Growth of the Misseltoe. 315 



other roots. While the latter grow downwards towards the cen- 

 tre of the earth, these grow toward the centre of the bough or 

 stem which they may be penetrating. This tendency was as- 

 certained by the experiments of the French physiologist, Dutro- 

 chet, who caused a seed of Misseltoe to germinate when hung 

 by a thread near a large ball of metal ; and he found that the 

 radicle always directed itself towards the centre of this ball, 

 near whatever part of the surface it might be placed. By this 

 curious adaptation, the Misseltoe, which, from the want of 

 power to form perfect roots, would otherwise be unable to 

 exist, is endowed with a compensating power ; it being as much 

 a part of its natural habits to grow upon the stem and branches 

 of trees, as it is for other plants to send their roots inio the 

 ground. 



The fibres of the Misseltoe seem to incorporate themselves 

 completely with those of the stock; and so intimate is the- con- 

 nexion between them, that colored fluids will pass from the 

 stem into this natural graft, as it may be termed. It docs not 

 appear, however, that any communication exists between the 

 parasite, and the bark beneath it, which is always found to be 

 in a dead state around its insertion. But if the part of the 

 branch at which it penetrates, be divided with a saw, it will 

 be seen that the two woods are so thoroughly united that the line 

 of separation between them can scarcely be traced. That the 

 Misseltoe is itself quite deficient in the power of absorbing 

 fluid, has been clearly proved by experience. If the stem of 

 this plant be cut off and immersed in water, it will absorb lit- 

 tle or none of the fluid ; whilst if a portion of the branch with 

 which it is connected be cut off with it, and immersed in the 

 same way, it will absorb nearly as much as if furnished with 

 leaves of its own. 



