HYGROSCOPISM. 281 



scopy, the seeds become their own planters, and 

 effectually secure themselves in a favourable position 

 •to ensure the continuance of the species. 



The little cruciferous plant to which the name of 

 "rose of Jericho'' has been applied (Anastatica 

 hierochnntind), has a divided claim to be included 

 with hygroscopic, and also with mystic plants. It is 

 a native of the dry wastes of Northern Africa and 

 Palestine, and the sandy deserts of Arabia. It is 

 a small bushy plant, not more than five or six 

 inches high. After flowering the leaves fall off, and 

 the branches become dry, shrivel, and curve inwards 

 towards the centre, so as to form the plant into a kind 

 of ball. In this condition it is easily uprooted from 

 the soil, carried by the winds, blown and tossed 

 across the desert into the sea. Upon coming into 

 contact with water the plant again unfolds itself, the 

 branches expand, the seed vessels open and disperse 

 the seeds, which are carried by the tide and deposited 

 on the shore. The property of expanding when in 

 contact with moisture led to a superstitious regard 

 for the plant which, it was believed, expanded on the 

 anniversary of the birth of our Saviour. It was called 

 also Rosa Maria. The plant may be kept for years, 

 if preserved in a dry place, but at any time when the 

 root is placed in water, or the entire plant immersed 

 it will expand and, it is said, in the course of a few 

 hours the buds of the flowers will swell, and appear 



