Evolution of Vegetal Life. 135 



ABSTRACT OF THE DISCUSSION. 



Dr. Martin L. Holbrook : — 



In my judgment both animal and vegetable life have evolved 

 from forms originally possessing some of the characteristics of 

 both kingdoms. Possibly these forms are now represented by 

 well known micro-organisms. Though scientists, after many years 

 of doubt, now class them as belonging to the lower forms of veg- 

 etable life, some of them are as much animal as vegetable. They 

 have no chlorophyll, they do not take carbon from the carbonic 

 acid of the atmosphere, as plants do, but from other organic com- 

 pounds, as ammonia, sugar, etc. They also require oxygen, which, 

 like animals, they draw from the air. The cell-structure of the 

 albuminous compounds of both plants and animals is almost iden- 

 tical. Some of the epithelia of animal and vegetable organisms 

 are so much alike that I have known very good microscopists to 

 mistake those from leaves found in Croton water for those from 

 the human skin and mouth. 



Plants have many qualities in common with animals. The dan- 

 delion is as aggressive and capable of self-protection as a human 

 being. It seems to have a sort of intelligence. When it sprouts 

 in poor soil its leaves form a mat extending some distance from 

 the stem, keeping other plants away. In rich soil, among other 

 grasses, it uses its leaves, which are notched as if by design, as 

 an ape uses its hands, to climb up to the sunshine. Other facts 

 showing similarity of nature, make it probable that plants have 

 evolved by the same law as animals. 



Professor William B. Ridenour : — 



The study of botany is, throughout, illustrative of the principles 

 of evolution. The gardener in a few years, by his skill, does what 

 it takes nature centuries to accomplish ; but he must do his work 

 over and over again, as there is a strong tendency to deteriorate 

 and revert to the original type. Nature's work, gradually adapt- 

 ing the organism to environing conditions, is more permanent. 



Mr. James A. Skilton: — 



Human progress is largely dependent on botanical conditions, 

 and the character of a vegetation largely determines the character 



