INTELLIGENCE OF FLOWERS 



wards a sort of equilibrium which is the great secret of our 

 future. 



The parasitic plants, again, present a curious and crafty 

 spectacle, as in the case of that astonishing Cuscuta commonly 

 called the Dodder. It has no leaves; and no sooner has its 

 stalk attained a few inches in length than it voluntarily aban- 

 dons its roots to twine about its chosen victim, into which it 

 digs its suckers. Thenceforth, it lives exclusively upon its 

 prey. Its perspicacity is not to be deceived; it will refuse 

 any support that does not please it and will go some distance, 

 if necessary, in search of the stem of Hemp, Hop, Lucern or 

 Flax that suits its temperament and its taste. 



This Cuscuta naturally calls our attention to the Creep- 

 ers, which have very remarkable habits and which deserve a 

 word to themselves. Those of us who have lived a little in the 

 country have often had occasion to admire the instinct, the 

 sort of power of vision, that directs the tendrils of the Vir- 

 ginia Creeper or the Convolvulus towards the handle of a 

 rake or spade leaning against a wall. Move the rake and, 

 the next day, the tendril will have turned completely round 



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