other trees, like the cocoanut, barely exist when 

 salt cannot be obtained, and seem to revel in what 

 would kill the orchid. Every one knows that our 

 most delicious perfumes come from leaves and 

 flowers. Is it not probable that the plants them- 

 selves derive some satisfaction from them, even 

 apart from their results in attracting insects? It 

 would be a great anomaly to have a perfume 

 distiller without the sense of smell, and we can 

 see no reason why plants should not enjoy the 

 odours they have taken so much care to manu- 

 facture. 



Admitting that these senses are possessed by 

 members of the vegetable kingdom, must we not 

 conclude that they are discriminately used ? Every- 

 thing goes to prove that such is the case, and that, 

 as far as lies in their power, they avoid what is 

 disagreeable and rejoice in that which is pleasant. 

 Every gardener recognises the signs of good health 

 and vigour in his pets, and, on the other hand, 

 observes the effects of disease and weakness. He 

 sees them straining to overcome difficulties, and, 

 when all chances of success are gone, make dying 

 efforts to leave progeny behind. 



