36 



VENUS S FLY-TRAP. 



the same proportions between one part and another. 

 Moreover, the vegetable, fixed to the earth, is in- 

 capable of removing to another locality, nor does it 

 possess the power of voluntary motion. It is therefore 

 incapable of avoiding injuries; but with this inca- 

 pacity of self-protection, it is as insensible to pain 

 as it is to pleasure. A sentient being, that is, one 

 susceptible of pleasure and pain, must be capable of 

 voluntary action, and endowed with the power of 

 locomotion. 



A near approximation to animal existence appears 

 in a plant commonly known as Yenus's Fly-trap, 



VENUS'S FLY-TUAP DION^A MUSCIPULA. 



which inhabits the southern part of the United 

 States of America. Certain of the leaves are fringed 



