&8 TENDRIL-BEARERS. Cuap. III. 
even a small loop of thread suspended for two days 
caused it to bend upwards; but the sub-petioles of 
the two lateral leaflets are not sensitive. The whole 
tendril, namely, the tarsus and the three toes, 
are likewise sensitive to contact, especially on their 
under surfaces. When a shoot grows in the midst of 
thin branches, the tendrils are soon brought by the 
revolving movement of the internodes into contact 
with them; and then one toe of the tendril or more, 
commonly all three, bend, and after several hours seize 
fast hold of the twigs, like a bird when perched. If 
the tarsus of the tendril comes into contact with a 
twig, it goes on slowly bending, until the whole foot 
is carried quite round, and the toes pass on each side 
of the tarsus and seize it. In like manner, if the petiole 
comes into contact with a twig, it bends round, carry- 
ing the tendril, which then seizes its own petiole or 
that of the opposite leaf. The petioles move spon- 
taneously, and thus, when a shoot attempts to twine 
round an upright stick, those on both sides after a time 
come into contact with it, and are excited to bend. 
Ultimately the two petioles clasp the stick in opposite 
directions, and the foot-like tendrils, seizing on each 
other or on their own petioles, fiisten the stem to the 
support with surprising security. The tendrils are 
thus brought into action, if the stem twines round a 
thin vertical stick; and in this respect the present 
species differs from the last. Both species use their 
tendrils in the same manner when passing through a 
thicket. This plant is one of the most efficient climbers 
