2 1 8 FREAKS OF PLANT LIFE. 



in contact with glass, became firmly cemented to it, 

 and when torn away atoms of yellowish matter were 

 left behind. The inference from these observations, 

 strengthened by chemical tests applied to the 

 secretion, is that the fig has the power of transuding 

 from the rootlets a kind of cement, similar to 

 caoutchouc, by means of which the rootlets become 

 attached to the supporting object. 1 



As we have intimated, the tendril-bearers seem to 

 be the most highly organised of climbing plants. The 

 most interesting point in their history is, as Mr. 

 Darwin has pointed out, the varied movements they 

 display according to their wants. The first action 

 of a tendril is to place itself in a proper position. 

 Secondly, if a twining plant, or tendril, gets into an 

 inclined position accidentally it soon bends upwards 

 again. Thirdly, climbing plants bend towards the 

 light by a movement analogous to that which causes 

 them to revolve so that their revolution is accelerated 

 or retarded in travelling to or from the light. A few 

 tendrils bend towards the dark. Fourthly, there 

 is the spontaneous rotation which is independent 

 of external stimulus. Fifthly, tendrils all have 

 the power of movement when touched, and bend 

 towards the point of irritation. If the pressure be not 

 permanent, the part soon straightens itself again. 

 Lastly, the tendrils soon after clasping their support, 

 effectually contract themselves in a spiral manner. 

 - Darwin. " Movements of Climbing Plants," p. 186. 



