45 



Plants under difficulties will sometimes make what seem 

 great exertions to ripen their seed and secure a progeny. 

 Many are very sensitive just at the time of impregnation of 

 the seed, the stamens and pistils making spontaneous move- 

 ments to accomplish that end. The stamens of the Kalmia 

 or Mountain Laurel, leap up toward the pistil witli a jerk ; 

 and in the Barberry, this jerk is repeated as often as the fila- 

 ment is irritated. In the Saxifrage and Pama.ssia, each 

 stamen in turn, bends down over the pistil, and in Genista 

 and the Lupine, five stamens alternate with the other five in 

 these approaches ; while in NigeUa, the stamens being too 

 short to reach the pistil, it bends itself down and meets them. 



Probably the closing of flowers at night or before rain is 

 intended to preserve the pollen from extraneous moisture. 

 Many of the Lilies and other bell-shaped flowers drop their 

 blossoms for the like reason ; but all these plants lift up the 

 pod afterward most rigidly to be ripened in the sun. 



The production of honey in flowers might be cited to illus- 

 trate this point ; for by the agency of the insects that seek 

 it, the pollen is spread and scattered more perfectly among 

 the pistils. The Columbines and Apocynums afford good 

 examples of this ; those plants having catch-fly abilities are 

 of this class. 



Such are some of the wonders of plant life, visible to all. 

 In microscopic research, a fresh mine of manifestations ap- 

 pears, not belonging to the present purpose. Vitality cannot 

 be analyzed. It is the gift of God. In many respects its 

 nature, as shown in the fixed vegetable and in the moving- 

 creature, is the same. Both have functions, and attributes, 

 commensurate with their welfare ; but animals alone have 

 faculties, to which plants in no sense approach. 



Rev. S. Barden of Marblehead, exhibited specimens ol 

 Indian implements of stone, and made some very interesting 

 remarks thereon. He further spoke of his obligation to the 

 Institute for the benefits he had here obtained ; his strong- 

 interest in mineralogy, and the deep pleasure he thence de- 

 rived, being all traceable to the Field Meetings, where they 

 were first excited. 



