Cuap. IL. GLORIOSA. 79 
The hook when first formed, before the leaf has 
bent downwards, is but little sensitive. If it catches 
hold of nothing, it remains open and sensitive for 
a long time; ultimately the extremity spontaneously 
and slowly curls inwards, and makes a button-like, 
flat, spiral coil at the end of the leaf. One leaf 
was watched, and the hook remained open for thirty- 
three days; but during the last week the tip had 
curled so much inwards that only a very thin twig 
could have been inserted within it. As soon as the 
tip has curled so much inwards that the hook is con- 
verted into a ring, its sensibility is lost ; but as long as 
it remains open some, sensibility 1s retained. 
Whilst the plant was only about six inches in 
height, the leaves, four or five in number, were 
broader than those subsequently produced ; their soft 
and but little-attenuated tips were not sensitive, 
and did not form hooks; nor did the stem then revolve. 
At this early period of growth, the plant can support 
itself; its climbing powers are not required, and 
consequently are not developed. So again, the leaves 
on the summit of a full-grown flowering plant, which 
would not require to climb any higher, were not sensi- 
tive and could not clasp a stick. We thus see how 
perfect is the economy of nature. 
CoMMELYNACE®.—Flagellaria Indica—From dried 
specimens it is manifest that this plant climbs exactly 
like the Gloriosa. A young plant 12 inches in height, 
and bearing fifteen leaves, had not a single leaf as yet 
produced into a hook or tendril-like filament; nor did 
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