186 THE HUMAN SIDE OF PLANTS 
records of their achievements for the benefit of fu- 
ture generations. 
In truth, it has been shown that for nearly all 
the characteristic traits and powers of human kind, 
there are corresponding traits and powers in plant 
life—some of which compare favourably with the 
human race; some far excel it; and some are in- 
ferior in their development. 
But there are two characteristics of the human 
being, the two most distinctive qualities of human 
nature, which one would hardly associate with the 
nature of plants. These qualities are mentality 
and spirituality. 
That very human powers of sensation and in- 
stinct are natural to plants has been shown re- 
peatedly; therefore, in discussing plant mentality, 
these powers will not be referred to, but only that 
mentality which realises, reasons, and wills. It is 
positively known that plants do have both an ac- 
tive, existing mentality and a very evident spiritual 
nature. 
Consider first the evidences of plant mentality. 
Great and unbiassed minds have for many years 
been centred on the study of plant habits, in the 
hope of finding some conclusive evidence of an 
existing mentality in plant life. As a result of 
these exhaustive investigations, occasional articles 
