206 CONCLUDING REMARKS. Cuap. V. 
though undeveloped, in almost every plant in the 
vegetable kingdom. 
It has often been vaguely asserted that plants are 
distinguished from animals by not having the power 
of movement. It should rather be said that plants 
acquire and display this power only when it is of some 
advantage to them; this being of comparatively rare 
occurrence, as they are affixed to the ground, and food 
is brought to them by the air and rain. We see 
how high in the scale of organization a plant may 
rise, when we look at one of the more perfect tendril- 
bearers. It first places its tendrils ready for action, 
as a polypus places its tentacula. If the tendril be 
displaced, it is acted on by the force of gravity and 
rights itself. Itis acted on by the light, and bends 
towards or from it, or disregards it, whichever may be 
most advantageous. During several days the tendrils 
or internodes, or both, spontaneously revolve with a 
steady motion. The tendril strikes some object, and 
quickly curls round and firmly grasps it. In the 
course of some hours it contracts into a spire, dragging 
up the stem, and forming an excellent spring. All 
movements now cease. By growth the tissues soon 
become wonderfully strong and durable. The tendril 
has done its work, and has done it in an admirable 
manner. 
