242 Field, Forest, and Wayside Flowers 
curled completely around the stick in the course of 
twelve hours, and though, after twenty-four hours, 
the stick was removed, the young stalk never sub- 
sequently straightened itself. 
After the clasping leaf-stalk has made sure of 
its hold, it is subjected to some remarkable alter- 
ations. It literally ‘‘undergoes a change of heart,” 
so that, though the stalk in its days of youth 
and freedom was flexible, and could be snapped 
easily, the clasping coil is wonderfully tough. 
The purpose of this change evidently is to fit the 
leaf-stem to give the branch firm and durable support. 
The ways of the tendril-bearing vines may be 
readily studied by observation of two among them 
which are familiar to all mankind—the grapevine 
and its graceful cousin, the Virginia creeper. Na- 
ture ages ago set an example of thrift akin to that 
which beats its swords into ploughshares when 
cruel war is done. She is wont to adapt the same 
organ in various ways, so that it can fulfil various 
tasks in various conditions. Thus vine tendrils are 
leaf-stalks, or flower-stalks, as the case may be, al- 
tered over into fitness for their new work of clasp- 
ing and clinging. Those of the great majority of 
vines are transformed leaf-stalks, and now and then 
betray their true nature by bearing at their ex- 
