MORPHOLOGICAL DIFFERENTIATION IN PLANTS. 115 



of different parts, initiates further changes of propor- 

 tions. 



Similarly in any composite plant, the proximate units as 

 fast as they accumulate are subjected to mutual influences 

 that are unlike one another and are continually changing. 

 The earlier-formed units become mechanical supporters of the 

 later- formed units, and so experience modifying forces from 

 which the later-formed units are exempt. Further, these 

 elder units simultaneously begin to serve as channels through 

 which materials are carried to and from the younger units — 

 another cause of differentiation that goes on increasing in in- 

 tensity. Once more, there arise ever- strengthening contrasts 

 between the amounts of light which fall upon the youngest or 

 outermost units and the eldest or innermost units ; whence 

 result structural contrasts of yet another kind. Evidently, 

 then, along with the progressive integration of cells into 

 fronds, of fronds into axes, and of axes into plants still more 

 composite, there come into play sundry causes of differen- 

 tiation which act on the whole and on each of its parts, 

 whatever their grade. The forces to be overcome, the forces 

 to be utilized, and the matters to be appropriated, do not 

 remain the same in their proportions and modes of action for 

 any two members of the aggregate : be they members of the 

 first, second, third, or any other order. 



§ 215. jSTor are these the only kinds and causes of hetero- 

 geneity which we have to consider. Beyond the more 

 general changes produced in the relative sizes and shapes of 

 plants and their parts by progressive aggregation, there are 

 the more particular changes determined by the more particu- 

 lar conditions. 



Plants as wholes assume unlike attitudes towards their en- 

 vironments ; they have many ways of articulating their 

 parts with one another ; they have many ways of adjusting 

 their parts towards surrounding agencies. These are causes of 

 special differentiations additional to those general differentia- 



