INTELLIGENCE OF FLOWERS 



In order to recognize their actions, let us picture these 

 wretches in their darkness, amidst the multitude of unknown 

 objects that surround them. What quaint mistakes, what in- 

 credible slips, what unexpected interpretations must needs oc- 

 cur! But how touching and often how ingenious would seem 

 the purpose to which they would put things that were created 

 for use in the dark! How often would they guess aright? 

 And how great would be their amazement if, suddenly, by the 

 light of day, they discovered the nature and the real object of 

 utensils and furniture which they had accommodated as best 

 they could to the uncertainties of the shadow! 



And yet their position seems simple and easy, compared 

 with our own. The mystery wherein they grovel is limited. 

 They are deprived of but one sense, whereas it is impossible 

 to estimate the number of those in which we are lacking. 

 The cause of their mistakes is one alone; the sources of ours 

 are countless. 



As we live in a cave of this sort, is it not interesting to 

 find that the power which has placed us there acts often — 

 and in some important matters — even as we ourselves act? 

 Here we have glimmers in our subterranean cave to show 

 us that we have not mistaken the use of every object to be 



[105] 



