432 VEGETABLE IRRITABILITY. PART n. 



sues *to the influence of light, an influence beautifully 

 exhibited by the orange-coloured Eschscholtzia, which 

 shuts its golden blossoms under every passing cloud. 



All M. Cohn's experiments prove that in the Mimosa 

 pudica, which is highly sensible to the action of light, 

 heat, electricity, and touch, i the propagation of the ex- 

 ternal excitement, proceeds in the same mode as in 

 animals, and there is little doubt that the vascular 

 tissue (which contain spiral vessels) constitute the special 

 bundles adapted for the purpose, and that the phenomena 

 of contractibility depend upon a muscular tissue.' 9 



From Professor Franklin's experiments it appears 

 that 'the motions resulting from external causes are 

 owing to vital contractibility, and that they are go- 

 verned by the same laws which regulate similar action 

 in the animal kingdom. Their energies vary with the 

 vigour of the plant ; they are exhausted by over exercise, 

 and require rest ; and like animals they are lulled and 

 put to sleep by chloroform and narcotics.' 



8 Annals and Magazines of Natural History for 1863. 



END OF THE FIRST VOLUME. 



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