192 EYE SPY 



extended tendril, but whose mission is to reverse 

 the twist in opposite directions as soon as the tip 

 has secured its contact, and thus permit the coil- 

 ing process to proceed. In tendrils of exceeding 

 length several of these reverse loops may be 

 found at regular intervals, sometimes as many as 

 six in a single tendril, but the coiling process usu- 

 ally awaits this contact. Unsatisfied tendrils of 

 the grape, for instance, will remain unchanged 

 through the entire season, or until their sensitive 

 touch has been lost. Others, like those of the 

 passion -flower, will occasionally become discour- 

 aged and curl up all by themselves, in which case, 

 the other tip being free, the curl is perfect and 

 continuous and without the reverse loop, which is 

 now unnecessary. But the function of the tendril 

 is to clasp and hold. Its growth is not complete 

 until thus quickened by the new responsibility. 

 Tendrils on duty become tough and sinewy in 

 comparison to their idling neighbors. How firm 

 and rigid are these swollen coils upon the grape- 

 vine ! 



We do not gather "figs from thistles," but some 

 equally incongruous botanical associates are some- 

 times brought about through the insinuating and 

 clambering methods of the tendril. Have we not 

 all seen apple-trees bearing pumpkins or squashes 

 or gourds, all originally carried thither in the form 

 of great yellow blossoms or tender shoots ! The 



